To Officers from UNHCR-Malaysia

One of my friend advised me to write in English to let everyone knows about this. Also he helped me to translate it.

The stated document was issued by UNHCR-Malaysia with an authorized signature of UNHCR Representation in Malaysia on its official Letter Head and seal. It was issued to Burma, Rakhine, and other asylum seeking ethnic groups from Burma by an official announcement. However, once the person beneficiary of this document was in detention, the attending officers of UNHCR-Malaysia replied that he is not entitled to receive protection under the regulations of UNHCR-Malaysia. Therefore, UNHCR-Malaysia does not take any responsibility for this case. The result is that this person as well as other prisoners were being sentenced to imprisonment without any protection although they had evidence testifying they were entitled to.

I have written to condemn the unfair discrimination of UNHCR-Malaysia’s officials since I have noticed the announcement of issuing such documents. (Please see here)

We would like to appeal to UNHCR-Malaysia officials on behalf of the Burma, Rakhine and other refugees who are holding this document. This document is technically programmed by UNHCR-Malaysia in collaboration with respective refugee organizations in Malaysia. It is not a secret that refugees spend RM 500 to RM 1200 of hard-earned money in order to get this document. Therefore, it does not make any difference whether refugees have or not have this document as they are being sentenced imprisonment in any case. This program is only beneficial for some people from some organizations.

Therefore, on behalf of them, we are seeking your consideration to kindly assist hopeless refugees who hold this document so that they will not suffer from any discrimination while they are in detention.

mgpala
11.8.2011