Voice of the Zomi Refugees:: Zomi International Refugee Council

DIPLOMATICALLY SPEAKING:By DENNIS IGNATIUS

The predicament of Myanmar refugees in Malaysia has been grabbing international media attention. There are growing calls for the Government to address the issue.
FOR the last several weeks, the international press has been highlighting the sad plight of the more than 80,000 Myanmar refugees in Malaysia.
An explosive report by the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee that was released recently alleges the involvement of some Malaysian officials in the trafficking of these refugees. The refugees have reportedly been abused and harshly treated by other government agencies, including Rela.
The Government has until now, consistently denied all allegations of mistreatment, abuse or trafficking. The former minister of home affairs rejected these allegations outright.
The allegations themselves are not new. Malaysian and other NGOs have been voicing similar concerns for years. Malaysian print and television media have also featured investigative reports on this issue. Just google 態urmese refugees ?Malaysia?and dozens of sites will pop-up.
In need of serious attention: Myanmar refugees participating in a demonstration outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur in this January file picture.-AP
The UN High Commission for Refugees has also expressed alarm at the treatment of refugees in Malaysia. Anyone who bothers to seek out these hapless refugees, in and around our larger cities, and talk to them, as I have, will be shocked by their stories of harassment, intimidation and abuse.
Of course, there may be some exaggeration involved. Nevertheless, their stories are credible, compelling and distressing, and must be taken seriously. Denial is not an option any longer.
It is to our great shame that we treat people who are fleeing from oppression in such a callous manner. It goes against the norms of decency and violates international conventions on the treatment of refugees. It even flies in the face of our own claim to be 揳 caring society.?/p>
Pretending that this problem does not exist in the hope that it would go away is not going to work. The issue has now gained international traction.
European and Canadian parliamentarians, together with members of the US Congress, have taken up the cry, as have many respected NGOs.
Even our own parliamentarians are demanding action. We can therefore expect more negative publicity and criticism from abroad. It is going to get very messy unless appropriate action is taken.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has done the right thing in calling for a thorough investigation. Our Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has promised the same. Officials and others who are found to be complicit in these abuses must be brought to book. We have no obligation to defend them or cover up for them.
However, these encouraging statements must now be followed up with a more comprehensive plan of action that should include the following:
First, a policy decision must be made to recognise that legitimate refugees are different from illegal and other economic migrants. The UNHCR already has in place a credible refugee registration system. Malaysian agencies should recognise UNHCR refugee documentation and extend appropriate protection to those who hold them. The harassment of refugees must end immediately.
Second, the Government should henceforth give priority to documented refugees when it comes to recruiting temporary foreign labour. It makes no sense to contract thousands of foreign workers from abroad, and particularly from Myanmar, when we already have a huge pool of unemployed refugees within our borders.
By providing refugees with legal employment, they will be able to live in dignity while awaiting resettlement in third countries.
Third, the Government should acknowledge the work of our NGOs in caring for the refugees despite many limitations, including hostility from some government agencies.
These NGOs are already on the ground and have a good track record. With even modest government assistance, support and encouragement, they can do much to help the refugees.
Fourth, the Government should take the initiative to host an Asean conference on refugees. Resettlement countries, as well as China, should be included.
The objective would be to construct a proper regional framework to prevent the abuse and trafficking of refugees and speed up their resettlement to third countries.
Myanmar抯 military rulers must also be persuaded to end their campaign of terror against their own minorities.
There is, of course, the fear that extending humanitarian support to refugees would open the floodgates, so to speak.
The real problem we face, however, is not from genuine refugees but from out of control illegal immigration that is exacerbated by corruption and short-sighted labour recruitment policies. The unfortunate people fleeing from tyranny in Myanmar should not have to suffer because of this.
Najib has a unique opportunity to mend the damage done to our international image and to restore our own self-respect. Bold measures are needed, and needed quickly.
Malaysians, too, can help by reaching out to these refugees with the care and compassion that has always been our hallmark, instead of reacting with fear and suspicion.
In the final analysis, the measure of a country is not the high ideals it claims to possess but the compassion and care it shows to the weak and vulnerable in its midst. Malaysia must rise to this challenge.
Datuk Dennis Ignatius is a 36-year veteran of the Malaysian foreign service. He has served in the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Chile and Argentina. He retired as High Commissioner for Malaysia to Canada in July 2008.

