PARLIAMENTARY SYMPOSIUM RAISES AWARENESS ON EDUCATION, LEGAL WORK FOR REFUGEES - JOHARI

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Parliamentary Symposium on Access to Education and Legal Work for Refugees serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness among Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public on the urgent needs of refugees in Malaysia, particularly children and youth, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

He said many young refugees currently residing in the country have no access to education, which could pose long-term social challenges if left unaddressed.

“If they are not educated and remain here without skills or opportunities, this could potentially contribute to social problems. These are issues that must be taken seriously,” he told reporters after attending the symposium held at the Parliament building here today.

Johari also urged MPs to raise the matter to their respective select committees and produce comprehensive reports, adding that Parliament would provide space for the issues to be debated to ensure broader understanding.

“I'll give you (MPs) space so that you can debate these issues in parliament. The masses must understand what's going on,” he said.

In his speech, Johari noted that Malaysia hosts more than 200,000 refugees, the majority of whom are adults of working age but are not legally permitted to work, while nearly 30 per cent of the refugee population comprises children, many of whom are unable to access formal education.

“Today’s symposium invites us to reflect on how allowing refugees to work legally and ensuring that refugee children have access to education can significantly contribute to our nation’s growth. We are here to explore the pathways and mechanisms that can help make this vision a reality,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Malaysia Louise Aubin expressed appreciation for Johari’s leadership in convening the symposium, noting that parliamentarians play a key role in disseminating accurate information to communities, given their direct engagement with the public.

“Treating refugees well or badly does not change the reality that they are here. Addressing their needs through legal means is the most appropriate way forward in managing the asylum situation in Malaysia.

“I'd like to, as UNHCR, underscore the historical long-standing tradition of Malaysia in hosting refugees, particularly from this region. When conflicts are solved and they find political solutions, refugees have one desire, and it is to go home.

“But until those conflicts are resolved safely, I think they can still count on Malaysia to do the right thing, to abide by its responsibilities and to help them reconstruct some kind of a normal life until such time as they can find a solution,” she said.

Aubin said providing refugees with the right to education, access to safe health services and lawful employment not only stabilises their situation but also benefits Malaysia as a whole.

-- BERNAMA