Long Hidden Chin Refugee Detainees Released

Kuala Lumpur: Shing Aung Ling (24) of 9 months in detention center, from Sawng Taung village, Mindat Township Chin State was arrested on 24/11/2009 at Citara a small town while on the way to enter into Malaysia border along with 10 compatriots as he was intentionally forced to go in the front line to check the highway if the border guards were patrolling or not. The rest of his friends were safe because they could run away after knowing his friend was being arrested.

Kee Aung Thang (26) from Mui Ton village from Mindate township Chin state was arrested on 04/01/2010 by UPP wearing plain cloths and put in detention center for 7 months. Similarly, he was on the way to enter into Malaysia along with other six villagers in the beginning of this year.

During the intensive interview with the P.O.C, they are appeared to know that they arrived Ipoh in a group on 01/01/10. It is also learnt that the agent leaved them empty-handed in a small room. Few hours later, the agent came back shortly, he called a cab and told Kee Aung Thang and his two friends to get on- saying that all of you will be sold on fishing boat as your agent in Kuala Lumpur has not paid me the promised agent fee yet. The three men were shifted to another town and slept there for one night. On the next day at 11 am, the agent called them to unknown place where the human traffickers were waiting for them in exchange.

Soon after, the men were carried away by motor-bike toward a deep forest. The nearer they approached the Thai border, Mr. Kee risked his life that he jumped off the motorbike and fled away. He was said he hid in the unfamiliar cane field for two days. He then later decided in the end of hope to see a nearest town or village. But he was rather arrested by UPP on his way.

Agonized and frustrated, Mr. Kee told VOCR that he has not heard any news about his two friends, prompting that they might have been sold onto fishing boat in the border as couple of victims has not appeared until recently.

Both ex-detainees were locked up in Citara police station just the time before transferring them to Balantik camp. It was said the sentencing order was made by the judge then the two arrestees were taken to Pakoksena jail for couple of months to serve their unknowable imprisonment terms. Then they were again shifted to Balantik Camp.

It was later learnt that 30 Chin refugees were already there in Balantik camp by the time the two men were arrived there. The UNHCR protection team was appeared to visit the camp on 19/03/2010 and started interviewing with refugee detainees. Included though their names in the first list, Sing and Kee were later told that their names were missing for the next round of interview on 23/03/2010 which caused them so frustrated and bitter in addition to being daily suffered the tough treatment and the dehydrated food provided in the detention centers.

Actually, in genuine express, the two detainees were recognized as refugee status by UNHCR on 03.06.2010 in the Camp interview and were released on 26.08.2010. Until present, it is the UNHCR system to see the detainee first in order in the detention center or camp and interviewing the P.O.C in order to define the eligibility of refugee status. After all, they could immediately take action on those concerned as is needed for his/her protection respectively.

According to the recent released detainees, the source saying that seven of Chin refugees including a five year old girl with his mother are still remained in that stated Camp. The Chin community body have strongly a great hope on those remained in the Camp and they will be released as soon as possible.

By Simon

Suaram alarmed as Rela heads back to detention camps

By G Vinod

PETALING JAYA: Suaram is alarmed that the government has decided to allow Rela volunteers back into immigration detention centres.

In a statement released today, the human rights group noted that Rela personnel were withdrawn from the detention camps last year following allegations that they had abused detainees. Suaram was responding to reports that the government was planning to revamp the management of the detention centres and upgrade their facilities. 

“We laud the government's move to revamp the facilities as many human rights organisations have raised concerns regarding the deplorable conditions and poor management of the detention centres.  

“But we are concerned that the government is planning to bring back Rela officers into the detention camps,” said Suaram coordinator Temme Lee. “We have repeatedly argued that Rela personnel should not be allowed to handle detention centres as they are not well-trained to handle migrants,” he said. He also called on the government to stop treating illegal immigrants as if they were common criminals. Confining them to detention centres should be the last resort, he said. 

“Their only guilt is flouting immigration laws,” Lee said. “If there is a need to detain them, perhaps the government can consider other alternatives like what Australia is doing — keeping the migrants in community detention premises.” 

  Welfare aspects ignored  

Lee also said the proposed revamp did not take into account the welfare of detainees. “It seems the government is only looking into the security aspects.” “Suaram feels that adequate attention must also be given towards fulfilling the basic rights of the detainees, such as providing them clothing, clean water, bedding, proper healthcare and other basic needs.” Suaram also urged the government to ensure that the detention centres comply with international human rights standards. 

  “The government can look into the United Nations' Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment as a guide,” Lee said. “We also urge the government to hold regular dialogues with civil society movements and other stakeholders on how to improve the management of immigration detention centres in the country.”