http://thestar.com.my

Baby of a Zomi refugee from Myanmar

A Zomi refugee from Myanmar, Man Sian Cing, 22 was fled from Myanmar under harsh treatment and persecution by the Military Junta. Due to the so called “registration policy” by the UNHCR in Malaysia, she was not able to get registration though she has long been waiting for refugee recognition. One early morning at her work place, five immigration personals wearing no uniform came up and raided her while she was washing the dishes at the back side of the restaurant in Bukit Tingi Klang. She has been pregnant for 1 month.

The authorities send her to Kajang jail and later transferred to Saminyih detention camp. She could hardly survive in the detention camp from November 6, 2007 to March 28, 2008. She spent her pregnant-life in the detention camp for about 5 months.

During her stay in the detention camp the authorities-in-charge gave no enough sleep knowing that she is pregnant. She has to fall in line for 3 times a day while scolding and shouting at her. There was not even enough sun light or fresh air for this unhealthy woman. Speaking no English, Malay or any other language, she spent her day with tears in the detention camp for five months in the absence of her husband. She did not get any medication for her baby despite, she was suffering from various sickness, nausea, headaches and other painful experiences during her stay in the camp. She had to take water from the tap while it is at the same time used for washing clothes and sanitation purposes. Her breakfast is ‘teh O’ with rotten bread. Whenever, she feels unhealthy, she had to fall in line and wait for 3 days to get a single tablet of ‘penadol.’ The intention is to find out whether the person truly feels sick or not. The authorities would let the sick people wait for 3 days and on the third day or forth day, they will release one tablet of medicine to whoever is needed the most. Lunch is served at 2:00 P.M and dinner is at 6:00 . The food they served are salty dry fish, left over from the market. Beef is served once a week. Rotten and smelly Chicken is served once a week for the detainees. There is no nutrition contains in either food they served. The poor pregnant woman spent 5 months of her hard life alone in the detention camp with lots of nightmares and hardships.

The UNHCR graciously helped her out from the detention camp after 5 months on March 28, 2008 and finally gave her refugee registration. Her RSD interview appointment will be in September 2008.

As Man Sian Cing was about to give birth to her baby, she went to the hospital for medication check up. However, the timing was already late and the baby would not get enough vitamins for the bones, said the Doctors. They advised Mrs. Man to abort the baby. Back appearance of the baby

However, due to lack of money and moreover, she is a Christian, she refused the advice of the doctors. She took the risk of giving birth to the baby which eventually came out as the doctors’ advice.

Her medical bill for costs RM. 1180 and the UNHCR’s financial aid reduces 50% of the cost. However, even the remaining money she owes (which is about RM. 590/ equivalent to US $ 180), she could not make it since her husband has no job at the moment. The baby is separately kept at the 6^th floor in the hospital.

The mother cries whenever she sees her baby’s appearance (with no skull)

The greater challenge for her life is how to raise and take care of this baby whose husband has no job while she is still unhealthy and could not even make payment for her medical bills at the hospital.

Updated News:

According to the news we've received two days ago, the UNHCR had paid the medical bills for this baby at the hospital on 10.07.2008. However, what is more needed for this baby as well as for the parents is for the survival of this baby with extra care and expenses for emdical treatment after the hospital. The doctor instructed the parents to teach hw to treat and care for this baby under the instuction of the doctors themselves on a day to day basis. It is very important to know the sensitivity of this baby and for the well being of its future by putting extra effort. The ZHRN would like to cogratulate the tireless efforts and contribution of the UNHCR, ACTS as well as the Zomi community and other individuals. It is a tue sirit of co-operation in helping the helpless and vulnerable Zomi refugees and beyond.

Together, we can make a difference for the life of this baby!

Myanmar Refugee, belonging to the ethnic Zomi group from gone abnormal after the police release her from the detention center in Malaysia. She has been screaming at night saying "release me, release me" and other words "don't put me in the detention center" and other unknown words at home.


Lia Cing Khup was a perfect girl until she was detained by the Malaysian authority. Her mother said, "I lost a perfect girl but they (the Malaysia authority) returned me an inperfect girl" as tears falling down from her eyes. She added, "However, my love for my daughter will even more increase."

