9 hrs ago
Myanmar Leader’s Malaysia Visit Raises Recognition and Refugee Concerns
Myanmar’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is going to Malaysia to meet its prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
The visit will last two days.
Malaysia says the leaders will discuss sending some Myanmar nationals back to their country.
Malaysia says the returns are voluntary, and Anwar says Myanmar has promised that returnees will not be harmed.
But the United Nations and rights groups worry that people could be in danger if they go back.
Myanmar is still experiencing a civil war.
Recent airstrikes in Rakhine state killed at least 58 people.
Some people say the visit could help Myanmar’s leader gain acceptance, while Malaysia says it is a chance to keep talking.
Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing is due in Malaysia for a two-day visit and talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Malaysia says the talks will include the return of Myanmar nationals who are in the country illegally.
Anwar says Myanmar authorities assured him that people returned would not be harmed; Malaysia says returns are voluntary.
The United Nations and rights groups warn that returnees could face serious danger, including violence and forced conscription.
The visit comes amid Myanmar’s continuing civil war and airstrikes that recently killed at least 58 people in Rakhine state.
- Who
- Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
- What
- A two-day official visit and talks, including discussion of repatriating Myanmar nationals from Malaysia.
- Where
- Malaysia.
- When
- Min Aung Hlaing was due to arrive Wednesday, following the Malaysian government’s Tuesday statement; the report is dated October 7.
- Why
- Malaysia says the visit offers an opportunity for direct engagement and to discuss the return of Myanmar nationals.
Support for Engagement and Returns
Warnings About Recognition and Safety
Diplomatic engagement
Support for Engagement and Returns
Malaysia says the visit gives Anwar Ibrahim an opportunity to sustain direct engagement with Myanmar.
Warnings About Recognition and Safety
International Crisis Group adviser Richard Horsey says Min Aung Hlaing may present the visit as recognition of his leadership.
Repatriation
Support for Engagement and Returns
Malaysia describes returns as voluntary and says Myanmar authorities assured Anwar that returnees would not be harmed.
Warnings About Recognition and Safety
The United Nations and rights groups warn that people returned could face serious risks amid the conflict, including forced conscription.
Key facts
- Visit
- Two days; Min Aung Hlaing was due to arrive Wednesday.
- Meeting
- Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
- Conflict
- Myanmar’s civil war began after the 2021 military coup.
- Displacement
- The report says more than 3.5 million people have been displaced in Myanmar.
- Deaths
- The report cites an estimated 100,000 deaths in the conflict.
- Deportations
- Anwar said Malaysia had deported around 10,000 Myanmar nationals since January.
- Refugees
- UN data cited in the report counts about 193,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar in Malaysia.
- Recent airstrikes
- Airstrikes in Rakhine state in the prior fortnight killed at least 58 people and injured dozens.
Quotes
Malaysian government
Government of Malaysia, in a statement about the visit
“The visit provides the prime minister with an opportunity to sustain his direct engagement with Myanmar.”
theprint.in
“Under pressure to send refugees back, Anwar needs Naypyitaw’s cooperation, and a visit is the price.”
theprint.in
Sources
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