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Access the latest news, statements and facts released by APRRN, our members and partners
Rohingya CBOs Condemn WFP's Decision to Cut Food Rations
We strongly believe that the shortage of funding for the Rohingya response is a failure of the United Nations. We are already a significant burden for Bangladesh. This announcement of cutting food rations will create a devastating situation for the Rohingya and will have severe implications, including child labour, human trafficking, child marriage, illegal activities, prostitution, and a hostile environment.
1 March 2023
World Uyghur Congress: Investigate Death of Uyghur refugee in Thai immigration detention facility; remaining Uyghur detainees must be released
The Royal Thai Government must investigate the death of Aziz Abdullah, 49, a farmer of Uyghur ethnicity, who died on Saturday 11 February in the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center (IDC) having spent almost nine years in immigration detention. Aziz Abdullah reportedly died of pneumonia.
17 February 2023
URGENT STATEMENT: Bali Process Mechanisms must be Activated to stop Rohingya Deaths at Sea
APRRN urgently calls on the Bali Process Co-Chairs - Indonesia and Australia - to strengthen regional mechanisms, including activating the Bali Process Consultation Mechanism when boats are in distress at sea. There is an urgent need to address the increasing loss of life at sea, and ensure that failures to conduct rescue at sea within Search and Rescue Zones are not repeated in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal
26 January 2023
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Myanmar Nationals and Allow Those Currently Detained Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) joins the Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar, UNHCR, and others, raising the alarm about the recent deportations of hundreds of Myanmar nationals from Malaysia to Myanmar. APRRN strongly urges the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt any deportation to Myanmar for those who may be at risk of harm and facilitate UNHCR access to all detainees scheduled for deportation to allow a proper assessment of risk on return on Myanmar. Hafsar Tameesuddin, Chair of APRRN, and a former Rohingya refugee previously resident in Malaysia, stated: “It is utterly disappointing to see that the Malaysian government has failed again to uphold the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees from Myanmar; forcing them to return to a country they had escaped with the fear of persecution is unacceptable and unjust. We urge the Government of Malaysia to uphold the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees.”
24 October 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Detained Myanmar Nationals and Allow Detainees Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt any involuntary repatriation of Myanmar detainees and allow UNHCR access to screen all the detainees scheduled for deportation. We appeal to place the safety and security of vulnerable populations as a paramount consideration.
4 September 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN calls on the Royal Thai Government to comply with its legal obligations to Uyghur refugees
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) urges the Royal Thai Government not to deport Uyghur refugees held in arbitrary detention. No return to China is safe for Uyghurs. APRRN urges the Royal Thai Government to immediately release these refugees or utilize available resettlement options.
22 July 2022
STATEMENT IN CONDEMNATION OF THE EXECUTIONS OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN MYANMAR/BURMA
Chin Human Rights Organization is deeply horrified and disgusted by the execution over the weekend of four prominent political prisoners, including Ko Jimmy & Phyo Zeyar Thaw by SAC military junta.
21 July 2022
APRRN CALLS ON THE ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CEASE ITS DEPORTATION OF REFUGEES
Following the recent refoulement of three Cambodian nationals recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urges the Thai government to reaffirm its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement (the prohibition against the forcible return of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be persecuted) in accordance with its international legal obligations.
20 May 2022
APRRN CONDEMNS THE REFOULEMENT OF A ROHINGYA REFUGEE WOMAN FROM INDIA AND THE ESCALATING RISK TO OTHER ROHINGYA REFUGEES IN INDIA
APRRN condemns the recent refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India to Myanmar in serious violation of both international and Indian domestic law
12 May 2022
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMUNITY URGES MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO RETHINK IMMIGRATION DETENTION POLICIES & PRACTICES
A large number of Rohingya refugees are held indefinitely in immigration detention centres in Malaysia, without the possibility of release. This has been compounded by the Malaysian government refusing UNHCR access to detention centres in order to conduct refugee status determination processes since August 2019
2 May 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN condemns the refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India and the escalating risk to other Rohingya refugees in India
APRRN condemns the recent refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India to Myanmar in violation of both international and Indian domestic law. The deportation was carried out despite an order of the Manipur State Human Rights Commission staying the deportation, and an ongoing case before the Supreme Court of India. APRRN notes with grave concern the arrests of other Rohingya refugees and the more than 200 in detention at imminent risk of refoulement. APRRN calls on the Government of India to respect the rule of law and immediately cease arbitrary arrests, indefinite detention, and refoulement
5 April 2022
APRRN CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CEASE DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS AGAINST UNHCR-RECOGNISED REFUGEE MOHAMMED KHAIRUZZAMAN
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is gravely concerned by the Government of Malaysia’s arrest, detention, and efforts to deport Mr Mohammed Khairuzzaman, a UNHCR-registered refugee
15 February 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN reiterates the need for the Royal Thai Government to comply with international law and cease the deportation of refugees
On 1 December, the Royal Thai Police defrocked and arrested the Venerable Bor Bet, who is both a Cambodian refugee and a Buddhist monk. Although he was yesterday released from detention, given Thailand’s recent deportation of refugees to Cambodia, he fears that he too will be forcibly returned. The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) reminds the Thai government that, as Thailand has publicly acknowledged, the forcible return (refoulement) of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be subject to persecution is prohibited.VenerableBor Bet has been recognised as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); deporting him to Cambodia would be a violation of Thailand’s obligations under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the customary international law principle of non-refoulment
4 December 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN calls on the Royal Thai Government to comply with international law and cease its deportation of refugees
Following the recent refoulement of three Cambodian nationals recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urges the Thai government to reaffirm its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement (the prohibition against the forcible return of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be persecuted) in accordance with its international legal obligations.
