Malaysia’s Baitul Mahabbah initiative to move children to dedicated refugee centers is no different from detention and continues to violate children’s rights, said Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Byrony Lau on Monday.
These centers were introduced by the Malaysian government a year ago to move children aged 10 and under from immigration depots. The intention was to provide an alternative to the country’s “abusive and punitive immigration system,” as described by Human Rights Watch. However, Lau argued that “the Baitul Mahabbah centers, set up by the Home Ministry, continue to deprive children of their liberty.” She noted that “[t]here are now 170 children–some unaccompanied–in Baitul Mahabah centers, facilities that do not provide a genuine alternative to detention.” These children remain under the supervision of immigration officials and security personnel, with some having been detained for nearly a year.
At one such facility near Kuala Lumpur international airport, Lau emphasized that some of the Rohingya children being held were unaccompanied. Malaysia’s failure to sign or ratify the UN Refugee Convention makes it difficult for the international community to provide adequate protection for refugees and asylum seekers. As a result, many refugees who have made the dangerous journey to escape their homelands faces indefinite detention. Lau stated:
The Malaysian government does not allow UNHCR access to Baitul Mahabbah centers–nor any of the immigration deports–to review asylum claims. Meanwhile, it is detaining thousands of Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers indefinitely, because they cannot be deported.
Earlier in September, the government announced the opening of two more centers, with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail expressing a desire to work with NGOs in managing these facilities. However, Lau stressed that the ultimate goal must be the release of all children from immigration detention. She emphasized that these centers should only serve as a temporary measure to protect children’s rights.
