Malaysia Calls For Greater Burden Sharing For Rohingya Refugees

By V Sankara

NEW YORK, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, which hosts a large Rohingya refugee population, has pressed the international community to shoulder greater responsibility for the  protracted crisis in Myanmar, saying any credible solution must address its root causes and pave the way for their safe return to their places of origin.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said a sustainable solution to the Rohingya issue must address its root causes, including citizenship status, while creating conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Rakhine State.

“Greater international burden and responsibility sharing is urgently needed to support countries hosting Rohingya refugees,” he said in his intervention at the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers at the United Nations headquarters here on Thursday.

Alongside efforts to find a sustainable solution, Mohamad said Malaysia remained committed to accountability for human rights violations and supported The Gambia’s case against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He said Malaysia was also actively contributing to the OIC Fund for Rohingya and strongly encouraged other OIC member states to contribute generously.

Turning to Afghanistan, Mohamad said Malaysia remained committed to supporting humanitarian and socioeconomic development as well as practical initiatives in the country.

He said Global Peace Mission (GPM) Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding with the OIC Kabul Mission on Aug 10 this year to implement the “Enhancing Girls’ Education in Afghanistan” initiative. The initiative supports the renovation of two girls’ schools in Kabul and the provision of essential equipment.

“Malaysia views this initiative as a concrete contribution to supporting girls’ education and strengthening cooperation with the OIC in Afghanistan,” he said.

Mohamad said Malaysia supported the OIC policy of constructive engagement with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, while firmly underscoring the need for them to fulfil their international obligations and commitments.

“Maintaining channels of communication is critical to advancing inclusivity, addressing concerns and building confidence towards lasting peace and stability,” he said, adding that Malaysia joined the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan in February 2026 and looked forward to contributing constructively to these efforts.

Mohamad is in New York from Sept 23 to 27 to lead Malaysia’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

-- BERNAMA