Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 March 2007. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Malaysia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the (a) human rights and (b) humanitarian situation of refugees living in Malaysia.

Answer: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that there are 40,000-60,000 ““persons of concern”” in Malaysia. There are concerns about the treatment of refugees, and those claiming refugee status, and there are problems over recognition of refugee papers issued by the UNHCR. Access to people claiming refugee status, or facing deportation, can be difficult.The UNHCR believes that many refugees or those seeking refugee status are able to find work in the ‘black economy’ to support themselves, or find support from their ethnic communities in Malaysia.The UNHCR reports that recent moves to clamp down on suspected illegal immigrants have resulted in human rights violations. Around 20,000 arrests were made in 2006. Those arrested are usually placed in detention camps prior to deportation. The camps are overcrowded, unhygienic, and fail to provide properly for women and children.Our high commission in Kuala Lumpur keeps in regular contact with the UNHCR in Malaysia. The high commission has consistently supported the work of the UNHCR, including in addressing the issue of recognition of UNHCR-certified persons of concern. We are working with the UNHCR on the way forward.

Secondary information