Kuala lumpur: The Parliamentary Symposium on Access to Education and Legal Work for Refugees serves as a platform to raise awareness among Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public on the needs of refugees in Malaysia, particularly children and youth, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. He emphasized that many young refugees residing in the country have no access to education, which could lead to long-term social challenges if left unaddressed.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari stated that if refugees remain uneducated and without skills or opportunities, it could potentially contribute to social issues. He urged MPs to raise the matter to their respective select committees and produce comprehensive reports, adding that Parliament would provide space for these issues to be debated to ensure broader understanding. Johari noted that Malaysia hosts more than 200,000 refugees, with a significant portion being children who are unable to access formal education.

Johari emphasized the importance of allowing refugees to work legally and ensuring that refugee children have access to education, as it can contribute to the nation's growth. He highlighted the need to explore pathways and mechanisms to make this vision a reality. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Malaysia, Louise Aubin, expressed appreciation for Johari's leadership in convening the symposium. She noted the role of parliamentarians in disseminating accurate information to communities.

Aubin stated that addressing refugees' needs through legal means is the most appropriate way forward in managing the asylum situation in Malaysia. She underscored Malaysia's historical tradition of hosting refugees and emphasized the importance of providing refugees with the right to education, access to safe health services, and lawful employment. These measures not only stabilize refugees' situations but also benefit Malaysia as a whole.