International Day of Peace is observed annually on 21 September, and this year’s theme was “End racism. Build peace”. The day was dedicated to promoting a new world free of racism and racial discrimination.
Refugees living in Malaysia have long faced discrimination, been denied many fundamental human rights and have had to contend with vicious amounts of xenophobia, simply for fleeing unsafe situations in their own countries and seeking refuge here.
What should be done to fix this ongoing issue and what are the right strategies for more inclusive policies focusing on the right to obtain decent work, healthcare services and formal education? This is the focus of an upcoming public dialogue by Bait Al Amanah in collaboration with Beyond Borders.
BFM finds out more from Mahi Ramakrishnan, the founder of Beyond Borders, and Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon, a research and advocacy analyst at Bait Al Amanah.
They also discuss recent news, including the suggestion to shut down the office of the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia and the fact that, as a member of the UN and current member of the Human Rights Council from 2022 to 2024, Malaysia is expected to uphold human rights for all. They also explore what is fuelling many Malaysians’ dislike and discontent with refugee communities in Malaysia.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
Produced and presented by: Juliet Jacobs
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
“.. what is fuelling many Malaysians’ dislike and discontent with refugee communities in Malaysia.”
This statement indicates a lame excuse to blame the people when in actual fact it is the government, intentionally or otherwise, hasn’t done enough to integrate the communities.
All it takes to fight racism is for the government to take a firm stand for humanity and human rights. The rest will fall into place.