Refugees in Malaysia: We need to do more

ALTHOUGH Malaysia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, it is a member of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations, and should be able to consider doing more than what is being done today for the refugees.
Jobs can be offered to the refugees on a part-time basis. Some of the jobs, such as cooks and part-time helpers, are easily available.

We should recognise the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR) cards as identification for the refugees. These would enable them to earn a decent living.

Non-governmental organisations can also open education centres to accommodate the children of refugees.

We must understand that most of these refugees are going to be here only for a short time.

Many of them have skills which can be used to overcome the shortage of skilled workers in some sectors.

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress and Malaysian Employers Federation can help and organise jobs for the refugees. Malaysians should be proud that our country is the only one with a UNHCR centre in this region. Even countries that talk so much of human rights do not allow UNHCR to establish their offices there.

DATUK N. SIVA SUBRAMANIAM
Executive director
Malaysia Tamil Forum

ex- Suhakam commissioner

Date: 27/06/2010

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