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Malaysia has begun the process of repatriating around 5,000 asylum seekers to Myanmar under a controversial agreement reached with the country’s military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing.
Three Myanmar Navy ships were scheduled to leave Malaysia on Tuesday carrying 1,476 returnees in the first phase, according to the BBC.
Human rights organisations have condemned the repatriation, warning that those being sent back could face violence, persecution and the risk of forced recruitment into the Myanmar military.
Although Malaysia has described the process as voluntary, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has been prevented from meeting or screening the returnees held in detention centres.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said the group will include Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority who have fled Myanmar in large numbers and sought refuge in Malaysia. The Rohingya are not recognised as citizens of Myanmar.
Anwar said he was taking the step amid growing public anger in Malaysia over the large Rohingya population and that he had no alternative but to discuss their return with Myanmar authorities.
The move marks a significant shift from Anwar’s previous position. The former political prisoner has long portrayed himself as a defender of human rights and freedom and had called for stronger action to support the Rohingya.
Under Anwar’s leadership, Malaysia has refused to recognise Min Aung Hlaing’s military government and has been among the strongest voices in Southeast Asia calling for a negotiated solution to Myanmar’s civil war.
