Refugees As a Bail

28th June,2010

KUALA LUMPUR: on June 28, Sung Thluai, a lady of Chin refugee who is asylum seeker and waiting in queue to be registered with the office of UNHCR in Malaysia, was arrested and put in the police van for 4 hours on June 27 while she was on the way to see doctor in refugee clinic. 

“The police approached me and asked me of identity card on the road in public, said the lady adding that I couldn’t show them UNCHR card but my CRC card so that they started questioning me non-stop if I am married or under someone’s support”.

When pitifully explained them my status and story faced in the motherland and Malaysia, they at once asked me to contact my husband to bring Rm 500 for her release instead of having an inkling mercy on me. In addition, she claimed that she was put in the van and kept for at least 4 hours waiting in awe for her husband miraculous redemption”. 

She reiterated that she clearly understood what her family present condition is that her husband must be in a deep headache problem financially. Fortunately, it was really really wonderful that her husband could borrow Rm 500 from the Church on loan in order to get her released from the crooked police’s hands, reported in an interview with VOCR team.

Photo- VOCR

At the height of refugees’ crisis in Malaysia, thousands have been experiencing countless police extortions, intentional arresting in eyes for bribes that goes uncontrollable that shouldn’t be as a nation which aims at the third countries’ standard in the near future. 

Obviously, asylum seekers and recognized refugees are used as a bail to get money by police plus gangsters. Hundreds of eye-witnesses and evidences are kept in order in CRC office.

by Simon

World Refugee Day Celebrated

21st Monday, 2010

Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: On June 19 and 20, the 9^th World Refugee Day event was remarkably celebrated in the main lobby of KL center where is the main meeting-point of several train routes and bus lines. It is a big centre where there’re dozens of hundreds of people commuting, travelling and visiting a day.

World Refugee Day was coined by the defining decision of the Organization of African Unity in 2001, which was turned the 50^thanniversary of the 1951 Convention connecting to the position of refugee, which happened together with Africa Refugee Day on June 20. The Assembly consequently decided that June 20 would be observed as World Refugee Day from 2001 onwards. This day was chosen by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to bring concentration to the dilemma of around 14 million refugees around the world according to the World Refugee Day history in ALTIUS DIRECTORY.

The two days program mainly chaired by UNHCR was the whole day line-ups of traditional and cultural dances and performances represented by the UNHCR (Malaysia)recognised communities such as ACR, Arakan, CRC, Kachin, Karen, Mon, Shan, Afghanistan and Iraq. In a scene, many young and youths were indeed seen bravely portraying each of their cultural performances as they are proudly of the representatives from their ethnicity and nation.

Over 20 refugee community groups comprising refugees from Myanmar, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Somalia showcase and sell traditional handicrafts that are indigenous to their own community, quoted UNHCR as posting on its website.

 

Well-prepared though it wasn’t, CRC-cum-CWO (Chin Women Organization) around 20 in person could attend in the first day of WRD’s celebration on June 19 in order to present “the Beautiful Chin Hills” towards promoting the spirit of refugees as also was invited by the UNHCR.

Representatives from CRC and ACR posting a photo

at World Refugee Day Celebration (Photo-VOCR)

“It was unusual setup unlike last year, people going in and out annoying us, to some extent despite the idea being sound good in terms of making awareness in public sight, locally and internationally” said one of the leaders from Chin Women Organization.

So peculiar has been made by volunteer locals who came to entertain refugees and helped staffs of UNHCR, who are working tirelessly and valuably for refugees, strive in a wake of refugee awareness at the same time.

by Simon

Chin Refugees’ Future in Jeopardy?

17th June, 2010

Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR- There is a large-scale fear scattering among the Chins community, especially for the left families in Chin state, Myanmar because of the direct investigation to the motherland was initiated by UNHCR office in Malaysia couple of week ago, quoted the confirmed source.

The history of thousands of Chin peoples fleeing from the beloved homeland to escape the systematic ongoing labor forces, human rights abuse and violations on the religion background by the mainland to Malaysia is to seek the protection of UNHCR.

It was reliably believed, before this mission started, that UNHCR must highly keep the confidentiality of any refugees’ status. But today, the happening has been in reverse changed and confidentiality has been breached. Honestly speaking, any Chin refugee related families in Chinland are in danger.