A Zomi refugee got an accident by spilling acid at his work place but given not compensation by the boss. He was brought to the hospital by the Zomi Association of Malaysia leaders in KL.

Breaking News:
ဳKuala Lumpur, Malaysia

More than 30 Refugees from Myanmar were tied up and severely beaten by the detention authorities at Samenyith immigration deportation camp just the outskirt of Kua Lumpur, Malaysia.

Some are believed to be the Zomi ethnic group of Myanmar according to the SMS we've received 10 minutes ago from the a reliable source.

It is believed that the UNHCR legal lawyers and Malaysia BAR Council are following up with this case as soon as possible.

As of end May 2008, there are some 3700 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia.

-35100 are form Myanmar comprising 13300 Rohingyas from the Northern Rakkhine State of Myanamr, 13300 from Chin State, Myanmar and 3900 Myanmar Muslims and 3900 while the remaining are other ethnic minorities from Myanmar.

There are some 4600 refugees and asylum-seekers from other countries, including some 1800 Sri Lankans, 580 Iraqis and 470 Somalis.

68% of Refugees and Asylum-seekers are men, while 32% are women.

There are some 10000 refugee children below the age of 18, among whom 6000 are of school going age (7-17) years.

Quoted from the UNHCR

The Star Online > Nation Sunday June 15, 2008

Village of illegals exposed

By STEVEN DANIEL

KUALA LUMPUR: A community of illegal immigrants living in a forest near Taman Desa, Kepong, was uncovered by Immigration officers who arrested 48 people, mostly from Myanmar.

There were eight women among them aged between 20 and 37 years. City Immigration Department director Mohd Khamdee Khuzaini Tukiman said they were detained yesterday morning after two years of surveillance.

He said 66 people from four departments, including the Immigration Department, Rela, Civil Defence Force (JPA3) and National Registration Department took part in the operations.

In the 11.30am raid, the enforcement officers posed as construction engineers who trekked 15 minutes into the jungle before reaching the village.

Some of the immigrants were cooking and did not realise the impending raid.

But once they realised what was happening, most of them gave up without a struggle, though a few dashed into the nearby forests to avoid capture.

“They built make-shift shacks to live in, two kitchens to cook their meals and even a place of worship. A large water tank was also found nearby,” Mohd Khamdee said.

He said the village, believed to have been set up a year ago, housed immigrants who worked in nearby factories.

“We also received information from the public that on Saturdays up to 150 Myanmar nationals from nearby areas who would meet in the village to party,” Mohd Khamdee added.

Several objects, which could have been used as weapons, were also seized in the raid.

He said all of them had no documentation and would be sent to the Semenyih detention depot while waiting to be charged with violating Section 6 (3) of the Immigration Act.

He advised locals not to employ and protect illegal immigrants and urged them to call the respective state immigration departments if they had any information on illegal immigrants in their areas.

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/15/nation/21558704&sec=nation

PS: These are from the Zomi ethnic group members of MZO (Malaysia Zo Organization) and SOM (Siyin Organization of Malaysia) living in the jungle camp. What the media releases in the public is note in favor of the Zomi refugees from Myanmar. The refugees have to be alert and be vigilant in Malaysia.

Note:

Section 6(3) Immigration Act 1959/63
	A foreign visitor whose presence in Malaysia can be interpreted as illegal entry if :
	Fails to produced a genuine passport/travel document upon request Passport/travel document does not have a valid entry endorsement/visit pass
	The penalty for an offence on illegal entry :
	A fine not exceeding RM10,000.00 or to imprisonment for a exceeding 5 years or both A compound of RM3,000.00
	As such foreign visitors are reminded :-
	To take precaution on the safety of their passport/travel document and must carry with them during their stay in Malaysia Must ascertained that they produced their passport/travel document to an Immigration officer at the point of entry and has been issued with the relevent pass. To report immediatly to the Immigration Department on the lost of their passport/travel document.

Reff: http://www.imi.gov.my/eng/perkhidmatan/im_Permit.asp

Lamentation of the Zomi Refugees in India, Maylay and Thai in the jungle!


We were born in the hilly area in between Burma proper and Assam India,
Which our ancestors called “Zogam”.

