UNHCR Says It Is Not Involved in Malaysia’s Planned Repatriation of Refugees to Myanmar – The Diplomat (https://fonts.gstatic.com) (https://fonts.googleapis.com/) (../../../wp-content/plugins/compact-wp-audio-player/css/flashblock.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/compact-wp-audio-player/css/player.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/captcha/css/front_end_style.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/captcha/css/desktop_style.css) (../../../../fonts.googleapis.com/css@family=Noto+Sans%253A400,400i,700,700i%257CNoto+Serif%253A400,400i,700,700i.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/style.css) (index.html) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/global.min.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/story.min.css) (../../../dpl-web/20260107/css/main.38b8c29c.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/print.min.css) All Sections Search (https://thediplomat.com/) Read The Diplomat , Know The Asia-Pacific (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia | (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features | All Regions (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia Topics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society Blogs (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense (https://thediplomat.com/category/china-power/) China Power (https://thediplomat.com/category/crossroads-asia/) Crossroads Asia (https://thediplomat.com/category/flashpoints/) Flashpoints (https://thediplomat.com/category/oceania/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/category/pacific-money/) Pacific Money (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-debate/) The Debate (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-koreas/) The Koreas (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-pulse/) The Pulse (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-report/) Tokyo Report (https://thediplomat.com/category/trans-pacific-view/) Trans-Pacific View More (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/category/interviews/) Interviews (https://thediplomat.com/category/photo-essays/) Photo Essays (https://thediplomat.com/category/podcasts/) Podcasts (https://thediplomat.com/category/videos/) Videos Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter The Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/) Home Page (https://thediplomat.com/the-diplomat/) About Us (https://thediplomat.com/contact-us/) Contact Us (https://thediplomat.com/write-for-us/) Write for Us (https://thediplomat.com/about-us/advertise/) Advertise (https://thediplomat.com/syndication/) Syndicate (https://thediplomat.com/privacy-policy/) Privacy (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscriptions ASEAN Beat UNHCR Says It Is Not Involved in Malaysia’s Planned Repatriation of Refugees to Myanmar (Share on LinkedIn) (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F&title=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar) (Share on Facebook) (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) (Share on Bluesky) (https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) (Share on X) (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) Recent Features (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/job-opportunity-multilingual-translation-project-coordinator-in-tokyo/) (Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo) (Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo) September 03, 2026 Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/we-are-horrified-academic-freedom-at-risk-with-uzbek-professors-arrest-in-kazakhstan/) (‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan) (‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan) Diplomacy ‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/land-seizures-in-the-name-of-development-in-vietnam/) (Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam) (Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam) Politics Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/how-great-power-rivalry-is-fracturing-the-pacific-islands-forum/) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) Diplomacy How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/sri-lankas-luxury-property-boom-is-outrunning-its-regulations/) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) Economy Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/latin-poison-kazakhstans-latinization-in-russian-media-discourse/) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) Society ‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/chinas-green-exports-to-europe-are-a-bright-spot-amid-trade-tensions/) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) Economy China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/the-tibet-nepal-flood-is-a-himalayan-climate-security-warning/) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) Environment The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/remembering-a-genocide-the-view-from-the-rohingya-camps/) (Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps) (Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps) Photo Essays Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/pakistans-kashmir-crackdown/) (Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown) (Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown) Politics Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/chinas-strategic-plan-for-space-superiority/) (China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority) (China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority) Security China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/what-is-life-really-like-under-the-taliban-we-asked-afghan-women/) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) Videos What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women. (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat | (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society | (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia UNHCR Says It Is Not Involved in Malaysia’s Planned Repatriation