May 9, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — Malaysia’s refugee deal with Australia has drawn harsh criticism from local leaders and pressure groups here, who claimed today the agreement is in violation of asylum seekers’ right not to be forcibly deported. Human rights group Lawyers for Liberty also voiced fears that Australia’s bid to “outsource” its international obligation…

On 7.5.2011, Australia and Malaysia announced a bilateral agreement which sought to transfer up to 800 asylum seekers who have arrived in Australia by sea to Malaysia while their asylum claims are being processed by the UNHCR. In return, Australia will resettle 4,000 refugees currently residing in Malaysia over a period of four years. While Australia’s agreement to accept…