(From left to right): Lilianne Fan, Co-Founder of the Geutanyoe Foundation Malaysia; Hafsar Tameesuddin, Rohingya activist and Co-Secretary General of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network; Dr Sara Ruth, Medical Activity Manager at Doctors Without Borders, Malaysia; and Charles Santiago, former Malaysian MP and Co-Chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights — at an event organised by Doctors Without Borders in conjunction with World Refugee Day. ©MSF
Aymen Abdullah, Head of Mission for Doctors Without Borders Malaysia, delivers his welcoming speech during an event organised in conjunction with World Refugee Day. The event brought together refugee leaders, civil society representatives, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and rights of displaced communities in Malaysia. ©MSF
Dr Sara Ruth, Medical Activity Manager at the Doctors Without Borders clinic in Penang, Malaysia, highlights the health challenges faced by Rohingya patients, many of whom struggle with limited access to basic healthcare and live in precarious conditions. ©MSF
As part of the Refugee Artisans Fairs, refugee-led organisations — including Mang Tha, Thimble Collective, the Rohingya Women Development Network, and the Alliance of Chin Refugees — showcased their handmade crafts, offering guests the opportunity to support refugee livelihoods through their purchases. ©MSF
Last year alone, Doctors Without Borders provided over 5,600 antenatal consultations. Yet we know the need is far greater. Our teams are witnessing and responding to a rise in mental health needs, especially among those who have experienced trauma, often on their journey here or due to prolonged detention.
Despite these challenges, refugees in Malaysia show extraordinary resilience and a desire to contribute to society. An IDEAS study showed us that granting refugees their rights to work would lead to a significant contribution to GDP.
Malaysia is home to nearly 200,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, the vast majority of whom are Rohingya from Myanmar, and 50 other countries fleeing war and persecution.
Many have endured unimaginable hardship – fleeing violence, persecution, and instability – only to face new challenges wherever they go.
As Sitti, one of our Rohingya volunteers, shared:
“What I wish I could make everyone understand is that no one is choosing to leave Myanmar or Bangladesh by choice. No one wants to embark on those boat journeys in fear of our lives. We are solely fleeing persecution or containment, in search of freedom to live. What other options do we have?”
It is crucial we recognise that dignity is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. We must work together – government, civil society, international organizations, and local communities – to continue having these conversations, break down barriers, especially those that delay access to healthcare and build inclusive systems that respect and protect refugees.
Which is why a key element of our work here is to help refugees and asylum seekers navigate the barriers to accessing healthcare in Malaysia. Let us remember – seeking safety is not a crime. We are halfway through Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability – there is still a unique opportunity to lead by example – championing humane policies, ending arbitrary detention, facilitating safe disembarkation, and ensuring access to essential services for all.
In honour of World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our shared humanity and commitment to building bridges.
*This speech was delivered at an event held on 10th June 2025. Organised by Médecins Sans Frontières /Doctors Without Borders and supported by Geutanyoe Foundation Malaysia in conjunction with World Refugee Day. The event brought together activists, civil society representatives, government officials and international organisations for a panel discussion titled “Building Bridges Towards Refugee Dignity” to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and advocate for the rights and dignity of refugees in Malaysia and beyond.
