Human traffickers explore new routes to Malaysia after Thai crackdown, say aid groups

Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees are transported to a navy boat where they will be taken to mainland Malaysia, after they landed at Pantai Pasir Berdengung beach in Langkawi, Kedah, May 15, 2015. — Reuters pic

BANGKOK, Oct 21 — People smugglers are exploring new routes to Malaysia after a crackdown on trafficking in Thailand with no large migrant boat departures from Myanmar and Bangladesh in nearly six months, aid agencies said.

Rising numbers of Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution were setting off from Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state and Bangladesh in small boats and transferring to larger boats that could carry more than 1,000 people each.

But a Thai crackdown on human traffickers in May halted journeys by large smuggling boats across the Bay of Bengal to Thailand and Malaysia with activists only hearing unconfirmed rumours of a few small boats.

Aid agencies, however, fear the halt in sea crossings does not indicate an end to people trafficking but means smuggling gangs are exploring new routes.

“We don’t see new ones, but we know different routes are being studied so they don’t have to be moved by boat,” said Chris Lewa, founder of the Arakan Project, a rights project focusing on the Rohingya.

“Some boats may leave, but there is definitely a strong impact of the Thai crackdown ... The kind of movement and recruitment happening last year is not happening this year. It’s a lot more clandestine.”

Lewa said new routes could be by air or overland and aid workers were now monitoring the area to identify the shift.

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) had warned that “the number of people leaving on smugglers’ boats in the Bay of Bengal has increased in recent years, and that trend is likely to continue unless the root causes are addressed”.

Halt in boat departures

Throughout 2013 and 2014, activists tallied at least 1,000 people — and often several thousand — leaving each month from Rakhine state andBangladesh.

The number peaked a year ago this month at more than 13,000 people, but stopped in May amid a boat crisis and the Thai crackdown.

“There have been zero since May,” said Jeff Labovitz, who heads the regional office of the International Organisation for Migration. “There has been a fundamental change. There are no more big boats sailing.”

But aid workers say the demand is still there.

The persecution of the stateless Rohingya in Myanmar has worsened this year and elections next month may bring in a new, hardline Buddhist partywhich may treat them still more harshly.

Communal clashes in 2012 in Rakhine state forced 140,000 Rohingya from their homes, and many are virtual prisoners in camps or in segregated villages, subject to restrictions on travel and, in some areas, access to healthcare and education.

In February the Rohingya were granted temporary “white card” identification cards so they could take part in the November 8 election, but after Buddhist protests the government revoked the cards, effectively denying Rohingya the right to vote.

“They are politically disenfranchised. The situation in Rakhine is worse than a year ago,” Lewa said. “The push factor is stronger than last year, but the open door to Thailand now seems to be closed.”

The Thai coast — not far from popular tourist areas — was a disembarkation point for many Rohingya smuggled by boat. They were then taken further south and over a porous border into Malaysia.

However, traffickers began diverting migrants to secret camps near the Thai-Malaysia border, holding them for ransom and killing and torturing those whose families could not pay up. Others died of disease and neglect.

After the discovery in May of dozens of graves on the Thai-Malaysia border, smugglers abandoned thousands of migrants at sea to avoid being caught by Thai and Malaysian investigators.

Julia Mayerhofer, interim executive director of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), said the root cause of discontent was still there in Myanmar.

Amnesty International, which released a report today about the region’s trafficking crisis, pressed Myanmar to stop violence against the Rohingya by state security forces, and to amend its laws to grant the Rohingya citizenship.

“People are still desperate to leave. If you block one way, people will find another way, and that might be more dangerous and more risky for the people,” Mayerhofer said. — Reuters

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Malaysian gov’t must guarantee rights of children

Child protection has always been mooted as a priority for the Malaysian government. After all, Rosmah Mansor once famously reminded everyone, “Children are the nation’s foundation, and the needs of civilisation’s sustainability. They are valuable assets to nation building, helping to realize our vision and to shape the nation’s future growth and progress.”

Every single child regardless of their country of origin has the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse.

However, millions of children suffer from such atrocities every single day. According to the UN, 1.2 million children worldwide are being trafficked and approximately 300,000 children - both boys and girls under the age of 18, are used as child soldiers and forced to provide sexual services in various war torn countries.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 215 million children between the ages of 5-17 are employed in various forms of labor which robs them of their childhood and educational needs; more than half are subjected to extremely harsh working conditions.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there are about 19.5 million refugees worldwide and 51 percent are under 18 years old. This is by far the ‘highest figure for child refugees in more than a decade’ and these numbers prove just how vulnerable children really are.

Recently, Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming revealed that among 71,362 detainees currently detained in various immigration centres across Malaysia - 1,918 are children; 813 from Myanmar, 422 from Indonesia, 295 from Philippines, 121 from Cambodia. These numbers are painfully shocking and the government must seriously look into this matter.

The Malaysian government ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1995 which aimed to maintain civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of all children below 18 years old.

Article 2 clearly defines the non-discriminatory practices and applications of which signatories must adhere to. In other words, it shouldn’t matter where the child resides, where they come from, what gender they are or whether they have disabilities, no child should be treated unfairly on any basis.

Article 4 which detail the protection of rights, states that ‘governments have a responsibility to take all available measures to make sure children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.’

