To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the (a) human rights and (b) humanitarian situation of refugees living in Malaysia. (129961)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that there are 40,000-60,000 “persons of concern” in Malaysia. There are concerns about the treatment of refugees, and those claiming refugee status, and there are problems over recognition of refugee papers issued by the UNHCR. Access to people claiming refugee status, or facing deportation, can be difficult.

The UNHCR believes that many refugees or those seeking refugee status are able to find work in the ‘black economy’ to support themselves, or find support from their ethnic communities in Malaysia.

The UNHCR reports that recent moves to clamp down on suspected illegal immigrants have resulted in human rights violations. Around 20,000 arrests were made in 2006. Those arrested are usually placed in detention camps prior to deportation. The camps are overcrowded, unhygienic, and fail to provide properly for women and children.

Our high commission in Kuala Lumpur keeps in regular contact with the UNHCR in Malaysia. The high commission has consistently supported the work of the UNHCR, including in addressing the issue of recognition of UNHCR-certified persons of concern. We are working with the UNHCR on the way forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken by her Department to address the issue of the deportation of UNHCR-registered refugees from Malaysia. (129963)

Our high commission in Kuala Lumpur keeps in regular contact with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia. The high commission has consistently supported the work of the UNHCR, including in addressing the issue of deportations from Malaysia. We are working with the UNHCR on the way forward and will continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Malaysian government on recognition of UNHCR-certified persons of concern. (129964)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not discussed this issue with the Malaysian government. However, our high commission in Kuala Lumpur keeps in regular contact with the UN high commissioner for refugees in Malaysia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Malaysian government on recognition of the authority of the UNHCR. (129965)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not made any representations to the Malaysian government on this issue.