Aliens invaded our Zogam, colonized us and seized our sovereignty;
And named the hills, the dales, and the territory “Chin Hills”.

By birth we are “Zomi” the name by which our fore fathers called themselves before pre history.
But the invaders imposed “Chin” to us, to mean uncivilized people.

Christianity civilized our society, opened our eyes, and then we knew how to read and write.
Civic, manner, etiquette, and ethic were part of our life began.

Harmony and tranquility endeavored in our Zogam
Henceforth love, peace and joy endured.

Our fore-fathers fought for independence and gained in 1948, to free from imperialism.
Our portion was inequality, partiality being as a minority Christian ethnic in the Union of Burma.

Military government took power in 1962, in which we lived in danger and uncertainty.
Misled the country, misappropriated it’s wealth to lead to the poorest nation in the world.

Nation wide demonstration for Democracy broke out in 1988,
Neither Democracy nor freedom was gained; instead tyrant military junta took power.

Sadistic soldiers were everywhere; ethnic cleansing and burmanization are their policy.
Search porter for human shield and conscript minor for human mine detector in the battlefield.

Force labor, force sex slave and torture are their daily practice and norms;
Freedom from fear we fled out of our beloved homeland.

Seek refuge in India and Thai Myanmar border Refugee camps,
Since we are poor and weary to reach to Malaysia.

Cry for help to our Zomi brethren and Zomi Innkuan,
Compassionate concern is bestowed only to Zomi refugee seekers in Malaysia.

We are the abandon and forgotten Zomi refugees,
Where art thou, thou who say “ I was born as Zomi, live as Zomi and shall die as Zomi”.

We have no access either telephone or Internet to contact with the outside world.
Who will come and help us, who will advocate our sufferings and hunger to the authorities,
We will lift up our eyes to the hills-From whence comes our help? Our help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. All mighty GOD, THOU art our Comforter and Hope.

Source: Zomi International Network

Thousands of Zomi refugees face humiliation, robbing, accident, unjust treatment, physical and emotional abuse [especially women] by their bosses. Taang Kim was hit by a truck at his work place and there is no insurance as he is a refugee. The boss would not even give him a single cent to help the dying man.

God is gracious enough to send a group of people who have a heart of compassion which provided medication, assistance and other personal needs through a local NGO. Taang was under the care of the NGO for about two months.
He is no longer working as he recovered from the accident but now he is serving and volunteering as a driver in the Zomi community helping his own people. This is one of the greatest activities of the local NGOs like ACTS.
There are some other NGOs working for the good cause and well being of the helpless refugees.

What if there were no NGOs to assist the helpless Zomi refugees in situation like this???

Hundreds of Zomi refugees in Malaysia are under a difficult situation in paying their medical bills, shelter and other difficulties. Local organizations like A Call To Serve (ACTS) has been providing and assisting the vulnerable refugees on a day to day basis in the area of health. This Zomi gentleman was hit by a car. His health was in a critical situation but due to the kind help and humanitarian work of a local NGO, ACTS he is getting better and he is till under the care of ACTS, Malaysia.

Many people would have been died if there were no takers like ACTS and other local and international NGOs and Churches. They have been saving the lives of so many helpless refugees in Malaysia, India, Thailand and worldwide.

A Zomi refugee while literally looking for a place to sleep every night, he was hit by street gangs. REFUGEES are not recognized by the local authority and tens and thousands of refugees have no access to equal rights. More over, they do not have the right to rent house, look for a suitable work through some bosses would grant special concern for the refugees. What is their life as human being after all?

Anthony, a Zomi refugee was threaten inhumanly by the boss as he request his pay (salary) he had worked for three months at the Fishing Boat in Port Klang.
The boss physically abase and pierced his skin with knife on the whole body while bleed came out and he was thrown out to the sea. Fortunately, he did not die but a Chinese couple saved near the sea sore and the photo is after he recovered from the hospital.

Refugees in Malaysia have no right to work and they need to look for shelter, food and clothing for their basic needs. Street gangs rob these street-walking refugees by taking their clothes, watches (if they have), and even take their life. A Zomi refugee with blood who was robbed by the gansters with. It is fortunate that he did not die but he came back alive said his friends at the Zomi Refugees in the jungle camp.