Fear and Depression Increasing Among Chin Youth in Malaysia

VOCR
June 20, 2009
Kuala Lumpur

Depression and fear of arrest is increasing among Chin youth in Malaysia as refugees face continued uncertainties. As UNHCR has stopped registering pregnant women since the beginning of May 2009 and mobile registration has not yet start in 2009, feelings of hopelessness and fear of arrest is increasing day-by-day by those who are unregistered.

The Malaysian authorities have paused deportation to the Thai-Malay border, but now Chin detainees are facing prolonged detention terms of more than six months. Moreover, the global financial crisis is greatly affecting people’s survival. Many companies have stopped hiring workers, and the unemployment numbers among Chin refugees are increasing. Without proper documents employers are refusing to hire undocumented Chin refugees.

As a result, it is very difficult now for Chin refugees to find jobs even with very low pay. These uncertain conditions have led three young Chin men to commit suicide within the last six months.