Does COVID-19 Justify Turning Back Refugee Boats?

April 25, 2020
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Matthew Smith sits down with Aliran to discuss Malaysia's decision to deny Rohingya refugees entry due to COVID-19 concerns. 

As the pandemic rages on, countries are implementing different tactics to mitigate the coronavirus. However, experts are speculating that some states are using the pandemic as a way to abuse power and violate rights. In the case of Malaysia, a boat with hundreds of Rohingya refugees was denied from entering Malaysian waters due to fears of spreading the virus. "Malaysia can have sensible and practical COVID-19 policy while also working to secure the rights of asylum seekers," Smith explains, "Sending Rohingya refugees back to possible death at sea is inhumane, callous, and unlawful policy."

Listen to the full interview.