24 November 2021
APRRN MOURNS THE DEATH OF ROHINGYA LEADER MOHIBULLAH AND CALLS FOR MORE DETERMINED INTERNATIONAL ACTION
APRRN condemns in the strongest terms the brutal killing of Mohibullah, Chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH), at his office in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
21 October 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Defies Court Order, Putting Lives in Imminent Danger
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and the International Detention Coalition (IDC) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to grant UNHCR immediate and unfettered access to immigration detention facilities. We further urge the government to investigate the deportation on 23 February 2021 of 1,086 individuals to Myanmar, in defiance of the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s interim stay order granted earlier that day.
25 February 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Detained Myanmar Nationals and Allow Detainees Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt the involuntary repatriation of Myanmar detainees, allow UNHCR access to all the detainees scheduled for deportation, and to place the safety and security of vulnerable populations as a paramount consideration.
19 February 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: We ask the Republic of Korea, the first nation in Asia to legislate an independent refugee law, for responsible implementation of the 1951 Refugee Convention
The Republic of Korea was the first nation in Asia to enact comprehensive domestic implementing legislation of its obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention) by adopting the Refugee Act in 2012. Regional and international refugee rights organizations have watched the proactive efforts of Korea with great expectations. However, after eight years, the situation of refugees within Korea and the government’s current efforts to amend the Refugee Act raise questions about whether Korea has accorded sufficient weight to its obligations and responsibilities as a party to the Refugee Convention.
30 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Hong Kong’s Regressive Legislative Amendments Risk Undermining Protection for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is concerned that the Hong Kong1 Government’s proposals to amend the Immigration Ordinance contravene international standards and undermine the fairness of Hong Kong’s refugee screening mechanism. The Hong Kong Legislative Council must establish a Bills Committee at the Council Meeting this Wednesday (16 December) to scrutinise these proposals in detail and ensure that any amendments to the Immigration Ordinance respect, protect, and fulfil Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations, including the core principle of non-refoulment.
16 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Pursue Alternatives to Immigration Detention for Children Immediately
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) calls on the Malaysian government to stop the detention of children, regardless of their status or documentation, and to instead pursue alternative community placements and grant UNHCR timely access to detention facilities.
8 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: End Pushbacks of Rohingya Refugees
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is gravely concerned over reports that Malaysian maritime authorities pushed back Rohingya refugees arriving by boat on 16 April. Re ports indicate Malaysian authorities refused to allow the disembarkation of a fishing trawler with approximately 200 Rohingya aboard. This action comes a day after Bangladeshi authorities rescued a boat of 396 Rohingya refugees that had failed in its attempts to reach Malaysia. According to a survivor, both Malaysian and Thai authorities prevented the boat entry to their respective territories. At least 28 individuals are reported to have died over the course of the journey
17 April 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Global response to COVID-19 should not undermine the right of asylum
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) further reiterates our grave concern over the impact of border-closure measures implemented by governments around the world on the right to seek asylum from persecution.
23 March 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Refugees must be included in COVID-19 response, not vilified or ignored
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is calling upon local, national, and international COVID 19 response actors to ensure refugees and other migrants are substantively considered in their preparedness and response plans as a matter of urgency.
