KUALA LUMPUR (3 JUNE 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses deep concern over the growing hostility, discriminatory rhetoric, and online attacks directed at the Rohingya community in Malaysia, particularly during the recent Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The circulation of abusive comments and hateful narratives targeting Rohingya refugees during their religious observances is deeply troubling and reflects a dangerous trend of dehumanisation. Such expressions not only undermine the dignity of an already vulnerable community but also erode the values of compassion, empathy, and respect that are fundamental to Malaysian society.
At a time when the world continues to witness grave atrocities against civilian populations, SUHAKAM reiterates that human suffering must not be measured selectively. Genocide is genocide, regardless of where it occurs. The international community has rightly expressed outrage over the devastation and loss of civilian lives in Gaza. That same commitment to human dignity and justice must extend to all peoples facing persecution, including the Rohingya, who have endured decades of systemic discrimination, statelessness, forced displacement, and mass atrocities in Myanmar.
The Rohingya crisis remains one of the most serious humanitarian and human rights challenges in our region. The findings of international bodies, including the fact-finding mission established by the United Nations, have documented acts that may amount to genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya population. These realities must not be forgotten simply because the victims are refugees living among us.
It is also important to distinguish refugees from migrants. Refugees do not leave their homes voluntarily in search of better economic opportunities. They are forced to flee because of persecution, armed conflict, violence, or serious human rights violations in their countries of origin. The Rohingya, in particular, have endured decades of systematic discrimination, statelessness, and targeted violence that have left them with little choice but to seek safety elsewhere.
The overwhelming majority of Rohingya refugees did not come to Malaysia by choice, but out of necessity and survival. Their presence here is a consequence of circumstances beyond their control. For many, Malaysia serves as a place of temporary refuge while they await durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation when conditions are safe and dignified, or resettlement to third countries willing to provide them with long-term protection. Portraying refugees as opportunistic migrants not only misrepresents their lived realities but also obscures the grave human rights violations that forced them to flee in the first place.
Refugees are, first and foremost, human beings. They are mothers, fathers, children, and families who have fled violence, persecution, and fear in search of safety and dignity. Public discourse that portrays them as less deserving of rights, respect, or compassion risks normalising hatred and fostering social division. SUHAKAM calls upon all Malaysians, including public figures, media practitioners, and social media users, to refrain from spreading harmful stereotypes, misinformation, and inflammatory rhetoric against refugees and asylum seekers. Freedom of expression carries responsibilities and should never be used to incite hatred, discrimination, or hostility towards vulnerable communities.
As a member of ASEAN and a country that has long played an important humanitarian role in the region, Malaysia must continue to uphold the principles of humanity, non-discrimination, and respect for human dignity. Addressing legitimate policy concerns relating to refugee management must never come at the expense of fundamental human rights or human decency.
SUHAKAM stands in solidarity with all victims of persecution and violence, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or legal status. We urge Malaysians to reject hatred and dehumanisation in all forms and to reaffirm our shared commitment to compassion, justice, and the protection of human dignity.
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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
3 June 2026
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MS