This document discusses the role and mandate of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) office in Malaysia and the challenges it faces. It provides background on the establishment of UNHCR and its core mandate to protect refugees internationally on a non-political basis. The document outlines UNHCR's functions such as determining refugee status, providing shelter and assistance, and promoting international refugee conventions. It also discusses UNHCR's supervisory role over the 1951 Refugee Convention and challenges in fulfilling its mandate given limitations but need to engage with political issues among states. The relationship between UNHCR and authorities in Malaysia needs improvement to better respect UNHCR's role and powers in protecting refugees.
Abstract:
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P or RtoP) is a global political commitment which was endorsed by all member states of the United Nations at the 2005 World Summit to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity The principle of the Responsibility to Protect is based upon the underlying premise that sovereignty entails a responsibility to protect all populations from mass atrocity crimes and human rights violations. The principle is based on a respect for the norms and principles of international law, especially the underlying principles of law relating to sovereignty, peace and security, human rights, and armed conflict. The Responsibility to Protect provides a framework for employing measures that already exist (i.e., mediation, early warning mechanisms, economic sanctions, and chapter VII powers) to prevent atrocity crimes and to protect civilians from their occurrence. The authority to employ the use of force under the framework of the Responsibility to Protect rests solely with United Nations Security Council and is considered a measure of last resort. The United Nations Secretary-General has published annual reports on the Responsibility to Protect since 2009 that expand on the measures available to governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, as well as the private sector, to prevent atrocity crimes. The Responsibility to Protect has been the subject of considerable debate, particularly regarding the implementation of the principle by various actors in the context of country-specific situations, such as Libya, Syria, Sudan and Kenya, for example. It has also been argued that commensurate with the responsibility to protect, international law should also recognize a right for populations to offer militarily organized resistance to protect themselves against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes on a massive scale.
http://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/about-responsibility-to-protect.html
RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_to_protect
Responsibility to protect
http://www.globalr2p.org/about_r2p
About R2P
http://www.globalr2p.org/media/files/r2p-backgrounder.pdf
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brookings-now/2013/07/24/what-is-the-responsibility-to-protect/
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
http://foreignpolicy.com/2011/10/11/responsibility-to-protect-a-short-history/
Research Interests: Responsibility to Protect and The principle of the Responsibility to Protect
The Convention on Migrant Workers’ Rights, adopted by consensus in 1990 by the General Assembly, has been called the best-kept secret of the United Nations: so far, it has been ratified by only 47 states, and none of them belongs to Western countries. The article questions the existence of legal reasons that can explain this indifference comparable to a real boycott and comes to the conclusion that, on the contrary, the explanation must be sought in extra-juridical grounds that demonstrate once again the Western countries’ bad faith in the promotion of human rights
THE CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONSpaperpublications3
Abstract: The study looked at the creation of International Governmental Institutions (IGIs) with emphasis on the international cooperation; the development of IGIs, the development of the position of the international public official, how International Public Officials differ from National Public Officials, and how they conduct international public administration. This study concluded with giving the reader the importance of International Public Administration.
Humanitarian crises and the management of Refugees in Central Africa (A case...Kempess
This article is a vivid study of the phenomenon, conditions and socio -economic situations of Refugees in Cameroon. With field interviews and in-depth research , the article It explores the causes of the refugee problem in Cameroon, dis into their living conditions and makes recommendations to Government, policy makers and international stakeholders for the improvement of the refugee treatments and better management of refugee crises in Cameroon and Africa.
Abstract:
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P or RtoP) is a global political commitment which was endorsed by all member states of the United Nations at the 2005 World Summit to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity The principle of the Responsibility to Protect is based upon the underlying premise that sovereignty entails a responsibility to protect all populations from mass atrocity crimes and human rights violations. The principle is based on a respect for the norms and principles of international law, especially the underlying principles of law relating to sovereignty, peace and security, human rights, and armed conflict. The Responsibility to Protect provides a framework for employing measures that already exist (i.e., mediation, early warning mechanisms, economic sanctions, and chapter VII powers) to prevent atrocity crimes and to protect civilians from their occurrence. The authority to employ the use of force under the framework of the Responsibility to Protect rests solely with United Nations Security Council and is considered a measure of last resort. The United Nations Secretary-General has published annual reports on the Responsibility to Protect since 2009 that expand on the measures available to governments, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, as well as the private sector, to prevent atrocity crimes. The Responsibility to Protect has been the subject of considerable debate, particularly regarding the implementation of the principle by various actors in the context of country-specific situations, such as Libya, Syria, Sudan and Kenya, for example. It has also been argued that commensurate with the responsibility to protect, international law should also recognize a right for populations to offer militarily organized resistance to protect themselves against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes on a massive scale.
http://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/about-responsibility-to-protect.html
RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsibility_to_protect
Responsibility to protect
http://www.globalr2p.org/about_r2p
About R2P
http://www.globalr2p.org/media/files/r2p-backgrounder.pdf
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brookings-now/2013/07/24/what-is-the-responsibility-to-protect/
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT
http://foreignpolicy.com/2011/10/11/responsibility-to-protect-a-short-history/
Research Interests: Responsibility to Protect and The principle of the Responsibility to Protect
The Convention on Migrant Workers’ Rights, adopted by consensus in 1990 by the General Assembly, has been called the best-kept secret of the United Nations: so far, it has been ratified by only 47 states, and none of them belongs to Western countries. The article questions the existence of legal reasons that can explain this indifference comparable to a real boycott and comes to the conclusion that, on the contrary, the explanation must be sought in extra-juridical grounds that demonstrate once again the Western countries’ bad faith in the promotion of human rights
THE CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONSpaperpublications3
Abstract: The study looked at the creation of International Governmental Institutions (IGIs) with emphasis on the international cooperation; the development of IGIs, the development of the position of the international public official, how International Public Officials differ from National Public Officials, and how they conduct international public administration. This study concluded with giving the reader the importance of International Public Administration.