Every country that ratifies the convention agrees to review their laws relating to children. The Malaysia Child Act 2001, was partially enacted in order to fulfill Malaysia's obligations under this article, which details the country’s legislation for the protection, care and rehabilitation of children. Upon ratifying the convention, governments are obligated to take all necessary measures to ensure that at least minimum standards are being met.

Vulnerability often associated with age

Vulnerability is often associated with age; therefore, the risks are higher amongst younger children and those from a particular ethnic origin, gender or socio-economic background. Child refugees and unaccompanied migrant children are also at greater risk of being abused and exploited, therefore, Article 22 details the rights of refugee children whose protection, safety and wellbeing must be guaranteed - once again, regardless of status, ethnicity and religion.

This is a very important part that ensures protection must be extended even to non-Malaysian children.

The 1,918 detained children need extensive psychological and physical treatment to help them recover from the troubles associated with separation and the traumatic experiences they have experienced. Children need stability in order to develop positive and healthy relationships with those around them.

Unfortunately, the current system does not offer adequate support and the curative treatment these children need. A country that has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child cannot consent to a system that exhibits and perpetuates any practices that violate children’s rights.

Malaysia, being one of these countries, can no longer close an eye and continue to ignore the plight of these children - the government must be stringent when it comes to adhering to the Convention and must be made accountable for tolerating this poor lapse of judgment.

SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID is DAP Youth Bukit Bendera secretary, DAP Wanita Bukit Bendera political education director and MBPP councillor.

Special Sale On Myanmar Refugees International

Myanmar must play big role in resolving Rohingya issue

Malaysia has taken proactive measures with Myanmar via Asean, OIC and the UN, says foreign minister.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants Myanmar to play a big role and take concrete action in resolving the Rohingya issue, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said although Malaysia believed in non-interference, the Rohingya issue was serious and had to be addressed together.

“In finding a solution, Malaysia has taken proactive measures with Myanmar via ASEAN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN),” he told Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) who asked about Malaysia’s stand and measures in addressing the Rohingya issue.

Prime Minister Najib Razak had voiced Malaysia’s concern about the influx of Rohingya refugees and requested Myanmar’s cooperation in addressing the issue during the visit of Myanmar President U Thein Sein to Malaysia in March.

“As a result of the ministerial meeting on May 20, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to temporarily accommodate some 7,000 Rohingya refugees waiting in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.”

Anifah said in May, he told his Myanmar counterpart U Wunna Maung Lwin that the country should identify the main cause of the Rohingya refugee problem.

At the multilateral level, Malaysia as the 2015 Asean chair was used as a platform to resolve the Rohingya issue.

“Malaysia will continue to highlight the Rohingya issue on platforms such as Asean, the OIC and the UN and continue close bilateral cooperation with Myanmar and other countries,” he added.

In May, boats carrying 1,158 illegal immigrants believed from Bangladesh and Myanmar, landed in Langkawi, Kedah.

They were detained at the Belantik Immigration Detention Centre in Sik, Kedah.

– BERNAMA

82 Rohingyas handed over to UNHCR

A Rohingya man shows his UNHCR refugee ID card, Oct 20, 2015. BERNAMA

SIK: Eighty-two ethnic Rohingyas from Myanmar at the Belantik detention depot, here, was today handed over to officials from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

The 82, all male aged between 13 and 70 years, each received a letter from the UN agency which confirmed their status as refugees after almost 10 months of being detained at the Immigration depot.

Today is the beginning of their lives as refugees in Malaysia.

"I am so happy and delighted to receive the letter from the UNHCR. I am not afraid and worried anymore. I want to look for a job," said Zaid Hussin Nobi Hussin, 20, one of the refugees.

Hailing from Arakan in Myanmar, the youth will be going to Bukit Mertajam to meet his younger brother who is there before looking for work.

Another refugee, Korim Mullah Abu Tahir, 26, said he would be going to Butterworth to find a job to fend for himself in this country and his family in Myanmar.

"What is important is after receiving the UNHCR letter, I can look for a job without worry or fear. I am so happy today," said Korim, whose wife and three children are in Myanmar.

The 82 Rohingyas were taken out of the Belantik detention depot in two buses which were accompanied by a van carrying the UNHCR officers from Kuala Lumpur.

Kedah Immigration director, Mohamad Yusri Hashim said the 82 immigrants had been screened and selected for release from the detention depot based on the criteria set by the UNHCR to enable them to receive assistance from the international agency.

He said Malaysia was not a party to the Geneva Convention 1951 which recognised and gave protection to refugees, and they were not recognised as permanent residents under the law in this country.

He added that action would be taken against them for any violation of the country's laws

. –Bernama

Malaysia’s plan on accepting Syrian refugees still in the works

Nur Jazlan said that the government would reference its past work taking in refugees during the Bosnian war to set up the new framework. ― Picture by Yusof Mat IsaKUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Putrajaya is still refining plans to take in 3,000 Syrian refugees in stages, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said.

He added that the government would reference its past work taking in refugees during the Bosnian war to set up the new framework.

"We can form a framework for the Syrian refugees based on lessons learned during the intake of Bosnian refugees," he told reporters after a corporate lunch with the Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council (MBBC) here today.

"As proven today, Bosnian refugees that we accepted had successfully entered higher education and eventually worked in Malaysia, with many returning to their country of origin to partake in various business activities and more," he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced at the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York that Malaysia will open its doors to 3,000 Syrian migrants over the next three years to help alleviate the refugee crisis.

Roughly four million Syrian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries since a civil war broke out there in 2011.

