Malaysia Calls for Greater International Burden Sharing Over Rohingya Refugee Crisis

NEW YORK, Sept 25 – Malaysia has urged the international community to take on greater responsibility regarding the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis, emphasizing that any sustainable solution must directly address its root causes and facilitate their safe return to Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that resolving the crisis requires tackling fundamental issues, including citizenship status, while establishing appropriate conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of refugees to Rakhine State.

“Greater international burden and responsibility sharing is urgently needed to support countries hosting Rohingya refugees,” Mohamad said during his intervention at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers at the United Nations headquarters on Thursday.

Mohamad, who is in New York leading Malaysia’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) from Sept 23 to 27, affirmed Malaysia’s unwavering stance on human rights accountability, backing the legal proceedings brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He highlighted that Malaysia actively contributes to the OIC Fund for Rohingya and encouraged fellow OIC member countries to extend generous financial support to the fund.

Shifting focus to regional stability in Central Asia, Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s ongoing support for humanitarian, socioeconomic development, and practical aid initiatives in Afghanistan.

He noted that Global Peace Mission (GPM) Malaysia executed a memorandum of understanding with the OIC Kabul Mission on August 10 to launch the “Enhancing Girls’ Education in Afghanistan” initiative, which funds essential equipment and the renovation of two girls’ schools in Kabul.

“Malaysia views this initiative as a concrete contribution to supporting girls’ education and strengthening cooperation with the OIC in Afghanistan,” Mohamad said.

Mohamad stated that Malaysia supports the OIC policy of constructive engagement with the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, while emphasizing that the administration must honor its international commitments and legal obligations.

“Maintaining channels of communication is critical to advancing inclusivity, addressing concerns and building confidence towards lasting peace and stability,” he added, noting that Malaysia joined the OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan in February 2026 to contribute constructively to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

–NMT