Humanitarian crises and the management of Refugees in Central Africa (A case...Kempess
This article is a vivid study of the phenomenon, conditions and socio -economic situations of Refugees in Cameroon. With field interviews and in-depth research , the article It explores the causes of the refugee problem in Cameroon, dis into their living conditions and makes recommendations to Government, policy makers and international stakeholders for the improvement of the refugee treatments and better management of refugee crises in Cameroon and Africa.
Abstract
Immediately after the Cold war, there was a general optimism of an international system that would
enable the component nation-states to pursue economic growth and greater independence. Despite
the various strategies by the component nation states in the international system to attain self-
sufficiency in economic terms and thus reduce dependence on other nation states for their needs
and survival thereby weakening bilateral relations, the contemporary realities of the international
system in the face of global security challenges pose a compelling sustained cooperation and
collaboration among the nation states in the international system. Global security includes military
and diplomatic measures that nations and international organizations such as the United Nations
(UN) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) take to ensure mutual safety and security.
It also includes the regional and sub-regional collaborative strategies at combating security
challenges. Diplomacy and global security are among the most pressing issues facing the world
today. Success or failure can have huge implications for the international community and society
as a whole. This paper submits that global security will remain a compelling factor in diplomatic
relations in the twenty-first century.
Loopholes in the sand how europe is outsourcing its international obligationsWillem Kleinendorst
The EU migration policy has been a hot topic for several years. Until today there is still no clear solution to the refugee crisis, leaving EU member states divided over how to deal with the situation. Meanwhile member states and refugees have stated to take matters into their own hands. Through bi-lateral agreements Europe has slowly but surely started to outsource its border control operations to third countries. Through these bi-lateral migration deals the EU cannot be held liable for their consequences. In essence, this paper will investigate Europe’s bi-lateral migration policy by using Libya as a case study. On the basis of the findings of the research a conclusion will be drawn and recommendations issued.
WEEKLY JOB BULLETIN - WEEK 22
Please be aware, that in order to open the URLs in the PDF file, you need to download the document. This, however, does not apply if you use your mobile application. Thank you for your understanding.
Dear Colleagues,
Please find attached our weekly bulletin, in which we commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The theme of the year marks the upcoming 20th anniversary when for the first time the Security Council explicitly mandated a peacekeeping mission to protect civilians.
Have a nice weekend!
Kind regards,
Andras
Problems of UN Funding & Legal Issues Concerning PeacekeepingNilendra Kumar
Above two issues have been highlighted in this presentation made at the 11th Winter Course on International Law organized by Indian Society of International Law during Jan 2022.
Historically, international humanitarian law (IHL) through the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 has required the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions provide guidance with regard to the obligations of states and parties to a conflict to apply the principle of distinction and to ensure precaution in attack as they pursue their military objectives. This was the first international legal framework to provide for the protection of civilians and forms the foundation of the ‘Protection of Civilians’ concept.
Throughout the 1990s, devastating failures to protect civilians from violence and atrocities shaped thinking at the United Nations (UN) and gave rise to a more expansive concept of Protection of Civilians, incorporating international human rights law, international refugee law, and including best practices in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian response. This is reflected in the adoption of Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict as a thematic concern of the UN Security Council, and the development of policy and guidance relating to civilian protection since 1999, at the United Nations and elsewhere. The term ‘Protection of Civilians’ has expanded from a set of legal obligations in IHL to a conceptual and operational framework used by multiple ‘protection actors’ and practitioners—military and civilian, political and humanitarian.
The concept of Protection of Civilians has developed in response to conflicts and crises as they emerged and as a result has developed unevenly. Combined with the fact that there is no operational definition of Protection of Civilians, there is a perception among protection practitioners that different actors involved in providing protection to people caught up in crisis understand and implement the concept differently. This perception raised questions among the researchers as to whether different understandings actually exist, and if so what the implications for the implementation of civilian protection might be. This gave rise to a research project titled In Search of Common Ground – Understanding Civilian Protection Language and Practice for Civil and Military Practitioners.
Presentasi ini merupakan materi dari perkuliahan umum mengenai peran PBB dan UNODC di dunia dan Indonesia.
Presentasi dibawakan oleh Bapak Paku Utama, Konsultan UNODC di Auditorium Budi Luhur
Abstract
Immediately after the Cold war, there was a general optimism of an international system that would
enable the component nation-states to pursue economic growth and greater independence. Despite
the various strategies by the component nation states in the international system to attain self-
sufficiency in economic terms and thus reduce dependence on other nation states for their needs
and survival thereby weakening bilateral relations, the contemporary realities of the international
system in the face of global security challenges pose a compelling sustained cooperation and
collaboration among the nation states in the international system. Global security includes military
and diplomatic measures that nations and international organizations such as the United Nations
(UN) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) take to ensure mutual safety and security.
It also includes the regional and sub-regional collaborative strategies at combating security
challenges. Diplomacy and global security are among the most pressing issues facing the world
today. Success or failure can have huge implications for the international community and society
as a whole. This paper submits that global security will remain a compelling factor in diplomatic
relations in the twenty-first century.
Loopholes in the sand how europe is outsourcing its international obligationsWillem Kleinendorst
The EU migration policy has been a hot topic for several years. Until today there is still no clear solution to the refugee crisis, leaving EU member states divided over how to deal with the situation. Meanwhile member states and refugees have stated to take matters into their own hands. Through bi-lateral agreements Europe has slowly but surely started to outsource its border control operations to third countries. Through these bi-lateral migration deals the EU cannot be held liable for their consequences. In essence, this paper will investigate Europe’s bi-lateral migration policy by using Libya as a case study. On the basis of the findings of the research a conclusion will be drawn and recommendations issued.