In a sense, the fact that UNHCR must be noting that the operation of direct investigation will surely harm the current safety of those left families in Chinland. The implications can go far more beyond as long as it is being conducted.

The confirmed source reveals that Best Interest Determination (BID) department in UNHCR, Malaysia manages to run that investigations.

This should, as a matter of fact, be worth soundly noting for UNHCR that those ran away from the Chinland to seek the UNHCR's protection in Malaysia has been systematically expelled from their family memberships by the coercive military regime according to Khonumthung exile-media agency based in India.

The unchangeable condition in a bid to communication move in Chinland is remained indifferent as the private sector in regime-led Myanmar economic is strictly prohibited except for the selfish military general families.

Until recently, Hakha, the called capital of Chin state, where is only limitedly allowed to have an access of auto-phone that can directly communicate with the whole country. But ninety eight percent of the populations are truly unable to have such a luxurious kind of fast access. However, most people solely depend on the public call outlet (PCO) used in Hakha, Falam, Kanpalet, Matupi, Paletwa, Razua (newly named township),Thantlang, Tidim and Tonzang whereas people are all the time crowded and all around. It was since the military regime only authorized to set up the automatic telephone exchange office in those stated towns. Even so, Hakha, Falam and Tidim are said to only have had an auto-communication center. In each town, PCOs will not be seen located more than eight in number.

Truth, although not as convenient and as private as true public telephone booths, it is a popular and widely used public communication system in Chinland as well as the other parts of country where very very few people have fixed land line phone or mobile phone.

People in line waiting for their turn (PCO)

Those related families, according to the information obtained in the Chin community, practically contacted thousand miles apart by UNCHR are extremely worried for the possible coming of the inhumane soldiers’ crackdown. They reiterated that they are in shock of where they should be running away or should do next.

UNHCR is seemed to be prone to platform a showoff play for the regime soldiers.

The Chins community, therefore, has a very deep concern on those families contacted and the whole people. The question must be raised in ways such as the roles of UNHCR. 

by Simon

NGO Reached Chin Refugees in Penang

16th June,2010

Kuala Lumpur

PENANG- The June 12^th-13^th trip to reaching out the Chin refugees dwelling in Penang, which is a five hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, mainly organized and led by NGO called ACTS implementing partner with UNHCR in working for refugees in Malaysia for the medical needs without any benefits.

CRC team in collaboration with ACTS was a part of the main help in reaching out refugees in Penang, especially in terms of interpreting for doctors and making more awareness for the community.

The first day of medical treatment was held on June 12^th in George Town, called the former capital city of Malaysia in era of British colony, few people only came to see doctors for medical treatment. Food was donated for all by some volunteers from the host Catholic Church, allowing ACTS to run the hall.

The second day was warmly welcomed by Lai Christian Fellowship in Bukit Martajam in Penang opposite side of Georgetown; more than hundred of refugees could come to see doctors. “Unexpectedly, Rohinyas doubly outnumbered the Chins, said one of registration undertaker.

The team was told that many of refugees in this town are not allowed to have a leave on Saturday by the British psychological counselor who was voluntarily attending in doing counseling sessions for the patients.

It was a heartfelt delight to see Chin refugees in Penang are incredibly united, do everything together harmoniously and go hand to hand and well-organized. They could stand by themselves not asking any helps even from any communities and UNHCR for their stand.

Patients sitting at Lai Christian

Fellowship Church in Penang (photo-VOCR)

“They are a true example group for dozens of Malaysia-based communities. The reason is they go beyond the racialism and cronyism that kills the growth of a people. Instead, they hold fast righteousness and unity among them and focus on unselfish endeavor in support of each other medically and socially” quoted one of the UNHCR interpreters followed the CRC team as saying to VOCR.

Leaders and coordinator of CRC in the night worship gathering at Lai Christian Fellowship on June 12 toned up that their group is a sound exemplary for the whole Chin community, encouraging them to go eagerly forward as they are in the right direction at all. 

by Simon

Chin Refugees: Four Beaten Up And Three Seriously Injured

7th June, 2010
Kuala Lumpur

KLANG- the June 4, 2010, the 26 year-old Kap Lian Cung who is a recognised Chin refugee had just a verbal argument with one of Bangladeshi workers working in the same Factory with them in Padar Batu, Klang on a simple matter of what their employer requested them packing the things which are to send to KL the next day. It is reported that there’re only two Bangladeshis in that small firm.

