flash: responses to Radzi Sheikh’s anti-UNHCR and anti-refugee remarks
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad says the UNHCR is getting in the way of immigration doing its duties.
I’m not one to blindly defend UN agencies, but if it weren’t for the UNHCR and other NGOs, I wouldn’t be surprised if we ended up exploiting and torturing migrants and assylum seekers.
The guy also makes it sounds like just because we don’t throw them out immediately, we are being sooooo kind to migrants in Malaysia. Does he have any idea what it’s like to live here as a migrant? Or what it’s like to live in the conditions these people are running away from?
Can’t write a long piece now, but wanted to point to the Women’s Aid Organisation and Amnesty International Malaysia, who have both come out with strong statements against DS Radzi’s comments. Certainly worth a read!
Update 3rd Feb 3pm,
Aliran and Suaram have added their voices to the chorus of discontent!
VMY 2007