WEEKLY JOB BULLETIN - WEEK 22
Please be aware, that in order to open the URLs in the PDF file, you need to download the document. This, however, does not apply if you use your mobile application. Thank you for your understanding.
Dear Colleagues,
Please find attached our weekly bulletin, in which we commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The theme of the year marks the upcoming 20th anniversary when for the first time the Security Council explicitly mandated a peacekeeping mission to protect civilians.
Have a nice weekend!
Kind regards,
Andras
Problems of UN Funding & Legal Issues Concerning PeacekeepingNilendra Kumar
Above two issues have been highlighted in this presentation made at the 11th Winter Course on International Law organized by Indian Society of International Law during Jan 2022.
Historically, international humanitarian law (IHL) through the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 has required the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions provide guidance with regard to the obligations of states and parties to a conflict to apply the principle of distinction and to ensure precaution in attack as they pursue their military objectives. This was the first international legal framework to provide for the protection of civilians and forms the foundation of the ‘Protection of Civilians’ concept.
Throughout the 1990s, devastating failures to protect civilians from violence and atrocities shaped thinking at the United Nations (UN) and gave rise to a more expansive concept of Protection of Civilians, incorporating international human rights law, international refugee law, and including best practices in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian response. This is reflected in the adoption of Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict as a thematic concern of the UN Security Council, and the development of policy and guidance relating to civilian protection since 1999, at the United Nations and elsewhere. The term ‘Protection of Civilians’ has expanded from a set of legal obligations in IHL to a conceptual and operational framework used by multiple ‘protection actors’ and practitioners—military and civilian, political and humanitarian.
The concept of Protection of Civilians has developed in response to conflicts and crises as they emerged and as a result has developed unevenly. Combined with the fact that there is no operational definition of Protection of Civilians, there is a perception among protection practitioners that different actors involved in providing protection to people caught up in crisis understand and implement the concept differently. This perception raised questions among the researchers as to whether different understandings actually exist, and if so what the implications for the implementation of civilian protection might be. This gave rise to a research project titled In Search of Common Ground – Understanding Civilian Protection Language and Practice for Civil and Military Practitioners.
Presentasi ini merupakan materi dari perkuliahan umum mengenai peran PBB dan UNODC di dunia dan Indonesia.
Presentasi dibawakan oleh Bapak Paku Utama, Konsultan UNODC di Auditorium Budi Luhur
UN Guiding Principles on IDPs (1998 English)fatanews
Principle 22 - Internally displaced persons, whether or not they are living in camps, shall not be discriminated against as a result of their displacement in the enjoyment of the right to vote and to participate in governmental and public affairs, including the right to have access to the means necessary to exercise this right.
This Global Appeal provides updated information for governments, private donors, partners and other readers interested in UNHCR’s priorities and budgeted activities for 2023 to protect and improve the lives of tens of millions of people – refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees, internally displaced people, stateless persons, and others of concern to UNHCR. It highlights the challenges faced by UNHCR and its partners in attempting to respond to multiple life-threatening crises and ever-growing humanitarian needs
AHMR is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed on-line journal created to encourage and facilitate the study of all aspects (socioeconomic, political, legislative and developmental) of Human Mobility in Africa. Through the publication of original research, policy discussions and evidence research papers, AHMR provides a comprehensive forum devoted exclusively to the analysis of contemporaneous trends, migration patterns and some of the most important migration-related issues.
THE ORIGIN OF THE POST OF THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OFFICIALpaperpublications3
Abstract: This study established that the International Public Official (IPO) exists as a result of international agreements between sovereign states. Secondly, IPOs function exclusively in the interest of the international community, which comes about as a result of such agreements. Thirdly, IPOs do not belong to the administrative system of any state and have a special status.
International responses to conflict and complex humanitarian emergencies are diverse and multifaceted. Different actors – among them non-government organisations (NGOs), the United Nations (UN) protection mandated organisations, UN peacekeeping forces, both military and police – all have a role to play to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on civilian populations.
Over the last 13 years a significant amount of work has been done to improve the international community’s response in relation to the protection of civilians (POC). This has been led by different actors – the UN Security Council, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the humanitarian community made up of UN humanitarian agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and NGOs – all working in the same complex humanitarian contexts.
Despite the development of POC, there is a perceived ‘disconnect’ between the understanding of different forms of protection, the different disciplines practising or working on the POC, and the different guidance and legal regimes imposing obligations on both state and non-state actors in the area of protection.
This paper is the first contribution to a broader research project that aims to determine whether the perceived disconnect between actors involved in protection work is real or anecdotal. By exploring the evolution of protection language and policy through the UN Security Council, DPKO and the humanitarian community, it is possible to develop an improved understanding of some of the reasons for distinct protection policies and definitions that exist between different actors. Some initial variations in the interpretation of POC are quick to emerge, giving rise to additional questions about how the distinctions can be better understood.
