STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 57: REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, QUESTIONS RELATING TO REFUGEES, RETURNEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS AND HUMANITARIAN QUESTIONS
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 1 NOVEMBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
Persistent and brewing conflicts around the globe have resulted in affected populations leaving areas of conflict in search of asylum and better prospects. Oftentimes, this result in an influx of asylum seekers and refugees in neighbouring countries. As countries around the globe are still grappling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, competing priorities may significantly impact the ability of States to ensure the welfare of asylum seekers and refugees are adequately taken care of.
Mr. Chair,
2. There has been an exponential increase in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Malaysia over the years. Based on current statistics, there are approximately 200,000 registered refugees in the country. Although we are not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Malaysian Government continues to provide humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and refugees, to the best of its ability. UNHCR cardholders in Malaysia are able to seek medical care at any government-run healthcare facility and are charged much lesser than the normal rate for foreign nationals. Between 2015 and 2018, the Government subsidised approximately RM29 million, or USD6 million worth of medical treatment for UNHCR cardholders at government healthcare facilities.
3. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia, in collaboration with UNHCR and other non-governmental organisations, had administered COVID-19 vaccines to undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, and UNHCR cardholders, in line with the principle “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. This initiative helped ensure that the Government's strategy to inoculate as many people in Malaysia as possible can be achieved in the fastest possible time, to save lives. It also exemplifies the spirit of leaving no one behind that underpins the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
4. Malaysia firmly believes in the importance of education for everyone, regardless of social standing. Education for refugee children is essential to increase their chances of resettlement and integration in third countries, thus enable them to contribute to the host country, and rebuild their home country upon their return. Alternative Learning Centres and Community Learning Centres have been established across Malaysia to advocate and support the rights of refugee children to gain access to education. These centres are supported by a wide range of individuals, community groups, faith-based organisations, foundations and non-governmental organisations, as well as several Government agencies. Last month, Malaysia had the honour to host the 8th OIC-IPHRC International Conference on Islamic Perspectives on the Protection of Refugees – Rights and Access to Education, in Kuala Lumpur. The Conference had adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration which called on OIC Member States to undertake a number of measures to ensure accessibility of education for refugees.
Mr. Chair,
5. The continued influx of asylum seekers and refugees, coupled with the slow resettlement process as well as the absence of such prospects for a substantial number of UNHCR cardholders in Malaysia result in most of them remaining in the country for an extended period of time. This poses significant strain on our national resources. In this regard, Malaysia urges the Signatories of the 1951 Refugee Convention to uphold and honour their international legal obligation to resettle or relocate more refugees. Equitable burden and responsibility sharing is crucial to ensure that the rights of refugees are well protected.
Mr. Chair,
6. While regional and international cooperation play a key role in mitigating refugee and migration challenges, addressing the root causes that have led to the influx of asylum seekers and refugees is the only sustainable way to tackle the issue.
I thank you.