16 March 2020
Rohingya CBOs Condemn WFP's Decision to Cut Food Rations
We strongly believe that the shortage of funding for the Rohingya response is a failure of the United Nations. We are already a significant burden for Bangladesh. This announcement of cutting food rations will create a devastating situation for the Rohingya and will have severe implications, including child labour, human trafficking, child marriage, illegal activities, prostitution, and a hostile environment.
1 March 2023
World Uyghur Congress: Investigate Death of Uyghur refugee in Thai immigration detention facility; remaining Uyghur detainees must be released
The Royal Thai Government must investigate the death of Aziz Abdullah, 49, a farmer of Uyghur ethnicity, who died on Saturday 11 February in the Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Center (IDC) having spent almost nine years in immigration detention. Aziz Abdullah reportedly died of pneumonia.
17 February 2023
URGENT STATEMENT: Bali Process Mechanisms must be Activated to stop Rohingya Deaths at Sea
APRRN urgently calls on the Bali Process Co-Chairs - Indonesia and Australia - to strengthen regional mechanisms, including activating the Bali Process Consultation Mechanism when boats are in distress at sea. There is an urgent need to address the increasing loss of life at sea, and ensure that failures to conduct rescue at sea within Search and Rescue Zones are not repeated in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal
26 January 2023
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Myanmar Nationals and Allow Those Currently Detained Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) joins the Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar, UNHCR, and others, raising the alarm about the recent deportations of hundreds of Myanmar nationals from Malaysia to Myanmar. APRRN strongly urges the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt any deportation to Myanmar for those who may be at risk of harm and facilitate UNHCR access to all detainees scheduled for deportation to allow a proper assessment of risk on return on Myanmar. Hafsar Tameesuddin, Chair of APRRN, and a former Rohingya refugee previously resident in Malaysia, stated: “It is utterly disappointing to see that the Malaysian government has failed again to uphold the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees from Myanmar; forcing them to return to a country they had escaped with the fear of persecution is unacceptable and unjust. We urge the Government of Malaysia to uphold the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees.”
24 October 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Detained Myanmar Nationals and Allow Detainees Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt any involuntary repatriation of Myanmar detainees and allow UNHCR access to screen all the detainees scheduled for deportation. We appeal to place the safety and security of vulnerable populations as a paramount consideration.
4 September 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN calls on the Royal Thai Government to comply with its legal obligations to Uyghur refugees
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) urges the Royal Thai Government not to deport Uyghur refugees held in arbitrary detention. No return to China is safe for Uyghurs. APRRN urges the Royal Thai Government to immediately release these refugees or utilize available resettlement options.
22 July 2022
STATEMENT IN CONDEMNATION OF THE EXECUTIONS OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN MYANMAR/BURMA
Chin Human Rights Organization is deeply horrified and disgusted by the execution over the weekend of four prominent political prisoners, including Ko Jimmy & Phyo Zeyar Thaw by SAC military junta.
21 July 2022
APRRN CALLS ON THE ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CEASE ITS DEPORTATION OF REFUGEES
Following the recent refoulement of three Cambodian nationals recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urges the Thai government to reaffirm its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement (the prohibition against the forcible return of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be persecuted) in accordance with its international legal obligations.
20 May 2022
APRRN CONDEMNS THE REFOULEMENT OF A ROHINGYA REFUGEE WOMAN FROM INDIA AND THE ESCALATING RISK TO OTHER ROHINGYA REFUGEES IN INDIA
APRRN condemns the recent refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India to Myanmar in serious violation of both international and Indian domestic law
12 May 2022
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMUNITY URGES MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO RETHINK IMMIGRATION DETENTION POLICIES & PRACTICES
A large number of Rohingya refugees are held indefinitely in immigration detention centres in Malaysia, without the possibility of release. This has been compounded by the Malaysian government refusing UNHCR access to detention centres in order to conduct refugee status determination processes since August 2019
2 May 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN condemns the refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India and the escalating risk to other Rohingya refugees in India
APRRN condemns the recent refoulement of a Rohingya refugee woman from India to Myanmar in violation of both international and Indian domestic law. The deportation was carried out despite an order of the Manipur State Human Rights Commission staying the deportation, and an ongoing case before the Supreme Court of India. APRRN notes with grave concern the arrests of other Rohingya refugees and the more than 200 in detention at imminent risk of refoulement. APRRN calls on the Government of India to respect the rule of law and immediately cease arbitrary arrests, indefinite detention, and refoulement
5 April 2022
APRRN CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW AND CEASE DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS AGAINST UNHCR-RECOGNISED REFUGEE MOHAMMED KHAIRUZZAMAN
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is gravely concerned by the Government of Malaysia’s arrest, detention, and efforts to deport Mr Mohammed Khairuzzaman, a UNHCR-registered refugee
15 February 2022
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN reiterates the need for the Royal Thai Government to comply with international law and cease the deportation of refugees
On 1 December, the Royal Thai Police defrocked and arrested the Venerable Bor Bet, who is both a Cambodian refugee and a Buddhist monk. Although he was yesterday released from detention, given Thailand’s recent deportation of refugees to Cambodia, he fears that he too will be forcibly returned. The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) reminds the Thai government that, as Thailand has publicly acknowledged, the forcible return (refoulement) of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be subject to persecution is prohibited.VenerableBor Bet has been recognised as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); deporting him to Cambodia would be a violation of Thailand’s obligations under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the customary international law principle of non-refoulment
4 December 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: APRRN calls on the Royal Thai Government to comply with international law and cease its deportation of refugees
Following the recent refoulement of three Cambodian nationals recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) strongly urges the Thai government to reaffirm its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement (the prohibition against the forcible return of refugees or people seeking asylum to a country where they are liable to be persecuted) in accordance with its international legal obligations.