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur focuses on children deprived of their liberty from the perspective of the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
In the report, the Special Rapporteur explores the international legal framework and standards protecting children deprived of their liberty from being subjected to torture or other ill-treatment and from experiencing developmentally harmful and torturous conditions of confinement. He also examines specific statutes and standards applying to prevent torture and ill-treatment of children deprived of liberty, and shortcomings in the practical implementation of legal standards.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights
B1/2, Ground Floor,
Malviya Nagar
New Delhi - 110017
Tel: +91-26677412,26673599
Fax: +91-26674688
Website: www.haqcrc.org
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaqCentreForChildRights
Military Commissions details LtCol Thomas Jasper as Detailed Defense CounselThomas (Tom) Jasper
Military Commissions Trial Judiciary, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Notice of the Chief Defense Counsel's detailing of LtCol Thomas F. Jasper, Jr. USMC, as Detailed Defense Counsel for Abd Al Hadi Al-Iraqi on 6 August 2014 in the case of United States v. Hadi al Iraqi (10026)
WINDING UP of COMPANY, Modes of DissolutionKHURRAMWALI
Winding up, also known as liquidation, refers to the legal and financial process of dissolving a company. It involves ceasing operations, selling assets, settling debts, and ultimately removing the company from the official business registry.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of winding up:
Reasons for Winding Up:
Insolvency: This is the most common reason, where the company cannot pay its debts. Creditors may initiate a compulsory winding up to recover their dues.
Voluntary Closure: The owners may decide to close the company due to reasons like reaching business goals, facing losses, or merging with another company.
Deadlock: If shareholders or directors cannot agree on how to run the company, a court may order a winding up.
Types of Winding Up:
Voluntary Winding Up: This is initiated by the company's shareholders through a resolution passed by a majority vote. There are two main types:
Members' Voluntary Winding Up: The company is solvent (has enough assets to pay off its debts) and shareholders will receive any remaining assets after debts are settled.
Creditors' Voluntary Winding Up: The company is insolvent and creditors will be prioritized in receiving payment from the sale of assets.
Compulsory Winding Up: This is initiated by a court order, typically at the request of creditors, government agencies, or even by the company itself if it's insolvent.
Process of Winding Up:
Appointment of Liquidator: A qualified professional is appointed to oversee the winding-up process. They are responsible for selling assets, paying off debts, and distributing any remaining funds.
Cease Trading: The company stops its regular business operations.
Notification of Creditors: Creditors are informed about the winding up and invited to submit their claims.
Sale of Assets: The company's assets are sold to generate cash to pay off creditors.
Payment of Debts: Creditors are paid according to a set order of priority, with secured creditors receiving payment before unsecured creditors.
Distribution to Shareholders: If there are any remaining funds after all debts are settled, they are distributed to shareholders according to their ownership stake.
Dissolution: Once all claims are settled and distributions made, the company is officially dissolved and removed from the business register.
Impact of Winding Up:
Employees: Employees will likely lose their jobs during the winding-up process.
Creditors: Creditors may not recover their debts in full, especially if the company is insolvent.
Shareholders: Shareholders may not receive any payout if the company's debts exceed its assets.
Winding up is a complex legal and financial process that can have significant consequences for all parties involved. It's important to seek professional legal and financial advice when considering winding up a company.
NATURE, ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL LAW.pptxanvithaav
These slides helps the student of international law to understand what is the nature of international law? and how international law was originated and developed?.
The slides was well structured along with the highlighted points for better understanding .
In 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a committee led by Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, former Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Delhi. This committee was tasked with reviewing the three codes of criminal law. The primary objective of the committee was to propose comprehensive reforms to the country’s criminal laws in a manner that is both principled and effective.
The committee’s focus was on ensuring the safety and security of individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. Throughout its deliberations, the committee aimed to uphold constitutional values such as justice, dignity, and the intrinsic value of each individual. Their goal was to recommend amendments to the criminal laws that align with these values and priorities.
Subsequently, in February, the committee successfully submitted its recommendations regarding amendments to the criminal law. These recommendations are intended to serve as a foundation for enhancing the current legal framework, promoting safety and security, and upholding the constitutional principles of justice, dignity, and the inherent worth of every individual.
Responsibilities of the office bearers while registering multi-state cooperat...Finlaw Consultancy Pvt Ltd
Introduction-
The process of register multi-state cooperative society in India is governed by the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. This process requires the office bearers to undertake several crucial responsibilities to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The key office bearers typically include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with other elected members of the managing committee. Their responsibilities encompass administrative, legal, and financial duties essential for the successful registration and operation of the society.
How to Obtain Permanent Residency in the NetherlandsBridgeWest.eu
You can rely on our assistance if you are ready to apply for permanent residency. Find out more at: https://immigration-netherlands.com/obtain-a-permanent-residence-permit-in-the-netherlands/.
1. Proceeding - Kuala Lumpur International Business, Economics and Law Conference Vol. 4.
November 29 - 30, 2014. Hotel Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN 978-967-11350-4-4
291
THE UNHCR IN MALAYSIA: THE MANDATE
AND CHALLENGES
Dina Imam Supaat
Faculty Of Syariah And Law
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
Email: dinasupaat@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to show that UNHCR plays a significant role in the protection of refugees in Malaysia even though it encountered endless challenges. This study analyses the role and duty of the UNHCR office in Malaysia since its first involvement during the Indochina refugee crisis in Southeast Asia. Specifically, it explains and analyses the challenges that UNHCR face in fulfilling its mandated duty in the country. The study covers the historical aspect of the UNHCR establishment and the definition of refugees. It also includes deliberation on UNHCR activities in Malaysia with particular attention to its protection work since 1970s to this date. With limited power the UNHCR is tested with legal issues surrounding refugees and the real value of UNHCR’s work. This study argues that the relationship between UNHCR and the authority should be regulated and that UNHCR power must be respected and given due weight.
Keywords: UNHCR, refugee in Malaysia, protection challenges.
2. Proceeding - Kuala Lumpur International Business, Economics and Law Conference Vol. 4.
November 29 - 30, 2014. Hotel Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN 978-967-11350-4-4
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INTRODUCTION
The UNHCR is to refugees what UNICEF is to children - it provides protection via determination of refugee status, providing shelters and material assistance. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 (General Assembly Resolution, 1949) and the Statute of the Office of the UNHCR (UNHCR Statute) was adopted a year later (General Assembly Resolution, 1950). Its core mandate, according to Article 2 of the UNHCR Statute, is to provide international protection to refugees on a non-political basis and to seek permanent solutions for the refugee problem by assisting the government and private organisations in aiding refugees to return to their country of origin or voluntary repatriation and integration in a new community, either locally or in a third country.
