Inclusion: The Way Forward for Refugees in Malaysia

International Day of Peace is observed annually on the 21st of September, and this year's theme was “End racism. Build peace.” The day was dedicated to promoting a new world free of racism and racial discrimination. Refugees living in Malaysia have long faced discrimination, been denied many fundamental human rights, and have had to contend with vicious amounts of xenophobia, simply for fleeing unsafe situations in their own countries and seeking refuge here. What should be done to fix this ongoing issue, and what are the right strategies for more inclusive policies focusing on the right to obtain decent work, healthcare services and formal education? This is the focus of an upcoming public dialogue by Bait Al Amanah in collaboration with Beyond Borders, and we find out more from Mahi Ramakrishnan, the founder of Beyond Borders and Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon, a Research & Advocacy Analyst at Bait Al Amanah. We also discuss recent news including the suggestion to shut down the United Nations High Commission for Refugees’ (UNHCR) office in Malaysia, the fact that as a member of the United Nations and a current member of the Human Rights Council from 2022 to 2024, Malaysia is expected to uphold human rights for all, and what is fuelling many Malaysians dislike and discontent with refugee communities in Malaysia.

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