KUALA LUMPUR — Over 160 civil society organizations issued a joint statement today urging the Malaysian government to immediately suspend plans to deport Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, citing extreme risks of forced conscription, ongoing conflict, and severe safety concerns.

The coalition expressed “grave concerns” over Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to coordinate with Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, to facilitate the repatriation. Malaysia currently hosts approximately 193,800 refugees from Myanmar—including a large Rohingya population—according to UN figures from February. The Malaysian government recently announced plans to deport 1,500 refugees in an initial phase scheduled for September 29, as part of an agreement with Myanmar authorities to accept up to 5,000 returnees.

Human rights advocates warned that returning refugees face forced recruitment into multiple warring entities in Rakhine State, including the Myanmar military, the Arakan Army (AA), and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). Min Aung Hlaing, referred to in the joint statement as the “architect of genocide” against the Rohingya, is currently subject to a requested arrest warrant under consideration by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Myanmar military continues to face widespread armed resistance across Rakhine State from the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group seeking greater regional autonomy. Rohingya civilians remain caught in the middle of these clashes, prompting thousands to attempt perilous sea and land escapes every year.

The Malaysian government has not yet issued an official response regarding the joint statement.

Credit @ Civil society groups call on Malaysia to stop Rohingya returns