UNHCR is the only supervisory body ever established by the UN with exclusive responsibility to watch over the implementation of the refugee convention (Goodwin- Gill and Jane Mc Adam, 2007) and its protection work is described in Article 2 of Statute of the Office of the UNHCR as purely humanitarian and social. Similar to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (CRSR), the original plan of the United Nations General Assembly was to adopt the agency as a temporary measure in which the General Assembly as stated in Article 5 of the UNHCR statute is required to review whether the UNHCR office should continue with its function beyond 31 December 1953.
Today, after more than five decades, the UNHCR has been entrusted with a widening mandate to protect refugees ‘until the problem of refugees is solved’ (UNGA, 2003). The UNHCR is governed by the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme (ExCom) whose main objective is to advise the High Commissioner in the execution of its functions. Under Resolution XII 1166, 26 November 1957, the UNGA has requested the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to establish an Executive Committee of the Programme of the UNHCR which ‘consist of representatives of from twenty to twenty-five States Members of the United Nations or members of any of the specialized agencies, to be elected by the Council on the widest possible geographical basis from those States with a demonstrated interest in, and devotion to, the solution of the refugee problem’. Other functions of the ExCom are to review funds, to authorise appeals for funds and approve proposed budgets, and to advise and approve refugee assistance programmes. The ExCom has also produced various documents including reports, summaries and Conclusions, to guide states in putting the 1951 Convention and its Protocols into practice. The Conclusions are soft laws which are not legally binding but they provides guidelines of good practice and could constitute evidence of opinio juris in establishing the customary rule of refugee protection (Goodwin- Gill and Jane Mc Adam, 2007) such as the principle of non- refoulement.
THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS
Functions of the UNHCR office are provided under Article 8 of the UNHCR statute and its responsibility has further developed through the UNGA and the ECOSOC provisions (UNGA, 1994). These include, but are not limited to, the following: promoting the Conclusions of international conventions for the protection of refugees by supervising their application and proposing amendments; promoting through special agreements with governments the execution of measures to improve the situation of refugees and to reduce the number in need of protection; and promoting the admission of refugees to contracting states or to countries of temporary refuge. The office is also responsible for promoting activities relating to the application to national laws and regulations that would benefit refugees. By virtue of Article 3 of the UNHCR statute, UNGA and ECOSOC may, through
3. Proceeding - Kuala Lumpur International Business, Economics and Law Conference Vol. 4.
November 29 - 30, 2014. Hotel Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN 978-967-11350-4-4
293
their resolutions and policy directives, extend the functional responsibility of UNHCR but they cannot impose direct obligations on states.
As regards its duty under the 1951 Convention, UNHCR is empowered under Article 35 of the CRSR with a supervisory function to oversee the implementation of the Convention and its 1967 Protocol. This was earlier provided under Paragraph 8 of the UNHCR Statute. Its supervisory role is mainly concerned with promoting state compliance with the rules of the CRSR (Blokker & Muller, 1994) in order to give effect to its provisions, but no enforcement powers are given. To effectively exercise its supervisory function, UNHCR is authorised to, among other things, monitor and report on the situation of refugees, follow up the implementation of the Convention by states, and gain unobstructed access to asylum applicants, asylum-seekers and returnees (Turk, 2002). The creation of the UNHCR Working Group on Refugee Children in 1986, which was subsequently expanded to include refugee women, is a testimony of its commitment to seriously protect refugee children.
The UNHCR plays an important role in many refugee crises the world over (Martin, 1997) especially where a large-scale influx occurs in states that are not party to the CRSR or where a state party does not have its own refugee status determination (RSD) mechanism. Basically, it is the responsibility of governments to establish the mechanism to determine refugee status according to their international obligations and domestic legal frameworks but many states do not fulfil their obligation. Hence, UNHCR work is relevant in filling the gap left by the state, or where an UNHCR representative is involved in the state’s own RSD mechanism, or where a state is incapable of undertaking the screening process on its own due to the abrupt influx of refugees at borders and in camps. As a supervisory body of the CRSR, UNHCR is mainly an instrument functioning to collaborate with states in promoting refugee protection and protecting and assisting refugees during crises.
In its function as a supervisory body of the CRSR and the mandate to provide international protection, UNHCR also offers advice on government-related matters, including helping to ensure that the determination process is fast, flexible, more open and less strict. In states that are not party to the CRSR, the UNHCR, at the request and/or consent of the government, will carry out the determination and screening process. In such situations, UNHCR will also provide protection and material assistance.
The role of the UNHCR is also important in providing protection for refugees who are not ‘political refugees’ as defined in the CRSR or the statute of the UNHCR. It must be highlighted that, when the CRSR was drafted, the ground of persecution during the period is focused on the five grounds as stated and does not address refugees fleeing generalised violence and natural disasters. In recent decades, large numbers of refugees have been escaping civil wars and other forms of violence but this is not dealt with in the CRSR. In such situations, the involvement of the UNHCR is often needed to ensure that refugees who escape for the reasons above are not returned by host states and that protection and assistance is given to them because their country of origin is unable to provide protection or where such protection is not available for any reason beyond the control of the refugees.
THE MANDATE
Even though the UNHCR is required to employ a non- political basis attitude and operate on strictly humanitarian and social grounds, it is difficult thing to do. UNHCR deals with states, their politicians and their relation with other states, which is inevitably highly political (Forsythe, 2001). By being non- political, the UNHCR has been able to concentrate on improving conditions for refugees and avoiding taking sides with any particular parties in any crisis (Martin, 1997). Nonetheless, it is suggested that the ‘non-political’ disposition is
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almost impossible to maintain when dealing with today’s sovereign states and highly sensitive issues (Martin, 1997).