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/news/general/9696-suaram-alarmed-as-rela-heads-back-to-detention-camps

Biometric system to track foreign workers

By FLORENCE A. SAMY 

newsdesk@thestar.com.my 

 

KUALA LUMPUR: A biometric system to monitor foreign workers in the country is expected to be in place by October, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammu-ddin Hussein.

He said once the system had been implemented, foreign workers would be tracked via a database and have their thumbprints recorded to prevent them from abusing their visas and ensure that they were in the country legally.

“One of our concerns is that foreign workers who arrive here with a legal working permit end up overstaying after it expires. We hope to have the system in place by October,” he said after launching the “30-hour Famine Countdown 2010” to aid the poor at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here yesterday.

“Employers will be held accountable as they are benefiting from the foreign workers. It is their responsibility to report to the authorities if their workers abscond.”

Hishammuddin warned those seeking to take advantage of the system to “think twice” as the biometric database would be comprehensive and involving 14 ministries.

“Once this is in place, we will make sure no one is above the system,” he added.

The database, he said, would also have details of workers who forged their documents as well as those who entered as “tourists” but ended up working illegally,

Hishammuddin said those who overstayed might risk being blacklisted in the future, adding that the Government was currently studying the list of actions.

However, he added flexibility would be given to sectors that were needed to make the country’s New Economic Model a success.

On the amnesty for illegal immigrants, Hishammuddin declined to reveal the date but told the illegals to be prepared.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/23/nation/6902799&sec=nation

An Annual Sport Day Of Chin Student Organization Exercised

Raising the Chin flag under a morning sunrise, putting their right hands on their chests while singing the Chin anthem “Beautiful Chinland” at the opening ceremony to demonstrate how much they adore their beloved Chinland and holding a beautiful theme “Hope For The Future”, more than 500 children studying at Chin Student Organization School (CSO) have successfully celebrated its 4^th annual sport day in a suburban area of Kuala Lumpur on 20.08.2010. 

Since the CSO School was established in 2005, this sport day has been exercised annually and it is the most awaited and biggest event for the students every year. 

"It does not matter whether we are a champion of the trophy that we just play like friendly game. As a matter of fact, we just focus on boosting the children behaviors, characters and attempting to put them on a good track by having fellowship each other. Learning the school text book is not only education but also the children need to learn many things outside and require adopting all sorts of best things throughout the whole day line-ups event. The students have a warm touch with each other. It is indeed one of the purposes we design. Besides, we use this sport day as a part of farewell service for students those are supposed to resettle to third country, shortly", said a volunteer teacher Zaw Zaw and in charge of the event, too.

Blessed and gracious, Mr. Roger Khua Hup, chairman of CSO joined thanks-expressing that they greatly thank all donors and respect them on their priceless and incomparable efforts for us. Obviously, it is so sure that we will not be able to do this without their strong support. They always stand beside us and their encouragement pushes us to carry out our responsibility forward and that is what matters in our work. It’s not only they support us financially, they also actively involve in teaching the children English and Bible at school in their spare time. Moreover, I think all our donors purely deserve to be paid respect by parents, students and the Chin community body.

In a sense, it is not a surprise that the schools seem to be disabling to maintain the event continuously without the participation of donors as the parents and the schools have not sufficient fund or budget to make this event happen.

On contrary, it is learnt that the confirmed source reveals that around 180 volunteers working for the refugee education in each community in Malaysia are sponsored for small grant by Czech Republic government and its administration is under the control of UNHCR. As a part of the administration, in July credit card has been made for every said volunteer by UNHCR representatives for the purpose of transferring money.

In an interview with a community leader, he mentioned that we honestly thank UNHCR that they best create the open door for the needed volunteer for every refugee community. Until present, on so many occasions, we come to realize, as for a refugee, that we refugee can not help each other very much even if we are in the critical condition. It’s no doubt the Chin community body warmly welcomes the grant for our volunteers who amply have been suffered and suffer because we Chin can not help them and support them as needed be. Until recently, it is learnt that they never have any small grants before from any organizations according to the interview with CSO volunteers. This would be the first time they would receive great help done.

On top of the challenges, now that having the parents’ practical support is crucially important for the schools stand firm. To help develop the parents’ philosophy on education, the volunteers always try best to make awareness ahead towards the related parents in many ways. Parents are encouraged as well as the students belong to the brilliant future for they could be called “dimmer switch” for our nation as they can make our future bright or dark. 

By Salai C C & Simon

Malaysia boosts security corps accused of abuses

JULIA ZAPPEI | August 19, 2010 01:20 AM EST |

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia is expanding a volunteer security corps accused of human rights abuses and adding to its responsibities even though the new recruits won't be trained for now, the corps leader said Thursday.

The government-backed corps, known by its acronym RELA, is meant to help police and other authorities conduct neighborhood patrols and track down foreigners living in Malaysia without valid documents.