Unexpectedly, the said Bangladeshi brought bunch of his gangster friends more than 10 persons at night around

10:00 pm and attacking Chin refugee men immediately and secretly when some of Chin fellows living in the small hostel given by a different Chinese employer were singing outside while others was watching movie.

An old wooden house provided for C hin refugee workers by the employer

The menacing attack was so fierce that three of the victims from the outside singing bunch fell down on the spot and left wounded and injured on several places of their bodies and one, being able to manage to avoid from the axed-hit of gangster, fled away. A few minutes, the gangsters wildly tore apart the door with ax and 2ft long knife, which was strictly locked by one of the Chin men inside. Then, they started cruelly hitting Hram Cung who boldly decided defending five sisters still remained in the room rather than fleeing for self escape. He was kicked and beaten up badly with 4 ft long wooden sticks and steel sticks by the said Bangladeshi and other four gangsters brought by until he fell down and felt unconscious. (Note: the statement above is in accordance with the report to police station)

He was assumed already dead by the rest of other friends and cried over him lying down on the concrete floor. Half an hour later, other friends could take a relaxed deep breath when they saw him started breathing and moving.

CRC could visit them only in the next day for there’s a little bit gap in supply of particular information to the community from the concerned victim groups.

The team met with the victims' employer first and knowing that he was appeared not to be cooperative in handling the hazard problem with the team. Couples of minutes later, all of Chin workers were met in their hostel and asking them the reason of "why and how" the community could give them a best hand for them.

The victims are as follows: Hram Cung, age 21 of UNHCR ref: 791-09C04725 from Hakha, Sun Thang, age 26 of ref: 791-09C08033 from Falam, Nan Neih Bik, age 21 of ref: 791-09C04576 from Hakha and Abu (Bu Lae) from Hakha of which his ref number was unreachable for the reason of being taken away by his cousin brother to Seremban when the team got the incident taking place.

Indeed, Hram Cung among four of the victims was the most severely injured and even can hardly take a walk for couple of minutes. His left hand and leg are the most parts of his injury. The team, by the help of other two Chinese employers, brought two victims to Dapar Batu police station and lodged a report. Again, the team was sent to the Klang General hospital where they received free medication and dressing. And the hospital sent back to the main Klang police station for further investigation.

Mr. Hram Cung showing his injured before going to hosptil to have medical treatment

The team happened to meet, as guided, with inspector Athirudin who is in charge of case filing in Klang police station. "We believe there must be a positive phenomenal outcome even though we are just at the start and surely we cannot take it for granted but keeping an eye on our members' lives and their safety that we're deeply aware of", said head of the team to VOCR. 

by Simon

Couple detainee reached in Talu Intan Hospital

7th June,2010
Kuala Lumpur

In an effort of meeting Stella, who was about to deliver baby, aged 21 of her UNHCR ref: 791-09C16827 from Mindat town, Chin state, rescue team of CRC visited her in Talu Intan Hospital, which is two hours and half drive from KL, after UNHCR informing CRC.

She was arrested on 31^st, May, 2010 at 6:00 am in Cameron Highlands along with her spouse (Ha Sing, UNHCR ref is the same) in their house, including their two fellows from Mindat and one from Matupi in the Cameron highlands combined-operation with RELA and Immigration.

"Chin refugee arrestees are locked up in Block (F), Langkap Camp where over thousands of detainees still remained. Precisely, there are more than 150 officers and staffs and 1000 detainees in the Langkap Camp, where is the most crowded camp in Malaysia" according to two female immigration officer reported to VOCR in the hospital.

It is, by contrast, reported that there are about 1300 detainees in Langkap Camp, quoted OPI's officer (Outreach Protection Intervention), which is under the branch of UNHCR as saying to VOCR, adding that we, UNHCR truly attempt to release all recognised refugees detained in the Detention centres and Camps, but no choice we, first of all, have to wait for permission from authority to enter and meet detainees one by one as in process based on the reports submitted to UNHCR by each of community body.