Many have been victims of human trafficking trying to leave the war torn country.

“The details are still being refined. It involves international laws,” Nur Jazlan said.

“The government has made its stand, that it will take in 3,000 Syrian refugees, and it will be done in stages,” he added.

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Enjoy Shopping With Myanmar Refugees International

NGOs query Immigration round-up of refugees

Suresh Kashuerin | October 14, 2015

Those picked up, including women and children, were herded into lorries and taken away.

GEORGE TOWN: A coalition of migrant rights NGOs in Penang has condemned the rounding up of some 80 people, including 60 refugees and asylum seekers, in an operation by the Immigration Department in Bagan Dalam on Tuesday night.

The Coalition, Penang Stop Human Trafficking Campaign (PSHTC), said those picked up, including women and children, were herded into lorries and taken away.

“It is unclear how mounting major raids on already vulnerable families and individuals, including detaining and incarcerating young children, represents our common humanity,” said PSHTC in a statement.

“The 150,000-plus registered refugees and asylum seekers already here have long had no rights (not even the right to work), and are horribly vulnerable to arrest, extortion, detention, deportation or worse,” the Coalition added.

PSHTC said Rohingya and other Burmese Muslims have found a home in Bagan Dalam, albeit unprotected, and have been living there for some 20 years or more. It said families live together, interspersed with the local community, and some of the children were born in Malaysia. “These are the Rohingya who fled the horrors taking place in the Arakan state of Myanmar, or others from Myanmar fleeing intolerable abuses, persecution and threats to their lives.”

PSHTC said these refugees have survived a journey that for many included time in the horror camps of Thailand and Malaysia, but were now registered with the UNHCR as refugees.

“However, many have not got a UNHCR Refugee Card yet, since the process of verification is a long one,” said PSHTC. “While waiting for the card, these people are described as ‘asylum seekers’, but for the police, immigration and other authorities, this so often seems to count for nothing.”

PSHTC said refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers desperately need Malaysia’s support, and the government needs to respect, enshrine and enforce basic rights, including their right to work. These women, men and children need to be given some protection against the unscrupulous (including human traffickers), the Coalition added.

“Instead, we stand aside while thousands in our community live precarious lives, always at the mercy of the authorities and others, never secure, always on the edge of harassment and extortion, and in fear of arrest, detention and deportation,” said the Coalition.

“Clearly, if we are to give substance to our prime minister’s promise to the world, we need to transform our thinking, transform our reactions and transform our responses so that we really do embrace every woman, man and child who is here as fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters and part of the global family. We cannot simply ‘pass on by’.”

Myanmar’s Refugee Problem: It’s Not Just the Rohingya

It’s Not Just the Rohingya, Other ethnic groups from Myanmar are facing an increasingly difficult situation too.

By Kirsten McConnachie

October 14, 2015

This article is part of “Southeast Asia: Refugees in Crisis,” an ongoing series by The Diplomat for summer and fall 2015 featuring exclusive articles from scholars and practitioners tackling Southeast Asia’s ongoing refugee crisis. All articles in the series can be found here.

This summer’s boat abandonments made the world aware of the plight faced by the Rohingya. This was important and overdue recognition of a desperate situation. However, the Rohingya are not Myanmar’s only refugees. Other ethnic groups from Myanmar are facing an increasingly difficult situation, trapped in exile by a continuing fear of persecution but finding their supporters and sources of protection slipping away. What will the future hold for them, and what must be done to make return a real possibility?

During decades of militarization in Myanmar, millions of people left the country illegally in search of security and a better life elsewhere. The vast majority became undocumented migrant workers in Thailand, Malaysia and beyond. A much smaller population is registered as refugees with the UNHCR: around 130,000 people in camps in Thailand, around 150,000 in Malaysia and more than 10,000 in India. To varying degrees, these people rely on international aid and assistance to support their lives in exile. Refugees in camps in Thailand are forbidden to leave the camp and are entirely dependent on external aid for food, shelter and other necessities of survival. In India and Malaysia, refugees are not confined to camps and can find (informal) employment to survive, but they continue to depend on the UNHCR and other organizations for protection and other assistance.

Currently, refugees in these countries find themselves in a perplexing situation. After decades in which the international community was united in condemning Myanmar, the political climate has shifted. Myanmar is no longer an international pariah but is seen as a country in transition, a country whose former rulers have freely divested themselves of power in favor of a path to democracy and equality. This perception has had important consequences for refugees outside the country who have become an inconvenient truth rendered invisible by the good news story of transition and transformation. One indication of this is the disappearance of funding for refugee programming. In Thailand, The Border Consortium is operating with a large funding shortfall and struggling to attract donor support. My own interviews with refugees in India and Malaysia have found a similar theme: “We used to receive funding from Australia/Norway/Prague but now it has stopped,” one said. “I used to be an interpreter with an NGO but now they have reduced their Burmese staff,” another noted.

Myanmar’s refugees also seem to be viewed with a more critical eye than previously. In Thailand, the government has made it plain that repatriation of refugees will be a priority if Myanmar’s elections in November are deemed to be successful. In Malaysia (another country with deepening economic interests with Myanmar) pressure is similarly building, with refugees repeatedly told by both national officials and international agency staff that Myanmar has transformed and they should return home. Across countries there appears to be a growing sense – bordering on suspicion – that many of Myanmar’s exiles are no longer “real” refugees but opportunists making demands on a system of international protection that they no longer require.

