Public Statement on Rising Xenophobia and Hostility Towards Rohingya Refugees in Malaysia

The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), a network of more than 300 civil society organisations and individuals across 24 countries in Asia and the Pacific, is deeply concerned by the increasing hostility, xenophobic rhetoric, and hate speech directed at Rohingya refugees and stateless persons living in Malaysia.

In recent weeks, public discourse across social media and online platforms has seen a marked increase in negative narratives portraying Rohingya communities as a threat to public safety, economic wellbeing, social stability, and national identity. While evidence-based public discussion about refugee policy, and migration governance is legitimate and important, APRRN is concerned that some narratives have moved beyond policy debate and are specifically targeting Rohingya men, women and children.

The Rohingya are one of the world's most persecuted and vulnerable populations. For decades, they have faced systematic discrimination, statelessness, restrictions on movement, denial of fundamental human rights, and recurring waves of violence in Myanmar. Many Rohingya currently living in Malaysia fled severe human rights violations and abuses, armed conflict, persecution, forced internal displacement, and insecurity in search of safety and protection.

Against this backdrop, the growing use of inflammatory language, collective allegations, and dehumanising rhetoric directed at Rohingya communities is particularly alarming. Narratives that attribute crime, social ills, economic pressures, or insecurity to an entire ethnic group contribute to prejudice and discrimination rather than informed public discussion. Such narratives risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating an environment in which hostility towards vulnerable communities becomes normalised.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), recently warned of a dangerous trend of escalating hate speech and dehumanisation directed at Rohingya refugees. APRRN shares these concerns and believes that the increasing normalisation of anti-Rohingya rhetoric should be a matter of grave concern for those committed to human rights, social cohesion, and the rule of law.

History has repeatedly demonstrated that sustained campaigns of dehumanisation, exclusion, and scapegoating can create conditions that enable discrimination, violence, and mass human rights abuses. The Rohingya community has already experienced the devastating effects of hate speech, exclusionary nationalism, and organised discrimination in Myanmar. The international community has widely recognised the role that inflammatory rhetoric and the systematic portrayal of Rohingya as outsiders played in creating the conditions that enabled mass atrocities and forced displacement.

As Malaysia has a long tradition of providing refuge and support to people fleeing conflict and persecution, we urge public figures to speak out against intolerance and discrimination against Rohingya refugees. APRRN, therefore, calls on government institutions, political leaders, media organisations, social media platforms, civil society groups, and members of the public to take steps to halt such campaigns. We urge all stakeholders to:

• Reject xenophobia, racism, and hate speech directed at Rohingya refugees and other people on the move in vulnerable situations;
• Challenge misinformation, disinformation and harmful stereotypes at all times
• Promote accurate and evidence-based reporting on refugee and migration governance issues;
• Encourage respectful public dialogue that distinguishes legitimate policy discussion from discrimination against people based on their ethnicity or identity;
• Uphold the principles of human rights, dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.

The treatment of Rohingya refugees is not only a refugee issue; it is a test of our collective commitment to human rights and shared humanity. At a time when anti-refugee sentiment is growing globally, it is essential that public institutions, online platforms, community leaders and other stakeholders come together to prevent further polarisation and ensure that vulnerable communities are not subjected to hostility, dehumanisation, or exclusion.

APRRN stands in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and all those seeking protection from persecution and violence. We remain committed to promoting informed dialogue, social cohesion, and rights-based approaches that uphold the dignity, safety, and human rights of all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, legal status, or background.

For further information or comment, please contact our membership and communication officer on MSCO@aprrn.org