Home Affairs Minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad's criticism of the role played by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) undermines the work of the internal refugee protection body, saidAmnesty International Malaysia (AI).

"The statement made by the minister is a gross disregard to international human rights and humanitarian principles and unbecoming of a UN Human Rights Council member," said AI executive director Josef Roy Benedict.

According to the Bernama , Radzi said Malaysia did not recognise the powers of UNHCR, which issues cards to those whom they deem bona fide refugees.

"When we arrest them (refugees), the UNHCR will come and say they are under its care. We don't recognise the UNHCR's action but on humanitarian grounds, we release them. Moreover, they're being monitored by the UNHCR," said Radzi.

The Home Affairs Ministry is in the midst of preparing a Cabinet paper to formulate ways to rid illegal immigrants without interference from UNHCR.

"Malaysia did not sign and ratify the agreement on refugees. We do not recognise and accept UNHCR-hosted refugees,

"Although the UNHCR is here, it's only because Malaysia is a member of the United Nations along with other countries [...] We accept UNHCR's presence (in our country) but we don't recognise their powers," added Radzi, according to Bernama.

Humanitarian commitments

Roy explained that UNHCR was an international body assisting governments in providing assistance and protection of asylum seekers and refugees in the spirit of international solidarity and burden sharing.

As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Malaysia must show a strong commitment in upholding the highest standards in promotion and protection of human rights, said Roy.

"Refugee protection is a fundamental right both on humanitarian and human rights grounds in the recognition of the right to life and dignity," he said in a statement yesterday.

He said neighbouring countries of conflict zones in Palestine, Bosnia and Sudan often collaborate with United Nations agencies including the UNHCR, despite the host countries not being signatory of the Refugee Convention.

"Amnesty International Malaysia believes that our non-signatory status is not an excuse for the Malaysian government to ignore its international human rights and humanitarian commitments," added Roy.

Work with UNHCR

Radzi's comments came in the wake of a raid by volunteers corp Rela at a Burmese refugee encampment in an abandoned orchard in Bangi south of Kuala Lumpur.

The Jan 28 raid resulted in 176 Burmese, including women and children being detained. Radzi then blamed UNHCR for causing difficulties in the government's effort to stamp out illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, human rights watchdog Suaram urged the government to cooperate with UNHCR in protecting genuine asylum seekers.

"Malaysia should bear added responsiblity towards asylum seekers and refugees from Burma as it played a major part in Burma's entry into Asean despite the country's horrendous human rights record," said Suaram coordinator Chang Lih Kang

Chang added that Malaysia was a signatory to the United Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on Territorial Asylum, and thus the government cannot absolve itself from proper treatment towards asylum seekers and refugees.