Paragraph 2 of the Annex to the Statute of the Office of the UNHCR provides that the work of UNHCR shall relate, as a rule, to groups and categories of refugees. This is in contrast to Paragraph 6, which provides that the competence of the High Commissioner extends to individual refugees. However, the practices of UHNCR have shown that both groups and individuals are persons of concern to UNHCR. Difficulty also arises when UNHCR’s actions of treating groups of displaced persons are taken as a finding that the source state is persecuting the group. To ease the problem, reference to Paragraph 2 of the Statute is replaced by declaring certain situations to be ‘of concern to the international community’, thus authorising the UNHCR to use his ‘good office’ in providing assistance and protection to the groups affected by the situations (General Assembly Resolution, 1958). Apart from mandated refugees (refugees who are not technically refugees under the definition of the Convention and the UNHCR statute but fall under UNHCR extended protection spectrum) UNHCR work is extended to internally displaced persons (IDP), and both are considered as groups within the competence and concern of the UNHCR. In short, UNHCR is mandated to offer assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, non-refugee stateless persons, internally displaced persons and persons threatened with displacement (Turk, 2010). Due to the breadth and depth of its protection function for IDPs, UNHCR’s core refugee protection functions, as mandated, is said to have been eclipsed by the humanitarian relief work for IDPs (Hathaway, 2002).
Given that UNHCR is closely involved in many aspects of the lives of refugees, including those living in refugee camps and those who are in non-contracting states, its involvement inevitably extends to providing them with material assistance. It is believed that refugee protection would be more effective and meaningful were the UNHCR able to provide refugees with real physical assistance such as food, clothes and shelter. However, this role is only feasible with contributions from states. Moreover, before it can solicit contributions from donor states and organisations in order to provide material assistance for refugees in need, it has to acquire the permission of the UN General Assembly (Martin, 1997). Thus, its protection role is often mixed up with that of providing ‘assistance’.
After almost 60 years in operation, the UNHCR continues to respond to refugee situations in the midst of unrelenting constraints (Crisp and Damtew Dessalegne, 2002). In states that are not parties to the refugee convention, the UNHCR plays a fundamental and crucial role in providing a broad spectrum of refugee protection, from the process of determining refugee status to finding durable solutions.
REFUGEE STATUS DETERMINATION (RSD) AND CRITIQUES OF THE UNHCR MANDATE
The UNHCR work in RSD has been extensive, and this includes services offered in more than 125 countries (UNHCR, 2013). Through RSD, the UNHCR has significantly contributed to refugee protection by promoting the implementation of the non-refoulement principle, assisting in finding durable solutions (Kagan, 2005), and identifying refugees in need of social and economic assistance (Kagan, 2005; Simeon, 2010).
However, its RSD activities are challenged by the inadequacy of the safeguards of its own RSD procedure (Kagan, 2005, Alexander, 1999) and the conflict of interest between UNHCR protection work and government policy (Kagan, 2005). It is argued that the protection provided for mandate refugees under the UNHCR is insufficient; in other words, the mandate program is unable to effectively protect refugees. A refugee who has been granted such status by the UNHCR while living in his/her country or a third country is called a
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mandate refugee. A mandate refugee is usually scheduled for resettlement; however, due to certain flaws in the RSD carried out by the UNHCR, a refugee may not be resettled (Bianchini, 2010).
Despite criticism of its RSD work (alexander, 1999), the UNHCR continues to conduct status determination. Its activities relating to RSD, according to Goodwin-Gill, are drawn from ‘negative responsibility’. This refers to ‘the idea that we are as much as responsible for what we do, as for what we do not do, for deliberately harming others, as for failing to relieve their suffering’. It is argued that UNHCR could not halt its RSD work even though the standard is well below international standards because it would feel responsible for not responding to the gripping and desperate needs of protection, especially when governments have failed or been unwilling to conduct RSD (Kagan, 2005).
Furthermore, without the RSD work of the UNHCR, refugees in countries without the RSD mechanism would continue on an endless journey because they would continue to seek protection from other states whenever attempts to claim refugee status had failed or been denied (Kagan, 2005). Even in countries that are state parties to the CRSR, an asylum-seeker may become an orbit refugee due to restrictive refugee policy practices in many European countries (Melander, 1987).
UNHCR OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR
The UNHCR has been present in Malaysia since the boat people era in 1970s. As Malaysia is not a party to the refugee convention, UNHCR plays a fundamental and crucial role of providing a broad spectrum of refugee protection, from refugee status determination to finding durable solutions (UNHCR, 2007). In fact, in Malaysia UNHCR is considered the main actor in safeguarding and assisting refugees by activities such as reception, registration, documentation, status determination and resettlement of refugees (UNHCR, 2014).
Currently there is only one UNHCR office in Malaysia situated in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city after it closed its office in Sabah. Thus, refugees have to approach or get to their office in Kuala Lumpur to apply for refugee status determination. From the very beginning, the Malaysian government is taking no part in any processes pertaining to refugees. All are being independently managed by UNHCR Malaysia (UNHCR, 2007; UNHCR, 2014).
It also monitors detention of refugees and intervenes where necessary, represents refugees charged in court with offences under the Malaysian Immigration Act 1959, and organises outreach activities to refugee communities (UNHCR, 2014). One such case in which UNHCR intervene is the case of Iskandar v PP (2005) 6 CLJ 205, where a boy aged 17 from Indonesia was charged with an offence under the Immigration Act 1959 for illegal stay. Representative of the UNHCR was present at the trial. The charge was then retracted when the prosecutor was satisfied that the boy is a mandate refugee under the auspices of the UNHCR.