The fundamental question is: has Myanmar really changed? Most, if not all, refugees would say no. They have little trust in Myanmar’s government, none at all in its military – and fail to see any meaningful separation between the two. Even the most optimistic Myanmar analysts recognize that pockets of the country remain deeply problematic: the worsening persecution of Rohingya and Myanmar Muslims, the ongoing conflict in Kachin and Shan states, the brutal assault on the Kokang. To recognize this and remain confident that refugees can return requires dividing Myanmar into its constituent parts to determine that a fear of persecution continues to exist in Rakhine State but not in Chin State; in Kachin State but not in Karenni State. Of course, it is certainly feasible that one region of a country is safe for refugee repatriation while another is not. Myanmar may seem like just such a country, given its division of territory by ethnic group. However, it is also a country where a single regime has dominated the nation – and, more importantly, where a single sensibility has dominated governance.

For the past fifty years, under successive military juntas, Myanmar has followed a strategic project of Burmanization, i.e. the promotion of a single religion (Buddhism), language (Burmese) and culture (Burman). At its mildest, this is a policy of cultural assimilation. At its worst, it has verged on – and arguably pursued – ethnic cleansing. Ceasefires with ethnic armed groups have reduced military activity and human rights violations in several ethnic states. But the treatment of Rohingya shows the continued potency of Burmese nationalism, and highlights that Myanmar is no rainbow democracy but a country with deep-seated racism and discrimination that is entrenched in existing law and pursued through new laws.

Viewed in that light, it is much clearer to see why many refugees of the non-Burman ethnic nationalities continue to feel a risk of persecution on return. Depending on the outcome of November’s election, it is possible that more people will be willing to venture back home. The coming months therefore have the potential to be crucial in building confidence in Myanmar’s political future and in the future for returnees. Here, there is an important link with the peace process between the Myanmar government and the ethnic armed groups.

To date, the peace talks have been almost totally silent on the issue of displacement, though refugees and IDPs are overwhelmingly from the non-Burman ethnic groups and their future choices will certainly be shaped by the outcome of that process. It is an immensely complex peace process, both with respect to the number of participants (sixteen ethnic armed groups attempting to negotiate in unison through the NCCT) and the portfolio of issues to be addressed: constitutional reform; federalism; political structures and institutions of governance; control over natural resources; military reform; electoral reform and many more.

Addressing displacement has not yet been a priority but the peace process is vital for successful refugee return, both to convince refugees that the political environment has truly changed and to remove existing barriers to return. It must also be recognized that a successful return process has important implications for the peace process. If Myanmar is truly moving towards democracy, returning refugees can help embed that process and contribute to developing the country. But a poorly managed return process could lead to disputes over jobs, land and housing and ultimately create new problems of crime and political instability.

After some months of apparent deadlock, the peace negotiations have seen dramatic developments, with a split in the NCCT negotiation bloc and the signing of a ceasefire by eight ethnic armed groups, including the KNU. These signings are controversial – even within their own parties – and the failure of the “nationwide ceasefire” process to reach a truly nationwide agreement hints at some of the changes and challenges that lie ahead. Hopefully, possibilities for progress will be clearer after next month’s election.

At that stage, it will be essential to move beyond rhetoric. For peace-building to succeed, Myanmar’s ethnic nationalities need evidence of convincing, enduring change: a commitment to political autonomy in ethnic states, demilitarization of ethnic areas; investment in development and infrastructure; legal reforms to ensure an end to discrimination on grounds of ethnicity and religion. For return to succeed, Myanmar’s refugees need concrete guarantees: of security on return, of a restoration of identity documentation and citizenship status; of practical support to ensure future livelihoods. If these areas are addressed, it is likely that people will return gladly. Until these areas are addressed, many will remain trapped in a climate of dwindling protection.

Dr Kirsten McConnachie is Assistant Professor in law at the University of Warwick. Formerly a research fellow at the University of Oxford, she is the author of “Governing Refugees” (Routledge 2014) an analysis of camp governance and the administration of justice in refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border.

-http://thediplomat.com

Migrant rights NGO coalition slams action against refugees

A coalition of migrant rights NGOs in Penang have condemned the rounding up of some 80 people, including 60 refugees and asylum seekers, in an operation by the Immigration Department in Bagan Dalam last night.

The group, Penang Stop Human Trafficking Campaign (PSHTC), said those picked up, including women and children, were herded into lorries and taken away.

The NGO chided Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who on the world stage in New York recently showed what a generous and welcoming place Malaysia is for refugees.

Najib had pledged to the United Nations then that Malaysia would take in some 3,000 Syrian refugees over the next three years, and talked of how "we must respect our common humanity”.

“It is unclear how mounting major raids on already vulnerable families and individuals, including detaining and incarcerating young children, represents our common humanity,” PSHTC said in a statement today.

“Meantime, the 150,000-plus registered refugees and asylum seekers already here have long had no rights (not even the right to work), and are horribly vulnerable to arrest, extortion, detention, deportation or worse,” the NGO added.

Asylum seekers living there for 20 years

PSHTC said Rohingya and other Burmese Muslims have found a home in Bagan Dalam, albeit unprotected, and have been living there for some 20 years or more.

It said families live together, interspersed with the local community, and some of the children have been born in Malaysia.

These are the Rohingya who fled the horrors taking place in the Arakan state of Myanmar, or others from Myanmar fleeing intolerable abuses, persecution and threats to their lives.