But activists have insisted in recent years that the Home Ministry should disband the force of 1.6 million volunteers because many have been accused of extorting money from illegal immigrants and physically abusing them.

Zaidon Asmuni, RELA's director general, said the corps is now trying to boost its membership to 2.6 million volunteers by the end of this year to better combat crime and take up new tasks such as guarding immigration detention centers in this nation of some 28 million people.

"In the whole country, I have instructed my men to go all out" to hold recruitment drives for new members who are at least 16 years old, Zaidon told The Associated Press.

The corps will not be able to train for all of them but believes the risk is low, he said.

"As in any department, most of them are very good. But maybe one or two are black sheep. It happens anywhere," he said.

Anyone who commits an offense would face suspension and possibly a police investigation. Though most members undergo a one-day orientation course, only some 8,000 members can be trained thoroughly each year, Zaidon said.

Hundreds of volunteers have recently been deployed to guard detention centers for illegal immigrants following the escape of 20 Afghans from one such location earlier this month, Zaidon said.

Temme Lee, an official with Malaysian human rights group Suaram, said foreigners complained of extortion by RELA members almost every day.

"The increase of RELA's role is very worrying," Lee said. "It's not right that a volunteer force should be used for enforcement."

In a report last June about refugees in Malaysia, rights group Amnesty International said "largely untrained RELA agents frequently subject the people they arrest to humiliation, physical abuse, theft and extortion."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20100819/as-malaysia-volunteer-corps/

Hundred Of Chin Refugees Arrested In Two Days Consecutive Raid

9th August,2010

Kuala Lumpur

The two days consecutive raid triggered shocks over thousand of Chin refugees and deepened anxiety especially among women and children. The raids caused at least 170 Chin refugees arrested and most of them were put in the police station, the chin community reported. 

The first raid occurred around 4:00PM on Saturday at Jalan Imbi and more than 100 people with both UNHCR card holders and just community card holders were arrested while the second raid on the next day around the same time of the previous in Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu just after the Sunday worship service was over and resulting around 70 people were swept again.

Similarly, on the second raid, at least 70 people including four months pregnant woman were arrested but fortunately she got released through the help of CRC protection team after being detained for a shortwhile.

“At least sixty people have already been onboarded by the time I got on their truck. At a time when we arrived at police station, other ten women arrested from several places were locked-up along with me in the same cell. In fact, I had a high feeling of anxiety over my pregnancy and besides, I am of being undocumented person. I am honestly ecstatic when my name was called to be released”, quoted Mawi Mawi as saying to VOCR.

“Most of the arrestees who hold the UNHCR card are released after checking their cards and fining RM-20 with no exceptional reason. But we cannot rescue those of non-holders of the UNHCR card because they have been directly transferred to Bukit Jalil lock-ups for further investigation. As a matter of fact, we cannot do any interventions until there’s a call from the police officer. However, they used to get us allowing intervening conditionally. And in our part, we’re hopefully waiting for a call from the police officers for their releases; the call is meant a positive result for the arrestees” a community worker said. 

It is learnt that the announcement to swipe out illegal foreigners in last year has been resumed as the raid is taking place almost every week in different areas and hundred of refugees have been rounded up in the raids. 

The Chin community wearily believes that, according to the recent storming raids, more intensive raids will likely happen especially at factory and construction sites whereas most of illegal workers and refugees are mainly working with the low-paid that the locals are hardly ever seen.

by Salai C C & Simon

Human trafficking – prosecutors to get training

KUALA LUMPUR: Prosecutors handling human trafficking cases will be given training in the subject, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop.

He said this was to ensure that those caught and charged with the offences would not escape punishment due to lack of expertise.

“The Attorney-General’s Cham­bers is looking into speeding up the prosecution process for human trafficking cases.

“It is providing training to ensure that prosecutors are well-versed in the subject,” he said when launching the Stop Child Sex Trafficking campaign organised by The Body Shop here yesterday.

He said the training was in line with the move for effective enforcement against human trafficking following recent amendments to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

“We have introduced heavier penalties as a deterrent. Well-trained prosecutors will ensure that the culprits do not get away unpunished,” he said.

Under the amendments, which were approved by Dewan Negara on Aug 3, traffickers will be fined between RM500,000 and RM1mil, compared to between RM50,000 and RM500,000 previously.

The traffickers’ ill-gotten gains will also be forfeited upon conviction.

The amendments are meant to deal with the influx of illegal migrants seeking a better life in Malaysia and people using Malaysia as a transit point to get to another country.

Abu Seman said that between February 2008 and last month, authorities rescued 1,656 victims from 19 countries who had been placed under the Interim Protection Order.

Abu Seman said globally, more than 2.5 million people were trafficked each year involving transactions worth about US$38bil (RM119.5bil).

Read more: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/8/nation/6820902&sec=nation