With the collaboration of several Non-Governmental Organisations and volunteers, UNHCR provides assistance for refugees in a variety of areas including healthcare, education, financial assistance, shelter, counselling, and other welfare needs (UNHCR, 2014). This is especially important because refugees in Malaysia do not enjoy full access to such services (Malaysian Bar, 2008).
By the request of the Malaysian government, UNHCR took the responsibility to register refugees in Malaysia and to determine the individual’s refugee status. Those who are recognised as refugees are given identification card/ papers and become persons of concern to UNHCR. The Malaysian authorities have agreed that those who hold the UNHCR identification papers will not be charged with illegal entry or failure to produce
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valid travel documents but this is not a guarantee against possible detention and abuse by the enforcement authorities including the civilians voluntary army. However, such policy is not sustainable as there are many reports of illegal detention. For example, beginning 2000, the civilian voluntary army (RELA) was authorized to stop and detain illegal immigrants and this was recklessly and blatantly enforced with serious cases of human rights violation (Human Rights Watch, 2004).
UNHCR’s notable work in the country can be traced during the Indochina refugee crisis and in the handling of Filipino refugees in Sabah. In both crisis, UNHCR played an important role in providing shelters and material assistance to the refugees amidst political pressure and challenging reaction on the part of the authority and the local people (Robinson, 2000; Muntabhorn, 1992; Rachagan, 1987; Wain, 1982).
In many reported cases (Human Rights Watch, 2004) refusal to acknowledge UNHCR’s mandate has caused refugees and asylum seekers with UNHCR papers to be arrested during raids and road-blocks despite showing the identification document to the authorities (US Committee for Refugees, 1998; CHRO, 2008). The problem is ongoing (Supaat, 2013) despite numerous calls made by various NGOs and human rights advocates to acknowledge refugee rights.
Having UNHCR to do all the work relating to refugees does not mean that Malaysia has discharged its duty and responsibility under the International Law. As supported by many scholars, the principle of non- refoulement (NR) has become an international custom and therefore binds Malaysia despite its non- ratification of the CRSR. Under the rule of NR, a state is prohibited from returning any person or refugee to a territory that will expose the person to the risk of persecution, torture or inhumane treatment and degradation.
This study is of the view that the duties not to return also include the duty to screen persons who are present in Malaysia claiming to have suffered from persecution or torture so that genuine applicant can be identified or else, they are still at risk of being removed or deported. This is based on the decision of the court in the case of C v. Director of Immigration [2013] 4 HKC 563.
At the trial stage, the court needed to determine, first, whether the principle of non-refoulement is a customary international law and, second, whether the rule applies in Hong Kong and thus requires the authority to administer a refugee determination mechanism. As Hong Kong is not a party to the CRSR, its refugee applications are being processed independently by the UNHCR office.
It was decided by the court that the principle of non-refoulement does exist in customary international law; however, the rule was found to be contradictory to Hong Kong law and has been repudiated by the Hong Kong authority, thus rendering the rule inapplicable in Hong Kong. As the result, there is no requirement for Hong Kong to establish a refugee screening mechanism as claimed.
However, it must be pointed out that, apart from the UNHCR’S screening mechanism, Hong Kong has another parallel mechanism established by the authority to decide on applications for protection against torture claims under CAT. On appeal to the Court of Final Appeal, the court decided that refugee screening is a duty of state even though UNHCR is already in the territory to conduct refugee status determination. It was also acknowledged by the Court of Final Appeal that non- refoulement is a customary international law as was decided in the Appeal Court earlier.
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ISSUES AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO UNHCR IN MALAYSIA
The UNHCR operation is not without problem. One of the major issues is the absence of express and real power for the UNHCR to protect refugees. Since there is no specific regime for refugee protection under the Malaysian legal framework, UNHCR is basically operating on the courtesy of the government without legal ground. There is no written agreement that authorise the UNHCR. The authority gives the UNHCR oral permission out of courtesy as a matter of government policy. Without real legal power and cooperation, UNHCR work is less effective as compared to its work in contracting states. It can only offer limited assistance and protection to refugees such as the issuance of refugee identity card; material assistance; and collaboration with NGOs in providing healthcare and education.
Furthermore, UNHCR’s choice in finding a durable solution for refugees is confined to finding a resettlement place at a third country and to arrange for voluntary repatriation. Local integration is never a choice. Hence, many times the UNHCR is prevented from finding a solution which is in the best interests of the refugee children. The other major issue is the government’s refusal to be involved in any UNHCR’s activities but expects the UNHCR to work on the government’s term. For example the authority refuses to accept the ground of persecution as recognised under the CRSR and the mandate of the UNHCR. As a result, it has accused the organisation of blatant recognition of refugees by asserting that asylum seekers without genuine and valid claim are simply accepted as refugees and issued with the UNHCR identity cards.
The third issue relates to limited UNHCR presence, which is only found in Kuala Lumpur. This means refugees must travel to the city to make application. The journey and its expenses may hinder refugees living far from Kuala Lumpur form making the application. Furthermore, they may also refuse to travel in order to avoid the authorities especially members of RELA who are reported to have extorted refugees for money in return for being arrested (CHRO).
The fourth issue is more contentious and it relates to the procedure of UNHCR work. Several works can be referred to support the claim including Alexander, 1999; Kagan, 2006; Pallis, 2004; and Morris, 1997. Each of this article analyses UNHCR problem in general and in other jurisdiction and this study is of the view that there is high possibility that those setbacks also occur in Malaysia.
