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UN Refugee Agency Expresses Concern Over Malaysia's Repatriation of Myanmar Nationals

UN Refugee Agency Expresses Concern Over Malaysia's Repatriation of Myanmar Nationals

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has voiced significant concern regarding Malaysia's recent decision to return over 1,000 individuals to Myanmar. This repatriation effort, which included approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals, some of whom were children, proceeded despite objections from the UN and numerous human rights organizations. The UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Edem Wosornu, highlighted that those returned to Myanmar could face serious risks due to the ongoing civil war and dire humanitarian conditions in the country, with some potentially being in need of international protection. The individuals were reportedly taken from immigration detention centers, raising questions about the voluntariness of their return, as UNHCR did not have access to these facilities to assess their choices. This deportation marks the initial phase of a broader plan between Malaysia and Myanmar, which could see up to 5,000 people repatriated.
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Non-Aligned Movement Urges Nuclear-Weapon States to Engage in Dialogue and Disarmament

Non-Aligned Movement Urges Nuclear-Weapon States to Engage in Dialogue and Disarmament

Countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) have reiterated their stance that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only absolute guarantee against their threat or use. During a meeting marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, established by UN General Assembly Resolution 68/32 in 2013, NAM members called on nuclear-weapon states to fulfill their obligations under Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). They emphasized the need for enhanced transparency and the responsible implementation of nuclear disarmament measures according to a concrete roadmap. The Vietnamese ambassador, Do Hung Viet, expressed concern over declining commitments to nuclear disarmament, the expansion of nuclear arsenals, and increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence in security strategies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also warned about the growing nuclear threat, citing expanding and modernizing arsenals and the increased risk of miscalculation due to technological ad...
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Congresswoman Pou Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Bangladesh's UN General Assembly Presidency

Congresswoman Pou Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Bangladesh's UN General Assembly Presidency

Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan House resolution to congratulate Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution, co-sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), also reaffirms the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. Congresswoman Pou highlighted that she represents one of the largest Bangladeshi-American communities in the U.S., with an estimated 300,000 people of Bangladeshi heritage residing in the country. The resolution acknowledges the diplomatic relations established in 1972 and the significant economic, military, security, and humanitarian ties between the two nations. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached approximately $13.7 billion in 2025. Additionally, the resolution recognizes Bangladesh's substantial contributions to U.N. peacekeeping efforts and its role in hosting over one million Rohingya refugees. Bangladeshi...
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Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees, including children, despite safety concerns

Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees, including children, despite safety concerns

By Hasnoor Hussain, Rozanna Latiff and Jeremy Seng LUMUT, Malaysia, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Malaysia deported around 1,500 Myanmar nationals, including children, on Tuesday as part of a refugee repatriation programme, defying objections from the United Nations and dozens of human rights groups.
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UN alarmed by reports that Myanmar air strike killed 50

UN alarmed by reports that Myanmar air strike killed 50

Sept 29 (Reuters) - The United Nations expressed alarm on Tuesday at reports that an airstrike by the Myanmar military near the country's border with Bangladesh had killed 50 people and wounded dozens more, many of them critically.
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Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite safety warnings by UN and rights groups

Malaysia begins Myanmar repatriations despite safety warnings by UN and rights groups

Malaysia has started repatriating Myanmar nationals under a voluntary program
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Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns

Malaysia begins sending home Myanmar refugees despite safety concerns

By Hasnoor Hussain, Rozanna Latiff and Jeremy Seng LUMUT, Malaysia, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Malaysia began the process of deporting around 1,500 Myanmar nationals on Tuesday as part of a refugee repatriation programme, defying objections from the United Nations and dozens of human rights groups.
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UN Refugee Agency Warns of Deepening Funding Crisis, Threatening Aid for 8.3 Million Displaced Individuals

UN Refugee Agency Warns of Deepening Funding Crisis, Threatening Aid for 8.3 Million Displaced Individuals

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning regarding a severe funding crisis that could leave approximately 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people without essential assistance this year. The agency is facing a significant funding gap of $5.789 billion, with available funds decreasing by 24% between 2024 and 2025. As of July, UNHCR had only received 32% of the $8.505 billion required for 2026. This comes as the global population under its mandate is projected to reach 131.2 million by year-end, an increase from 129.4 million at the end of last year. The agency's 26-page report details the impact of budget cuts on critical services such as refugee registration, child protection programs, and support for survivors of gender-based violence. UNHCR has already implemented cost-saving measures, including a 33% workforce reduction in 2025, closing offices in 140 locations, and discontinuing operations in 15 countries compared to 2024.
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UN agency warns funding crisis could leave 8.3 million people without aid

UN agency warns funding crisis could leave 8.3 million people without aid

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - A deepening funding crisis could leave nearly 8.3 million refugees and forcibly displaced people without access to assistance this year, and push protection systems in some countries towards collapse, the United Nations refugee agency warned on
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Scottish Refugee Council Highlights Challenges in UK Asylum System for Displaced Individuals

Scottish Refugee Council Highlights Challenges in UK Asylum System for Displaced Individuals

The Scottish Refugee Council, an independent charity, is drawing attention to the significant difficulties faced by individuals seeking refugee protection in the United Kingdom. These individuals have often fled severe conflicts and human rights abuses in their home countries. Upon arrival in Scotland, they encounter a challenging and often disorienting asylum system. The charity emphasizes that the UK's asylum process is rigorous and can have a substantial impact on both individuals and families. The complexities of settling into a new country and navigating an unfamiliar legal and social framework present considerable hurdles for those seeking safety and a new beginning. The organization provides support to these vulnerable populations, acknowledging the toll the system takes on them.
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As the UN ponders its next secretary-general, many say it's well past time for a woman to lead

As the UN ponders its next secretary-general, many say it's well past time for a woman to lead

At a time when the fight for gender equality is facing a backlash, pressure is mounting for the next leader of the United Nations to be the first woman in its more than 80-year history