Open Letter

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA ON THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN BURMA
by the Migration Working Group (MWG) Network

10 May 2008

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our collective concern regarding the terrible humanitarian disaster that has devastated Burma (Myanmar) through cyclone Nargis.

To date 23,000 people have been reported dead with another 41,000 people missing. It is feared that the actual death toll is much higher. Whole towns and villages have been submerged under water, with communications and basic infrastructure (such as power lines and roads) destroyed. About a million people are estimated to be homeless and without clean drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern regarding the outbreak of diseases spread by mosquitoes, dirty water and poor sanitation, as well as respiratory illnesses and physical injuries caused by the storm. The disaster is expected to incapacitate the already fragile health system in the country.

This destruction has direct impact on thousands of asylum seekers and refugees from Burma residing in Malaysia, many of whom are desperately trying to contact their families and to find ways of sending them humanitarian support.

ASEAN’s role in helping alleviate the enormity of the disaster cannot be underscored. Its most important role must be, as a regional community, to mount pressure on the government of Myanmar to open its doors and accept assistance offered without being selective and without undue delay.

Malaysia, as a leading voice in ASEAN, must push it to act decisively and quickly, as countless numbers of people – whose lives hang in the balance – await urgent international assistance. ASEAN's credibility and relevance is again very much at stake, and we hope that they will not fail the people of Burma yet again.

Therefore, in view of the current humanitarian crisis in Burma, we appeal to the Malaysian Government, as a member of ASEAN and the Human Rights Council, to immediately:

Work with ASEAN and the international community to extend emergency assistance for the affected people inside Burma Respond to the needs of those forcibly displaced as a result of cyclone Nargis, particularly if they cross international borders Stop all arrests and involuntary/forced deportations of people from Burma, which only causes further destabilization to populations already under deep distress Recognize the status of asylum seekers and refugees from Burma, extending them necessary support and assistance; in particular, regularising the Rohingyas by issuing the IMM13 work permits as per the Cabinet decision of 2005

In the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, and with due regard to our international obligations as responsible members of the global community, we strongly urge the Malaysian Government to with urgency and compassion.

Endorsed by members of the Migration Working Group (MWG):

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Persatuan Kebangsaan Hak Asasi Manusia (HAKAM) Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Labour Resource Centre (LRC) Migrant Care Kumpulan A.C.T.S. Coordination of Action Research on AIDS and Mobility (CARAM Asia) All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) SHELTER Home for Children Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) Migrant Ministry, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Cameron Highlands Migrants Desk, Melaka-Johor Catholic Diocese Penang Office for Human Development (POHD) Health Equity Initiatives (HEI) Amnesty International, Malaysia (AI)

Related Articles:

• Letter from a refugee woman living in Malaysia
• Letter to the Editor: Hard for migrant workers to seek redress

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