Rohingya refugee in Malaysia

Currently, as many as 154,000 Rohingya live in Malaysia, where they are considered “illegal” migrants, regardless of whether they are registered with the UNHCR_and most are not. Malaysia is a favored nation of destination for the Rohingya because, among other reasons, they are less likely to be arbitrarily deported after arriving there than in other regional nations. And yet, the conditions are dire and Rohingya families struggle to ensure their children are educated and that they can secure work without constant harassment and danger. The fact that Malaysia is the preferred destination for Rohingya is a testament to the damning circumstances in which the Rohingya live in Myanmar and elsewhere. Regionally, none of the nations to which the Rohingya have fled are signatories to the UN Refugee Convention. Like Malaysia, they do not provide them with access to lawful work, health care, education, or protection from police abuse or employer exploitation. Being a signatory to the Refugee Convention, however, is not a prerequisite for protecting refugees and supporting their rights. It is a reportage of Malaysia's Rohingya refugees.