One of the major claims is that the UNHCR practice in determining the refugee status of applicants lacks transparency and provides limited opportunity to appeal against a decision (Alexander, 1999). A letter of complaint sent to the High Commissioner (TAC, 2008) and the case of Hunt- Matthes v Secretary General (Case No. UNDT/NBI/2010/054/UNAT/1680, Judgment No. UNDT/2013/085) are illustrative of this point. In this case, the United Nations Dispute Tribunal was told of numerous disclosures about UNHCR negative practice made by the Appellant.
There are also complaints that reasons for rejection of application are not revealed and appeal against a decision is made to the same avenue of first application (Alexander, 1999). Nonetheless, despite its limited capacity, and the challenging environment, the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur continues to provide refugees in Malaysia with protection and material assistance including the arrangement for primary education and access to healthcare with the partnership of various voluntary bodies.
The UNHCR has been trying to convince the government of Malaysia to ratify the CRSR, in its bid to improve refugee protection and condition in the country. Unfortunately, after more than 40 decades, the effort is fruitless. The convention and its contents are perceived as threats to Malaysia’s sovereignty because the government is expected to bow to its requirements as opposed to local laws because some of the provisions are in conflict with the Federal Constitution and other Federal legislation. This is also the perception shared by many countries (Dauvergne, 2003). As a developing country, the financial implication of the Convention
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requirements is huge and the Malaysia economy is unable to take in incredible expenses forecasted in setting up and implementing the framework and structure for refugee protection.
The government believes that ratification of the Convention is not a national aspiration (Vasudevan, 2007) and contrary to the national interest. As a developing country Malaysia is more interested in investing for its own citizens rather than spending money on refugees. Previously in 1970 clashes erupted between local people and refugees from Indochina who arrived in boats. The refugees were blamed for causing soaring price rise of groceries and the government was accused of providing more for refugees than its own people (Rachagan, 1987).
The benefits of being a state party to the convention are enormous though it cannot be directly assessed. However, as proved in many contracting states, by applying the same law and protection for all refugees, the state will avoid discrimination against refugees and double standard policies as demonstrated in previous refugee occasions; the Indochinese refugees and Filipino refugees (Rachagan, 1987; Muntabhorn, 1992).
THE WAY FORWARD
This study strongly suggests that Malaysia officially recognise the presence and existence of refugee in this country by regulating the group and facilitate their enjoyment of their rights. By recognising the rights of refugees such as the right to education, it may prevent direct consequences of not giving refugee children their basic education such as illiteracy and other social problems. Education has always been considered as a factor to guarantee the social stability of a community.
It is also vital to stop practices which are in violation of the principle of human rights of refugees. Practices which are inconsistent with the provisions of the CRSR, such as detention and imprisonment will not serve any purpose for Malaysia. The refugees cannot be easily sent back and they may remain in detention centre for longer, placing more financial burden on the authorities especially relating to infrastructure and resources. If the refugee are to be deported, Malaysia is actually contributing to human trafficking and smuggling since traffickers are known to take advantage of refugee deportations. Since Malaysia’s economy relies so much on migrants workers, the country should utilise the working age refugees by letting them to join the local work force. This will make it more reasonable for the government to combat economic migrants.
It is high time that Malaysia devises a specific legal and institutional framework to deal with refugees in the country. There is no way that we can stop them from coming in since our border is porous and many unofficial point of entry are being used. Furthermore, the phenomenon never ceases since 1970s. To avoid further mistreatment and violation of refugee rights, we need express protection granted under written law and thus inconsistencies and change of policies will not victimise refugees. The law should also requires the establishment of an independent refugee screening mechanism which is subject to appeal and judicial review.
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CONCLUSION
The discussion in this paper shows that the UNHCR is facing growing challenges. The challenges lie not only in the increase in the number of refugees and other persons of concern who fall under its mandate, but also because the UNHCR’s duty of screening asylum-seekers on behalf or in lieu of a state’s own machinery is tainted with several issues of credibility and fairness. There are also problems when states completely ignore UNHCR’s work while letting the office carry out the refugee status determination; at the same time, UNHCR has no outright control over state matters, which makes the effort less effective than it should be.
Even with direct assistance from the UNHCR, refugees and asylum seekers find themselves in uncertain legal status; identification papers are not recognized and relied on easily altered policies to protect them. It looks like Malaysia is playing tug of war with the refugees; allowing them to stay in the country when they have UNHCR papers but at the same time failing to coordinate with all enforcement agencies to prevent any maltreatment.
Even though UNHCR is allowed to operate in Malaysia in order to process the applications for refugee status, the actual weight attached to UNHCR identity papers or documentation is highly questionable. In simple words, UNHCR presence is accepted by the authority but their powers are not recognised. Malaysian authority in its actions and practice seems to be trying to undermine the UNHCR mandate and is failing to acknowledge as refugees individuals holding such documents. The fact that these refugees and asylum-seekers are living in Malaysia and infringing the immigration laws of the country does not, however, make them a threat to Malaysian security or national and public order.
It is also clear that the UNHCR’s broader mandate to protect other persons of concern besides the refugee Convention and its role in non-contracting states is crucial as an initial step in protecting refugee who will otherwise have an insufficient platform and standing to claim protection and refuge, even on a temporary basis, in many states. Nevertheless, without real power to enforce its mandate, the work of UNHCR is reduced to ‘the least we can do’ effort.
The UNHCR should be respected for what it already achieved for refugees and should not be perceived as a meddler. With better cooperation and mutual understanding, UNHCR can avoid doing unnecessary work such as intervention in court when a mandate refugee is charged for illegal stay. Any attempt to discredit UNHCR work will not make the protection effective. Harmonious cooperation can lead to more transparent handling of refugee. To further improve the relation with UNHCR and the protection of refugee, Malaysia should Malaysia should plan a strategic approach to the reception, handling and care of asylum seekers and refugee that include enacting specific statute, respect international customs and to improve cooperation with UNHCR.
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