UNHCR warns that Myanmar is still unsafe for refugees and says there can be no safe, dignified voluntary returns while the armed conflict continues. The agency’s comments are directed at Malaysia’s planned process for repatriating Myanmar refugees.
UNHCR also clarifies that it is not involved in Malaysia’s repatriation plans. Multiple outlets report that the agency does not play a role in any Malaysia-led return process, and instead emphasizes that conditions in Myanmar do not meet safety and dignity requirements for voluntary return.
While reporting broadly agrees on UNHCR’s position and the uncertainty of safety in Myanmar, the articles vary slightly in focus. Some foreground the warning about the lack of “safe and dignified” return, while others highlight UNHCR’s lack of involvement in Malaysia’s plan and its assessment that the country remains unsafe for return. The common theme across sources is UNHCR’s assessment of ongoing risk due to conflict.