of Refugees to Myanmar Rights groups say that the 1,476 Myanmar nationals are at high risk of torture, mistreatment, and forced conscription on their return. (Sebastian Strangio) (Sebastian Strangio) By (https://thediplomat.com/authors/sebastian-strangio/) Sebastian Strangio September 03, 2026 (Share on LinkedIn) (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F&title=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar) (Share on Facebook) (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) (Share on Bluesky) (https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) (Share on X) (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=UNHCR+Says+It+Is+Not+Involved+in+Malaysia%E2%80%99s+Planned+Repatriation+of+Refugees+to+Myanmar&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F09%2Funhcr-says-it-is-not-involved-in-malaysias-planned-repatriation-of-refugees-to-myanmar%2F) (UNHCR Says It Is Not Involved in Malaysia’s Planned Repatriation of Refugees to Myanmar) (UNHCR Says It Is Not Involved in Malaysia’s Planned Repatriation of Refugees to Myanmar) Credit: (https://depositphotos.com/595502536/stock-photo-sunny-blue-sky-flags-malaysia.html) Depositphotos (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading The United Nations refugee agency says that it is not involved in Malaysia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, telling Reuters news agency that the conditions in the country were not in place for their safe return. Last week, the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/28/malaysia-to-return-1500-rohingya-refugees-next-month-despite-safety-fears) announced that it would repatriate 1,476 Myanmar nationals on September 29 aboard two Myanmar Navy warships and a hospital ship. The plan is the first phase of a voluntary repatriation program that will involve (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/28/malaysia-to-return-1500-rohingya-refugees-next-month-despite-safety-fears) around 5,000 refugees , around half of the 10,388 Myanmar nationals currently being held at immigration detention depots. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/unhcr-says-it-has-no-role-malaysias-planned-repatriation-myanmar-refugees-warns-2026-09-01/) told Reuters on Tuesday that it was not involved in the scheduled repatriation, and that ongoing conflict and repression made it difficult to guarantee their safe return. “Under customary international law – a binding obligation on all states – no one should be sent ​to a country where their rights or freedoms may be ​at risk,” UNHCR told the news agency. “Any refugee return must be voluntary, based on an informed decision, ‌and ⁠take place in conditions of safety and dignity.” “UNHCR urges that careful consideration be given to the protection needs of all those concerned before they ​are returned to ​Myanmar, and ⁠stands ready to engage with relevant authorities on protection safeguards,” it added. Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/malaysia-orders-un-agency-to-pause-registration-of-new-refugees/) announced in July that around 5,000 Myanmar nationals currently in the immigration detention system would be repatriated as soon as Myanmar is ready to accept them – a fact that was later (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysian-pm-says-myanmar-agrees-take-5000-rohingya-refugees-malaysia-2026-07-30/) confirmed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, in response to growing concerns, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said last month that Malaysia would not return them “if they would ​either be persecuted or their lives would be threatened.” Why it has now decided to go ahead with the repatriation is unclear. Refugee and human rights advocates say that once back in Myanmar, the 1,476 people will likely be vulnerable to persecution, armed conflict, forced recruitment, torture, and other serious human rights violations. “Malaysia should not forcibly send anyone back to a country where they face persecution, torture, and serious harm,” Yap Lay Sheng of the advocacy group Fortify Rights (https://www.fortifyrights.org/mly-inv-2026-09-02/) said yesterday . “The government’s cavalier disregard for refugee lives is unacceptable and a violation of its international obligations.” The Ministry did not disclose the ethnicities of the group, but there is a good chance that many are Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine State, who have arrived in Malaysia steadily over the past two decades. The numbers have been particularly high since 2017, when an ethnic cleansing campaign by the Myanmar military pushed more than 740,000 from Rakhine State into Bangladesh. Around (https://www.unhcr.org/my/what-we-do/figures-glance-malaysia) 126,000 Rohingya asylum seekers are currently registered with UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur, around half of the agency’s total, although Malaysia does not recognize them as refugees. While they were initially welcomed by their co-religionists, public opinion has soured in recent years as the population has continued to grow. Over the past few months in particular, Rohingya have faced an upsurge of xenophobic rhetoric and public hostility, particularly online. Prominent public figures have since (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/malaysia-must-reject-hate-and-confront-myanmar-over-the-rohingya-crisis/) described them as “criminals” and “intruders” and (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/how-social-media-posts-are-fueling-the-dehumanization-of-malaysias-rohingya-population/) likened them to a “cancer” on the country, while Rohingya refugee schools across the country ​have been (https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/rohingya-schools-malaysia-face-closures-amid-online-surge-hate-speech-2026-07-27/) forced to close due to harassment and ⁠threats. In its (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/world/asia/rohingya-refugees-malaysia-myanmar.html) statement announcing the repatriation operation, Malaysia’s Home Ministry said that the influx of migrants