PSHTC said these refugees have survived a journey that for many included time in the horror camps of Thailand and Malaysia, but were now registered with the UNHCR as refugees.

“However, many will not have got a UNHCR Refugee Card yet, since the process of verification is a long one,” PSHTC said.

“While waiting for the card, these people are described as ‘asylum seekers’, but for the police, immigration and other authorities, this so often seems to count for nothing,” the group lamented.

PSHTC said refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers desperately need Malaysia’s support, and the government needs to respect, enshrine and enforce basic rights, including their right to work.

These women, men and children need to be given some protection against the unscrupulous (including human traffickers), the NGO added.

“Instead, we stand aside while thousands in our community live precarious lives, always at the mercy of the authorities and others, never secure, always on the edge of harassment and extortion, and in fear of arrest, detention and deportation,” the group said.

“Clearly, if we are to give substance to our prime minister’s promise to the world, we need to transform our thinking, transform our reactions and transform our responses so that we really do embrace every woman, man and child who is here as fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters and part of the global family. We cannot simply ‘pass on by’.”

Professional, semi-skilled Syrian refugees eligible to receive minimum wages, says minister -

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot (right) meeting delegates of the 7th Regional Tripartite Social Dialogue Conference for Growth, Employment and Sound Industrial Relations in the Service Sectors in Asean, Oct 12, 2015. — Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The 3,000 Syrian refugees, preferably professional and semi-skilled, which Malaysia will accept over the next three years are eligible to receive minimum wages upon selection to work in this country.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot said this was based on the Convention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), namely the Convention 100 - Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), which Malaysia had ratified way back in 1998.

“Based on that convention, Malaysia cannot discriminate them (Syrian refugees), especially in terms of salaries between foreign and local workers.

He was speaking to reporters after opening the 7th Regional Tripartite Social Dialogues For Growth, Employment And Sound Industrial Relations In The Services Sectors in Asean: “Managing Labour Market In An Integrated Asean here today.

On Oct 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, while addressing the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said Malaysia would open its doors to 3,000 Syrian migrants to help alleviate the refugee crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later said Malaysia would give preference to professional and semi-skilled people in accepting the Syrian refugees.

Meanwhile, in his opening speech at the dialogue, Riot said the establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) by year-end would certainly impact the region’s labour market.

He said, based on a study conducted by ILO and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it was suggested that Asean economic integration, if not managed properly, might worsen the economic inequalities.

Riot also pointed out that while AEC would definitely further stimulate demand for increased flexibility in the labour market, it might pose risks to social protection for workers if not properly regulated.

Therefore, the minister said, all Asean members must be prepared for the impact by building up effective social protection system for workers.

Riot said effective social protection system, including dynamic labour laws must be put in place to ensure adaptability of employers and employees.

On Malaysia’s part, he pointed out to the delegates that the country had sought ways to improve the state of its labour protection system, including establishment of the National Wages Consultative Council (NWCC) in 2011.

He said NWCC’s main function was to recommend the rates of minimum wages, coverage and implementation to the government, which subsequently resulted in the establishment of the Minimum Wages Order in 2012, while the full implementation of the policy commenced last year.

Besides that, he added, Malaysia had also explored the feasibility of introducing an employment insurance system to provide financial and training assistance to retrenched workers to facilitate their re-employment.

Touching further on the dialogue, Riot hoped they would strengthen the network, collaborate and work in partnership to manage the labour market, complement economic and trade policies, as well as grow the economy nationally and collectively at the Asean level.

The two-day tripartite dialogue, organised by the Asean Services Employees Trade Union Council is an initiative aimed at advancing social dialogue in Asean to ensure the inclusion of the Decent Work Agenda to the development of the Asean Community. — Bernama

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Syrian refugees will be paid same wages as locals if they get employed

KUALA LUMPUR:Syrian refugees will be paid the same wages as local workers if they are employed, but as of now, government policy does not allow refugees to hold jobs.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem said under the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Employment Act, there can be no discrimination in wages, but pointed out that Malaysia does not allow refugees to hold jobs.

"Under the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Employment Act, there can be no discrimination in wages, refugees will be paid the same amount as local employees.

"But as of now, they are not allowed to work in Malaysia," Richard told the press when asked to comment on the government's plans to provide some 3,000 Syrian refugees temporary jobs.

He said the same applies to all refugees under the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and it is up to the government to decide otherwise.

Riot was commenting on the government's plan to provide temporary jobs to some 3,000 Syrian refugees.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak declared at the United Nations General Assembly that Malaysia will be taking in about 3,000 refugees from war-torn Syria.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi then announced that preference will be given to skilled labour and professionals and they will be provided temporary employment.

Ahmad Zahid's Deputy, Datuk Nur Jazlan, also said that details on how to accommodate the refugees has not been finalised.

Earlier, Riot delivered the keynote address at the 7th Regional Tripartite Social Dialogue for Growth, Employment, and Sound Industrial Relations in the Services Sector in ASEAN.

During his speech, he announced the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of the year to encourage free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and capital flow.

Richard also said Malaysia, like the rest of ASEAN, is facing a shortage of skilled workers and will need to recruit more foreign labour if the issue is not addressed.

Additionally, Richard said Malaysia is currently reviewing its minimum wage, but later told reporters the government's decision is currently on embargo and will be announced in due time.

He said the government is currently studying the feasibility of an Employment Insurance System (EIS) to provide financial and training assistance for retrenched workers.