24 November 2021
APRRN MOURNS THE DEATH OF ROHINGYA LEADER MOHIBULLAH AND CALLS FOR MORE DETERMINED INTERNATIONAL ACTION
APRRN condemns in the strongest terms the brutal killing of Mohibullah, Chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH), at his office in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
21 October 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Defies Court Order, Putting Lives in Imminent Danger
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and the International Detention Coalition (IDC) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to grant UNHCR immediate and unfettered access to immigration detention facilities. We further urge the government to investigate the deportation on 23 February 2021 of 1,086 individuals to Myanmar, in defiance of the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s interim stay order granted earlier that day.
25 February 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Stop the Planned Deportation of Detained Myanmar Nationals and Allow Detainees Immediate Access to UNHCR
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly urge the Government of Malaysia to immediately halt the involuntary repatriation of Myanmar detainees, allow UNHCR access to all the detainees scheduled for deportation, and to place the safety and security of vulnerable populations as a paramount consideration.
19 February 2021
URGENT STATEMENT: We ask the Republic of Korea, the first nation in Asia to legislate an independent refugee law, for responsible implementation of the 1951 Refugee Convention
The Republic of Korea was the first nation in Asia to enact comprehensive domestic implementing legislation of its obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention) by adopting the Refugee Act in 2012. Regional and international refugee rights organizations have watched the proactive efforts of Korea with great expectations. However, after eight years, the situation of refugees within Korea and the government’s current efforts to amend the Refugee Act raise questions about whether Korea has accorded sufficient weight to its obligations and responsibilities as a party to the Refugee Convention.
30 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Hong Kong’s Regressive Legislative Amendments Risk Undermining Protection for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is concerned that the Hong Kong1 Government’s proposals to amend the Immigration Ordinance contravene international standards and undermine the fairness of Hong Kong’s refugee screening mechanism. The Hong Kong Legislative Council must establish a Bills Committee at the Council Meeting this Wednesday (16 December) to scrutinise these proposals in detail and ensure that any amendments to the Immigration Ordinance respect, protect, and fulfil Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations, including the core principle of non-refoulment.
16 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Malaysia Must Pursue Alternatives to Immigration Detention for Children Immediately
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) calls on the Malaysian government to stop the detention of children, regardless of their status or documentation, and to instead pursue alternative community placements and grant UNHCR timely access to detention facilities.
8 December 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: End Pushbacks of Rohingya Refugees
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is gravely concerned over reports that Malaysian maritime authorities pushed back Rohingya refugees arriving by boat on 16 April. Re ports indicate Malaysian authorities refused to allow the disembarkation of a fishing trawler with approximately 200 Rohingya aboard. This action comes a day after Bangladeshi authorities rescued a boat of 396 Rohingya refugees that had failed in its attempts to reach Malaysia. According to a survivor, both Malaysian and Thai authorities prevented the boat entry to their respective territories. At least 28 individuals are reported to have died over the course of the journey
17 April 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Global response to COVID-19 should not undermine the right of asylum
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) further reiterates our grave concern over the impact of border-closure measures implemented by governments around the world on the right to seek asylum from persecution.
23 March 2020
URGENT STATEMENT: Refugees must be included in COVID-19 response, not vilified or ignored
The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) is calling upon local, national, and international COVID 19 response actors to ensure refugees and other migrants are substantively considered in their preparedness and response plans as a matter of urgency.