had become a “major financial burden, caused serious social problems, and created a real security threat to the country.” Already have an account? Log in . You have reached the limit of 2 free articles this month. Get to the bottom of the story (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) Subscribe today and join thousands of diplomats, analysts, policy professionals and business readers who rely on The Diplomat for expert Asia-Pacific coverage. Get unlimited access to in-depth analysis you won't find anywhere else, from South China Sea tensions to ASEAN diplomacy to India-Pakistan relations. More than 5,000 articles a year. Unlimited articles and expert analysis Weekly newsletter with exclusive insights 16-year archive of diplomatic coverage Ad-free reading on all devices Support independent journalism (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) Subscribe Now (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) View Subscription Options Already have an account? Log in . The United Nations refugee agency says that it is not involved in Malaysia’s planned repatriation of Myanmar refugees, telling Reuters news agency that the conditions in the country were not in place for their safe return. Last week, the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/28/malaysia-to-return-1500-rohingya-refugees-next-month-despite-safety-fears) announced that it would repatriate 1,476 Myanmar nationals on September 29 aboard two Myanmar Navy warships and a hospital ship. The plan is the first phase of a voluntary repatriation program that will involve (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/28/malaysia-to-return-1500-rohingya-refugees-next-month-despite-safety-fears) around 5,000 refugees , around half of the 10,388 Myanmar nationals currently being held at immigration detention depots. The U.N. High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/unhcr-says-it-has-no-role-malaysias-planned-repatriation-myanmar-refugees-warns-2026-09-01/) told Reuters on Tuesday that it was not involved in the scheduled repatriation, and that ongoing conflict and repression made it difficult to guarantee their safe return. “Under customary international law – a binding obligation on all states – no one should be sent ​to a country where their rights or freedoms may be ​at risk,” UNHCR told the news agency. “Any refugee return must be voluntary, based on an informed decision, ‌and ⁠take place in conditions of safety and dignity.” “UNHCR urges that careful consideration be given to the protection needs of all those concerned before they ​are returned to ​Myanmar, and ⁠stands ready to engage with relevant authorities on protection safeguards,” it added. Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/malaysia-orders-un-agency-to-pause-registration-of-new-refugees/) announced in July that around 5,000 Myanmar nationals currently in the immigration detention system would be repatriated as soon as Myanmar is ready to accept them – a fact that was later (https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysian-pm-says-myanmar-agrees-take-5000-rohingya-refugees-malaysia-2026-07-30/) confirmed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, in response to growing concerns, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said last month that Malaysia would not return them “if they would ​either be persecuted or their lives would be threatened.” Why it has now decided to go ahead with the repatriation is unclear. Refugee and human rights advocates say that once back in Myanmar, the 1,476 people will likely be vulnerable to persecution, armed conflict, forced recruitment, torture, and other serious human rights violations. “Malaysia should not forcibly send anyone back to a country where they face persecution, torture, and serious harm,” Yap Lay Sheng of the advocacy group Fortify Rights (https://www.fortifyrights.org/mly-inv-2026-09-02/) said yesterday . “The government’s cavalier disregard for refugee lives is unacceptable and a violation of its international obligations.” The Ministry did not disclose the ethnicities of the group, but there is a good chance that many are Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine State, who have arrived in Malaysia steadily over the past two decades. The numbers have been particularly high since 2017, when an ethnic cleansing campaign by the Myanmar military pushed more than 740,000 from Rakhine State into Bangladesh. Around (https://www.unhcr.org/my/what-we-do/figures-glance-malaysia) 126,000 Rohingya asylum seekers are currently registered with UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur, around half of the agency’s total, although Malaysia does not recognize them as refugees. While they were initially welcomed by their co-religionists, public opinion has soured in recent years as the population has continued to grow. Over the past few months in particular, Rohingya have faced an upsurge of xenophobic rhetoric and public hostility, particularly online. Prominent public figures have since (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/malaysia-must-reject-hate-and-confront-myanmar-over-the-rohingya-crisis/) described them as “criminals” and “intruders” and (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/how-social-media-posts-are-fueling-the-dehumanization-of-malaysias-rohingya-population/) likened them to a “cancer” on the country, while Rohingya refugee schools across the country ​have been (https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/rohingya-schools-malaysia-face-closures-amid-online-surge-hate-speech-2026-07-27/) forced to close due to harassment and ⁠threats. In its (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/28/world/asia/rohingya-refugees-malaysia-myanmar.html) statement announcing the repatriation operation, Malaysia’s Home Ministry said that the influx of migrants had become a “major financial burden, caused serious social problems, and created a real security threat to the country.” Authors (Sebastian Strangio) (Sebastian Strangio) Staff Author Sebastian Strangio Sebastian Strangio