UN, World Bank announce new funds for Mideast refugee crisis

October 11, 2015

LIMA: The UN and World Bank said Saturday they will increase financing for the Middle East and North Africa to help countries there deal with millions of refugees and rebuild after conflicts.

They did not put a dollar figure on the initiative, but said it would ramp up resources to deal with the “enormous humanitarian and economic toll” that conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere are taking on the region.

“The world today is witness to… the highest level of forced displacement since the Second World War,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

“To address the scale and the nature of the conflicts, we need new approaches. It is important that the World Bank, as a close partner to the UN, and other international financial institutions, mainstream and actively invest in conflict-affected states.”

The new loans will come in two forms, said the organizations, which are also collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank on the plan.

Under the first mechanism, guarantees from donor countries will be leveraged to issue special bonds, including Islamic sukuk bonds, which are specially structured to comply with the Koranic prohibition on charging interest.

In the second, donor country grants will be used to extend low-interest loans to the countries hosting the bulk of the more than 15 million refugees who have fled the region’s conflicts in the past four years.

“Strong global partnerships and innovative financing are essential to meet the scale of the need in these hard-hit countries,” said World Bank president Jim Yong Kim.

“It is our collective responsibility to support the Middle East and North Africa region at this critical time, and this requires significant resources — more than any one country or organization is able to provide on its own.”

The initiative was agreed on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Lima, Peru this week.

The organizations have set up a working group and asked it to finalize the details of the new financing mechanisms, as well as develop an implementation roadmap by February 2016, they said.

– AFP

Playing a part in the Syrian refugee crisis

BY WORLD VISION MALAYSIA

Published: 11 October 2015 10:06 AM

A tent settlement where Syrian refugees live. – Pic courtesy of World Vision Malaysia, October 11, 2015.In the settlements in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. everyone has a story tell – of families separated, daughters kidnapped, sons imprisoned or killed and, the saddest of all, a future lost for them and perhaps their children too.

“Before the war my son used to come here to work at the orchards of the landowner. So we came here when the war broke out," said a refugee Ali.

"The landowner allows us to use this land. Sometimes two or three of us will work in the fields gathering fruits. There is not much work – maybe once in 10 days,” he said.

It is estimated that about US$600 million (RM2.5 billion) is needed each year for the basic needs of refugees and internally displaced persons being hosted in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. As the crisis prolongs, the world’s attention wanes, overtaken by more current events.

According to World Vision Lebanon (WV Lebanon), the World Food Programme used to give out US$30 vouchers to each person per month. This was calculated to be sufficient for a person to buy enough food to get the minimum calories and nutrients to survive each month.

The amount was then reduced to US$19 and then again to US$13.50 up to a maximum of five persons per family. The vouchers are used to purchase basic necessities. With the high cost of living, the amount is insufficient.

World Vision, on the other hand, works to provide water, sanitation and hygiene to the settlements. It has installed latrines and water tanks and is providing sewage desludging services.

The organisation also runs on-site schools to reach out to children who are not attending schools. Work is also being done with parents to emphasise the importance of education for children.

However, insufficient funding and budget cuts are impacting many of the efforts.

Every child has the right to play but for many of these refugee children, play is a makeshift activity. – Pic courtesy of World Vision Malaysia, October 11, 2015.

“We had to stop some of the schools programmes as we didn’t have funding. Currently, more than 70% of school aged Syrian children in Lebanon have no access to education,” said Patricia Mouamar, WV Lebanon communications manager.

For many of the children at the settlements, even their most basic right to play is compromised. Young girls swing from improvised swings hanging from dilapidated structures while boys gather to play football without a ball!

Violence and the use of violence as a form of communication starts young. Used pipes are turned into toy guns and pebbles bullets.

These home-made weapons pack quite a punch as young boys chase each other, re-enacting the fighting they had seen in Syria and declaring that they want to return home to fight.

“Not doing anything is not an option. The situation can be a breeding ground for Isis and other influences,” said Rein Dekker, WV Lebanon national director.

The global refugee and migrant crisis is not going away anytime soon. Given the increasingly borderless nature of the world, it can no longer be seen as a Middle-east or a European problem.

World Vision Malaysia is raising funds to help alleviate the refugee crisis. We urge you to join us in addressing this humanitarian crisis by donating to the Syrian Refugee Crisis. To donate, please visit www.worldvision.com.my. – October 11, 2015.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

The new access challenge is for refugees, says UNHCR

University access for refugees has become a major challenge for countries in Asia, which like Europe, are seeing an influx of more educated and aspirant refugees.

Unlike previous waves of refugees in Southeast Asia, refugees are arriving with higher levels of education, particularly from countries such as Syria and Iraq.

However their qualifications are not comparable qualifications to those required to access higher education in their country of asylum, a major conference on Global Access to Post-Secondary Education, or GAPS, heard last week. 

Receiving countries were so far unprepared for the influx of such refugees, according to Niaz Ahmad, programme officer in Malaysia for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, or UNHCR. Speaking at the GAPS conference held in Kuala Lumpur from 5-8 October, Ahmad said host countries had a problem of collecting data on refugees in their country, and therefore often had not begun to tackle the issue of providing education access. 

For example, it was not discovered that of a total of 152,700 ‘population of concern’ – a term used to describe refugee and displaced children – in Malaysia, only 15% were in school. This was in part because refugee children in Malaysia cannot attend publicly funded schools, he said. “We need better data on the refugee population so that we can understand their needs,” he said. 

