The Securitization of Refugees; the Challenges of UNHCR and NGOS in Protecting and Assisting Refugee in Malaysia

Abstract

Refugee or asylum seekers are more than simply a human rights issue. Refugee movements are also an essential part of international politics. This study will identify the challenges facing by UNHCR and NGOs in assisting refugee's problems. The UNHCR operation in Malaysia is not without problems. Even though Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, that does not mean that nothing can be done to protect the refugees in the country. The reasons NGOs should cooperate with UNHCR needs to be addressed rapidly to find a long-term solution for this problem. Discussion will touch on the role of Malaysia as a state party to the United Nation(UN) and its refusal to ratify the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee (CRSR). Other dimension of this paper to highlight the mechanism that Malaysia's government should adapt to assist the UNHCR in resolving the challenges. Findings of this study will show the extent of protection offered to refugee under domestic laws and the reasons why Malaysia should fulfill its international obligation towards refugee and also the further effort that must be initiated to clinch compliance for protection under international law.