Date of Publication:
4/25/2020
Summary
Summary
Matthew Smith sits down with Aliran to discuss Malaysia's decision to deny Rohingya refugees entry due to COVID-19 concerns.
As the pandemic rages on, countries are implementing different tactics to mitigate the coronavirus. However, experts are speculating that some states are using the pandemic as a way to abuse power and violate rights. In the case of Malaysia, a boat with hundreds of Rohingya refugees was denied from entering Malaysian waters due to fears of spreading the virus. "Malaysia can have sensible and practical COVID-19 policy while also working to secure the rights of asylum seekers," Smith explains, "Sending Rohingya refugees back to possible death at sea is inhumane, callous, and unlawful policy."