PUTRAJAYA: The unresolved humanitarian crisis afflicting the Rohingyas in Myanmar continues to have grave human rights implications as well as regional consequences.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Malaysia strongly condemns the act of trafficking in persons and that it remains committed to address the heinous transnational crime.
“Malaysia is especially concerned that under these dire circumstances, the vulnerability of the Rohingyas would be exacerbated, exposing them further to the scourge of trafficking in persons, which in turn jeopardises the security of both destination and transit countries.
“As a human trafficking transit and destination country, Malaysia will not cease in taking all possible actions to eradicate human trafficking syndicates operating in Malaysian territory.
“We will work closely with our neighbours and partners to eliminate the trafficking of the Rohingyas at the point of origin, transit or destination,” he said in a statement, today.
Anifah added that the ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) which came into force on March 8 last year, demonstrated ASEAN’s collective resolve to combat human trafficking and provides a comprehensive legal framework for regional action.
He said the ACTIP mobilises the collective efforts of ASEAN to effectively address the issue, which includes the responsibilities to protect and assist victims of trafficking in persons.
He said Malaysia also commends Bangladesh for its efforts in providing shelter and protection to the Rohingyas.
“In so doing, Bangladesh has contributed significantly to the global effort against trafficking in persons.
“These efforts must receive continued support from the international community. Malaysia will continue to do so with all means at its disposal,” he said.
Anifah said Malaysia firmly believes that ultimately however, source countries should in the first instance, be taken to task.
“These countries must be assigned greater responsibilities to prevent the innocent from becoming victims of trafficking in persons. In addition, they must stop trafficking syndicates from exploiting the vulnerable Rohingyas.
“For this reason, Malaysia hopes that the Government of Myanmar will undertake sincere efforts to resolve the root cause of the crisis.
“We also urge the full and expeditious implementation of the Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State between the Government of Myanmar and the Government of Bangladesh, and meaningful repatriation to begin swiftly,” he said.