is Southeast Asia editor at The Diplomat. (https://thediplomat.com/authors/sebastian-strangio/) View Profile Tags (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia (https://thediplomat.com/countries/malaysia/) Malaysia (https://thediplomat.com/countries/myanmar/) Myanmar (https://thediplomat.com/tag/malaysia-immigration/) Malaysia immigration (https://thediplomat.com/tag/malaysia-rohingya-refugees/) Malaysia Rohingya refugees (https://thediplomat.com/tag/myanmar-refugees/) Myanmar refugees (https://thediplomat.com/tag/myanmar-refugees-in-malaysia/) Myanmar refugees in Malaysia (https://thediplomat.com/tag/unhcr/) UNHCR (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading Advertisement (https://thediplomat.com/category/blogs/) Latest Stories (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/us-allies-in-asia-are-paying-for-the-iran-stalemate/) (US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate) (US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate) US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/central-asias-energy-transition-depends-on-water-security/) (Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security) (Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security) Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/k-beautys-brazil-push-signals-a-new-type-of-korean-diplomacy/) (K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy) (K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy) K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/security-is-the-key-to-resolving-the-thai-cambodia-border-conflict/) (Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict) (Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict) Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict Advertisement Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter Get briefed on the story of the week, and developing stories to watch across the Asia-Pacific. (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Get the Newsletter Advertisement Related (https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/defying-court-order-malaysia-deports-asylum-seekers-to-myanmar/) (Defying Court Order, Malaysia Deports Asylum Seekers to Myanmar) (Defying Court Order, Malaysia Deports Asylum Seekers to Myanmar) Defying Court Order, Malaysia Deports Asylum Seekers to Myanmar By Sebastian Strangio The U.N. refugee agency claims that the group included registered asylum seekers. (https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/rights-groups-attack-malaysias-abhorrent-deportation-plan/) (Rights Groups Attack Malaysia’s ‘Abhorrent’ Deportation Plan) (Rights Groups Attack Malaysia’s ‘Abhorrent’ Deportation Plan) Rights Groups Attack Malaysia’s ‘Abhorrent’ Deportation Plan By Sebastian Strangio Shortly after its coup d'etat, Myanmar's military junta offered to help Malaysian authorities deport some 1,200 people. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/07/more-than-500-feared-dead-after-reported-shipwrecks-off-myanmars-coast-un-says/) (More Than 500 Feared Dead After Reported Shipwrecks Off Myanmar’s Coast, UN Says) (More Than 500 Feared Dead After Reported Shipwrecks Off Myanmar’s Coast, UN Says) More Than 500 Feared Dead After Reported Shipwrecks Off Myanmar’s Coast, UN Says By Sebastian Strangio The reports come on top of the 300 people already reported missing or drowned in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal in 2026. (https://thediplomat.com/2025/04/myanmar-refugees-in-southeast-asia-struggle-after-us-aid-cuts/) (Myanmar Refugees in Southeast Asia Struggle After US Aid Cuts) (Myanmar Refugees in Southeast Asia Struggle After US Aid Cuts) Myanmar Refugees in Southeast Asia Struggle After US Aid Cuts By Tim Yuen Lingk The Trump administration's gutting of USAID and suspension of global refugee resettlement programs has exacerbated the livelihood concerns of refugees in the region. Most Read (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/vietnam-demands-immediate-cessation-to-construction-activities-in-paracel-islands/) (Vietnam Demands ‘Immediate Cessation’ to Construction Activities in Paracel Islands) (Vietnam Demands ‘Immediate Cessation’ to Construction Activities in Paracel Islands) Vietnam Demands ‘Immediate Cessation’ to Construction Activities in Paracel Islands By Sebastian Strangio The request follows reports of extensive Chinese construction activities on Antelope Reef and a nearby islet. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/the-tibet-nepal-flood-is-a-himalayan-climate-security-warning/) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning By Saroj Kumar Aryal and Jagannath Panda The catastrophic flood this week proves that Tibet needs to be at the center of international climate security discussions. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/what-is-life-really-like-under-the-taliban-we-asked-afghan-women/) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women. Online influencers are framing Afghanistan as a a beautiful, welcoming “hidden gem.” That may be true for tourists – but what about the women who live there? (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/china-isnt-winning-the-digital-order-yet/) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet By Ilaria Carrozza In Southeast Asia, Beijing is building the digital infrastructure, but not (yet) writing the rules. (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/job-opportunity-multilingual-translation-project-coordinator-in-tokyo/) (Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo) (Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo) Job Opportunity: Multilingual Translation Project Coordinator in Tokyo Diplomat affiliate MHT Corporation is seeking a Japan-based multilingual professional to coordinate translation projects. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/we-are-horrified-academic-freedom-at-risk-with-uzbek-professors-arrest-in-kazakhstan/) (‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan) (‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan) ‘We Are Horrified’: Academic Freedom at Risk With Uzbek Professor’s Arrest in Kazakhstan By Catherine Putz Dr. Ikboljon Qoraboyev's arrest on espionage charges has sent shockwaves through Kazakhstan’s increasingly internationalized academic sector. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/land-seizures-in-the-name-of-development-in-vietnam/) (Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam) (Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam) Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam By Christelle Nguyen More and more Vietnamese are being forcibly displaced to make way for development. Many are reluctant to speak out, because “between a victim and a criminal lies only a fragile line.” (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/how-great-power-rivalry-is-fracturing-the-pacific-islands-forum/) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum By Jozef Huljak Absences from this year's Leaders' Meeting are raising questions about the group's solidarity amid growing China-U.S. competition. (https://thediplomat.com/category/blogs/) Latest Stories (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/us-allies-in-asia-are-paying-for-the-iran-stalemate/) (US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate) (US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate) US Allies in Asia Are Paying for the Iran Stalemate By Alexandru Filip The U.S. administration lacks the willingness to confront China and Russia over their assistance to Iran, and Asian allies are paying the price. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/central-asias-energy-transition-depends-on-water-security/) (Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security) (Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security) Central Asia’s Energy Transition Depends on Water Security By Kamila Fayzieva A more integrated and flexible power system could give Central Asian states greater room to manage drought, hydropower volatility, and competing demands for water. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/k-beautys-brazil-push-signals-a-new-type-of-korean-diplomacy/) (K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy) (K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy) K-Beauty’s Brazil Push Signals a New Type of Korean Diplomacy By Nicole Choi As strange as it sounds, the Korean beauty industry is playing an increasingly important role in Seoul’s foreign policy calculus. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/security-is-the-key-to-resolving-the-thai-cambodia-border-conflict/) (Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict) (Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict) Security Is the Key to Resolving the Thai-Cambodia Border Conflict By Sihasak Phuangketkeow “The first step is security: uphold the ceasefire, reduce military risks, clear mines, strengthen law enforcement, and cooperate against criminal networks.” Regions (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia Topics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society Blogs (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense (https://thediplomat.com/category/china-power/) China Power (https://thediplomat.com/category/crossroads-asia/) Crossroads Asia (https://thediplomat.com/category/flashpoints/) Flashpoints (https://thediplomat.com/category/oceania/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/category/pacific-money/) Pacific Money (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-debate/) The Debate (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-koreas/) The Koreas (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-pulse/) The Pulse (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-report/) Tokyo Report (https://thediplomat.com/category/trans-pacific-view/) Trans-Pacific View More (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/category/interviews/) Interviews (https://thediplomat.com/category/photo-essays/) Photo Essays (https://thediplomat.com/category/podcasts/) Podcasts (https://thediplomat.com/category/videos/) Videos Archives (https://magazine.thediplomat.com) Magazine (https://thediplomat.com/category/a-new-japan/) A New Japan (https://thediplomat.com/category/by-other-means/) By Other Means (https://thediplomat.com/category/apac-insider/) APAC Insider (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-life/) Asia Life (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-scope/) Asia Scope (https://thediplomat.com/category/whats-next-china/) China, What's Next? (https://thediplomat.com/category/indian-decade/) Indian Decade (https://thediplomat.com/category/james-holmes/) James Holmes (https://thediplomat.com/category/new-emissary/) New Emissary (https://thediplomat.com/category/new-leaders-forum/) New Leaders Forum (https://thediplomat.com/category/sport-culture/) Sport & Culture (https://thediplomat.com/category/tech-biz/) Tech Biz (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-notes/) Tokyo Notes (https://thediplomat.com/category/zachary-keck/) Zachary Keck The Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/the-diplomat/) About Us (https://thediplomat.com/contact-us/) Contact Us (https://thediplomat.com/write-for-us/) Write for Us (https://thediplomat.com/about-us/advertise/) Advertise (https://thediplomat.com/syndication/) Syndicate (https://thediplomat.com/terms-of-use/) Terms of Use (https://thediplomat.com/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Newsletters (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscriptions Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/feed/) (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) (Newsletter) (https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMIaoowwwhqCyBA) (Google News) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediplomat) (LinkedIn) (https://www.facebook.com/diplomatmagazine) (Facebook) (https://bsky.app/profile/thediplomat.com) (Bluesky) (https://x.com/Diplomat_APAC) (X) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmksR2jAphI96PPCwvPO02g) (YouTube) © 2026 Diplomat Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.