"As of her pregnancy period was in due time to nearly deliver, she was admitted on 14/5/2010 in Danalatah Hospital in Cameron highlands where they are stranding and out in the afternoon of 30/5/2010" said Stella (POC) to VOCR in her room (26) in Hosp.

The team started visiting Talu Intan hospital at 1:20 pm and arrived there at 4:00 pm. By the time the team got there, two female immigration officers are on the guard for her as was their duty.

Stella's spouse, Ha Sing newly released from Langkap Camp, along with OPI's officer who came 3 hrs late in the hospital reported that he was beaten up and some of his inmates got severely tortured as soon as they entered the cell. In addition, limited water supply and salty food was only available in the cell. All detainees were cut baldy.

"My inmates would likely take a notice that I was released by UNHCR officer because I myself didn't realize that I was released since the cell guard called me to move to another cell. To be honest, the coming of UNHCR is the greatest hope we can keep in mind as for a detainee" said Ha Sing.

Ha Sing told the team that there are about 11 Chin refugees still remain in the Camp. Even more, he so far passionately reported three of the detention code numbers as follows: Shwe Ha of 2279, 2280, 2281 to the team, other code numbers are unable to get to know for they are in different cells. 

In an interview with VOCR, he mentioned that I was so lucky that I wasn't in the camp for unlike the first time I was detained for three weeks. At that time, he was not only arrested but also extorted of his RM 103 in hand and brand-new hand phone priced RM 580 by the police.

Stellar was in joyous tears at a time when she saw her beloved husband released from the doomed camp, and allowed him standing by her bed for just a limited time as is the hospital regulation.

"UNHCR body is really worried that all detainees would lest be under malnutrition as long as there is no better improvement of daily provision for the detainees" said the OPI officer who followed CRC team. 

Thanks to the UNHCR rescue team which tireless and relentless attempt day and night for the sake of the detained recognised refugees' release in the region wide in Malaysia.

Chin Refugees: Nine Jailed and Raids caused nine arrested

3rd June,2010

Kuala Lumpur

Nine of Chin refugee employees working in fishing firm in Ruab, Pahang State in Malaysia have been sued to the police by their employer and all are arrested and jailed in police station. “The story is, they simply ask of their long time unpaid salary from their Chinese boss who treats them badly and so cruel but they got the police arrest as a result in lieu of giving their worth salary” according to the volunteer running from KL to Pahang State to observe their situation.

The confirmed source reveals that the Chinese boss, who is unfaithful, sues them to the police in reverse on what unknown ground instead of paying their regular basis (or) salaries which is completely out of their dyingly perspiration.

The police came down on 30^th of May, 2010 and arrested them and sent to IBUPEJABET police station, downtown of Ruab. It is reported that they all have been registered in UNHCR (that means they all are holders of UNHCR) and among them two are from Matu Dai community.

In order for their release, the community calls for the purely urgent statement to UNHCR to intervene those unfair arresting. The community and the related families are so sure of that they never commit bad acts, which can be defined as malfeasance toward the boss and police as well.

There was nothing surprising, at all, about their putting in jail. The corrupted boss who only wants the workforce without the humane mindset that he has to pay them back in turn as agreed before the work starts, made it happened like that according to the observer asking one of them by phone.

In another wave of raid, at the first night of June, 2010 between 8:30 and 9:00 pm, group of RELA around 20 raided DG Food court in Jln Yayasan, Bandar Puchong and caught nine of Chin refugees who are working in that restaurant. The half of an hour raiding appeared to make nine arrested.

More to the point, the source confirms that six of them were released back from the police station, knowing that they are of UNHCR card holders and three only with CRC card head to the detention center.

Obviously, to get them out of the detention center is beyond the community effort but entirely depends on the humanitarian aid of UNHCR. Those brought up to the detention center have been reported in the community as their status quos are under asylum seeking in UNHCR office in Malaysia.

At worst of the scenario, a minor woman, who has been long time struggling of her heart-attack disease is in a very deep concern as she is too frightened of the large-scale raid of police and RELA. The community along side with the esteemed family is highly worried of her troublesome disease that can any time cause a very dangerous point to death.


by Simon