UNHCR said refugees typically did not bring educational certificates with them, and often could not access public examinations in the receiving country for language and other reasons, and were therefore held back in their education. 

Refugees from countries in the Middle East “are well educated and want access to tertiary education, as their lives have been disrupted”, said Mimi Zarina Azmin, education associate at UNHCR’s education unit in Malaysia, a country with the second-highest number of refugees globally in an urban setting, according to UNHCR. 

Malaysia’s large refugee burden includes 100,000 refugees from Myanmar registered last year, and others from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as the Middle East. 

“We are trying to encourage countries and institutions to provide scholarships,” Ahmad said.

Higher education institutions in Malaysia, including foreign branch campuses have granted access and scholarships to refugees, Ahmad told the conference. 

UNHCR in the past year had signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, with the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, International University of Malaya-Wales and the private Limkokwing University of Creative Technology – all of twhich provide instruction in English – to provide higher education access for young refugees, the first time this had been done in Malaysia.

“They not only granted access but also scholarships,” Ahmad said. Some 50 refugees will now be able to access higher education in Malaysia under this scheme, he said.

Malaysia earlier this month said it would accept some 3,000 Syrian refugees over the next three years, with an emphasis on professional and semi-skilled people. But UNHCR said it was precisely such people that needed access to universities for further study and for their families. 

Ahmad said the MOU’s with the universities in Malaysia could serve as a model for other countries to provide access to refugees.

DPM: Malaysia to accept professional, semi-skilled Syrian refugees

Ahmad Zahid (left) the signning visitor’s book with his wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis while the Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin (right) looks on. — Bernama photo

WASHINGTON DC: Malaysia is to give preference to professional and semi-skilled people in accepting the 3,000 Syrian refugees it has agreed to bring to Malaysia over the next three years.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Home Ministry was working out the procedure for these refugees to move to Malaysia.

“This is Malaysia’s commitment to the international community,” he said, elaborating on the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on the acceptance of the Syrian refugees when addressing the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Oct 1.

Referring to the Syrian boy who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Syrian refugee crisis, Najib said the world community should not just sit back and watch what was going on.

It is estimated that more than four million Syrians have fled as refugees from the civil war in their country.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia was more committed now than during the war in the Balkan states when the country accepted 200 refugees from Bosnia Herzegovina.

He spoke to Malaysian journalists soon after he began a working visit Wednesday to the United States administrative centre.

“The visit is at the invitation of the United States government,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the home minister.

He is scheduled to sign the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 6 (HSPD-6) with US Secretary of State John Kerry, the final procedure for Malaysia to be granted exemption of visa for Malaysians visiting the United States.

An announcement on the facility is expected to be made by US President Barack Obama during his visit to Malaysia scheduled for next month.

Ahmad Zahid said all Malaysians eligible to visit the United States would enjoy the visa exemption.

He said Malaysia had already complied with most of the matters on the checklist towards visa exemption, and the rejection rate for visa applications shall not exceed three per cent compared to the existing 4.2 per cent.

However, he said, this was more of a technical hitch related to knowing how to fill the application form than a security issue.

The deputy prime minister said this matter could be addressed with the cooperation of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur through the holding of awareness programmes for tour agents and the public on the visa application procedure.

Ahmad Zahid, who is on his third visit to the United States since October last year, is scheduled to hold discussions with various authorities in Washington, such as the State Department, Homeland Security Department and organisations such as the CIA and FBI.

On the first day of his visit, Ahmad Zahid held meetings with the CIA and FBI.

The deputy prime minister held discussions separately with CIA director John O Brennan and deputy director Mark F. Giuliano, on among other things cooperation in addressing the threat of extremism, on cyber security and cyber crime, including cross-border crime.

Ahmad Zahid said that besides exchanging information and intelligence information, the US could share with Malaysian enforcement agencies its expertise in software and training on cyber crime and cyber security.

He also said that amendments would be made to Malaysian laws to provide for monitoring of the cyberspace and social media in the country.

Ahmad Zahid invited the CIA and FBI to attend the Putrajaya International Security Dialogue on Oct 21-22 as well as the International Conference on Deradicalisation in Malaysia in January next year. — Bernama

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/

A FERVENT PLEA FOR A FAIR AND FREE ELECTION

A FERVENT PLEA FOR A FAIR AND FREE ELECTION 

FROM CHARLES CARDINAL MAUNG Bo, Yangon!

 Five years ago, the dawn of hope broke forth in the parched lands of despair. After decades of sacrifice of blood and tears, my Myanmar Brothers and Sisters tasted democracy. Termed ‘controlled democracy’ by our rulers, that dawn brought encouraging changes. People who have walked in darkness saw the light. It was not perfect democracy but the fledgling democracy brought forth a stream of hope in the hearts of our country men and women. Democracy is a process. So through this appeal I call upon the rulers and the people to make the forthcoming election a true exercise in democracy. But democracy is a long and arduous journey. The rulers and the ruled need mutual accompaniment in this journey. 

Democracy has won our people’s heart and mind. The surging enthusiasm for elections reflects our people’s desire for peace and prosperity- making this nation once more the Golden land. Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy. The primary duty bearer of this responsibility is the Election Commission. Most of the vibrant democracies in the world are fortified by the strong resolve of the Election Commission. Voter education, enrollment of all in the electoral roll, a ruthless adherence to neutrality, a strong inclusive approach and a commitment to transparency are some of the expectations from our people of the Election Commission. 

