The chairman of the Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar and the former Foreign Minister of Malaysia is concerned about the current situation of Myanmar, especially for the Rohingya crisis. He said that almost nine months have been since the coup, yet the international community nor the ASEAN presented a real solution.
He further added that “the outside world’s ‘insistence’ of voluntary return has obscured candid assessments of their plight and also discouraged consideration of alternatives that could better serve refugees and host countries – including in Malaysia.”
“As a result, policymakers in the region have avoided giving serious attention to arrangements that would grant Rohingya access to formal employment, lawful immigration status, and access to basic services, such as education and healthcare, in their temporary host countries,” he said.
Nearly 3 years ago, Tan Sri Syed Hamid called on member states to start work on a regional refugee protection framework that aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees (endorsed by all ASEAN Member States) to uphold refugee rights and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships.
He said the framework might include, for example, a robust temporary protection scheme that allows Rohingya to live dignified lives in host countries and prepare them for an eventual return to Myanmar when conditions are suitable.
“ASEAN alone should not be expected to bear this responsibility, and the framework would create opportunities for member states to press for greater external funding to support Rohingya while they remain displaced, and for more placements for Rohingya who want and would benefit from resettlement to third countries,” he added.
Although, Syed Hamid believes ASEAN must rise to the challenge as the International community expects the union to lead a coordinated, steady and humane response to Rohingya displacement.
