UNHCR raises concern over Malaysia's return of 1,476 people to Myanmar

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has voiced concern over Malaysia’s recent return of 1,476 people to Myanmar amid the country’s continuing conflict and dire human rights and humanitarian situation, according to a press release issued on 30 September 2026. The agency warned that some of those sent back may require international protection. UNHCR did not have access to the individuals before their return. It also noted that those returned had been held in immigration detention. The agency is urging Malaysia to apply robust safeguards to any future returns.

Malaysia hosts people who have fled Myanmar, where conflict and a deteriorating human rights situation persist. Authorities in Malaysia have described the recent returns as voluntary. However, UNHCR noted that the individuals concerned were held in immigration detention prior to their return. The agency stated that this context raises questions about whether the decisions were genuinely free and informed. UNHCR did not have access to assess the circumstances of those returned.

The agency recognized Malaysia’s sovereign responsibility to manage asylum and migration. At the same time, UNHCR urged the authorities to ensure that all returns include individual assessments and access to protection procedures. Decisions to return must be voluntary and assessed outside detention settings, the agency said. UNHCR also referenced the principle of non-refoulement. Under this principle, no one should be returned to a country where they may face persecution, torture or other serious threats to their life or freedom.

“We are concerned by these returns at a time when people sent back to Myanmar may face serious risks, and some within the group may be in need of international protection,” said UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Edem Wosornu.

She added that while authorities say the returns are voluntary, those returned had been held in immigration detention. This, she noted, raises serious questions about whether decisions to return were genuinely free and informed. UNHCR confirmed it did not have access to the individuals to assess this. The agency has reiterated its readiness to engage with Malaysia on these issues.

Until conditions in Myanmar allow for safe, dignified and sustainable returns, UNHCR said States must continue to provide access to asylum and uphold international protection obligations. The agency stated it is ready to work with Malaysia to strengthen national asylum and protection arrangements. It also called for greater regional and international support to advance a political solution and end the hostilities in Myanmar. UNHCR urged the international community to maintain support for countries in the region hosting refugees from Myanmar. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international protection standards.