Our earnest desire is that Election commission rises up to this challenge. Candidates from various political parties have exhibited great desire to serve the nation. Mutual respect and consideration for the candidates from minority groups and ethnic parties will promote long term peace. Inducements and threats of civilians, use of force will be a death knell to democracy. Let your election manifestos speak for themselves. Let your people friendly policies attract the people to vote for you. Not strong arm methods.

This is a rainbow nation of colorful tribes and great religions. Manipulating sectarian sentiments would send this country to dark ages. Let religions heal, not wound. Kindly avoid vote bank politics. The principle protagonists are the citizens in this election. In a democracy the voter is the King. But they have a moral responsibility to go to the booth and elect their candidates. To dispel the darkness of fifty years, everyone should hold his or her vote as the light that challenges that darkness. Democracy is a sacred duty. We forsake that at our own peril. Every vote counts. So please fulfill your sacred duty in this election. Please go to the booth. Vote for the candidates of your choice. Being a religious leader, I have no commands to anyone, but as one deeply interested in the welfare of ALL Myanmar people, let me express my desire to see voting done on the following guidelines: Vote Candidates and Parties who have:

 1. the ability to stop the half a century long civil war pave the way for national reconciliation and peace. 

2. the ability to work with due respect with different ethnic groups and religions of the nation.

 3. the ability to safeguard the country’s nature and natural resources, protecting our forests and not selling our sacred rivers and resources to foreign powers. (e.g. stop the Myitsone Dam Project and Protect our forest) 

4. the ability to promote the comprehensive development of our children and youth, creating employment opportunities, 

5. the ability to protect the land right of the farmers and facilitate access to market and greater agriculture production, 

6. the ability to ensure an inclusive economic system that is beneficial especially to the vulnerable rather than to a handful of unscrupulous profit oriented destroyers

 7. the ability to respect for the role of women in the decision making process of the nation and work for development of women 

8. the ability to develop an empowering education system of the nation, seeking collaboration from local and foreign academic experts, decentralizing education to benefit of all especially ethnic groups, allowing cultural and religious groups to educate their children.

 9. the ability to make this nation a healthy nation through investment in health especially for women and children.

 10. the ability to promote a culture of democracy that proactively promotes human rights, media freedom. Election is a great window of opportunity to this nation. 

Peace and prosperity are the fruits of free and fair election. Myanmar waits for its date with destiny. 

Let us pray that let the dark days of despair become a distant thought. 

Let peace and justice flow like a river, bringing joy and happiness to all the people of this great nation. 

Issued By 

Charles Maung Bo., DD 

Cardinal – Yangon, Myanmar

Cardinal Bo urges people to 'fulfill sacred duty of voting'

Myanmar election a 'window of opportunity,' he says

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo talks to ucanews.com in an exclusive interview in his residence at the compound of St. Mary's Cathedral in Yangon on Sept 23. (Photo by John Zaw)

By John Zaw, Yangon

Myanmar

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon is urging voters to choose candidates and parties that promote a culture of democracy, human rights and reconciliation during the Nov. 8 general election.

In a written appeal addressed to "all Myanmar people," released Sept. 24, the cardinal said citizens need to make the forthcoming election a true exercise of democracy, which he described as "a long and arduous journey."

"Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy," Cardinal Bo wrote in his appeal. "Please fulfill your sacred duty in this election. Please go to the booth. Vote for the right candidates of your choice."

In an interview with ucanews.com days before his missive was released, Cardinal Bo said he wanted to urge people to vote because "this is a very important time for our country, which needs to be changed."

"The system that has been ruled by old elites didn't bring any change," Cardinal Bo said. "So people need to be aware of who will bring real change."

In the past, the cardinal has spoken out on human rights issues, including the treatment of ethnic Rohingya Muslims who are regularly denied citizenship and basic social services.

In a 10-point guide in the appeal, Cardinal Bo detailed the attributes he said voters should look for when selecting worthy candidates. These included an ability to work with "different ethnic groups and religions" in the Buddhist-majority country.

He also referenced the thorny issue of the controversial China-funded Myitsone Dam project, encouraging voters to choose candidates and parties that "safeguard the country's nature and natural resources, protecting our forests and not selling our sacred rivers and resources to foreign powers."

In the interview, Cardinal Bo said some may perceive his guidelines as "an attack" on the current government.

"They might dislike it, but I need to speak out as it is the reality of our country's situation," he said.

The 67-year-old cardinal said that the Church can play a role in Myanmar's politics by giving election guidance to people at Mass, and by distributing pamphlets outside of church services.

"[The] election is a great window of opportunity [for] this nation," he concluded in his Sept. 24 appeal. "Peace and prosperity are the fruits of [a] free and fair election."

The cardinal's appeal comes as political parties in Myanmar push forward with their campaigns ahead of the elections in November. The government sanctioned campaign period started Sept. 8. 

Many observers see the poll as a test of Myanmar's democratic reforms. The country, which is impoverished but rich in resources, is in a transition to democracy after emerging from five decades of military rule.

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy and the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, which is backed by the military, are the main competitors in this election, which is likely to be the freest and most hotly contested in 25 years.

Read Cardinal Charles Maung Bo's appeal in full: A Fervent Plea for a Fair and Free Election

http://www.ucanews.com