Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia has begun repatriating an initial group of nearly 1,500 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and international human rights organizations.

The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, highlights the precarious situation of the Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority group widely regarded as one of the world's most persecuted.

Rohingya in Malaysia, numbering an estimated 125,000, have been granted refuge but face significant limitations. They are denied access to formal education and the national healthcare system, and their parents are prohibited from formal employment, relying instead on informal jobs in sectors like car washes and restaurants. Despite these challenges, many find their lives in Malaysia safer than in their native Myanmar.

Riyadh Al Haq, a Rohingya human rights activist operating an informal learning center in Kuala Lumpur, explained that donors support their educational initiatives. "Because of their help, we can teach our kids here," Al Haq told Al Jazeera, emphasizing the kindness of Malaysians that allows his community to live in relative safety.

The repatriation has sparked international concern due to the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine State. In 2017, a brutal military crackdown drove more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee, primarily to neighboring Bangladesh. The Myanmar military's campaign reportedly involved widespread destruction of Rohingya properties.

Human rights groups and the UN have voiced strong objections to the repatriation, citing the lack of safety and security guarantees for the refugees in Myanmar. They argue that sending the Rohingya back to their homeland, where they face continued discrimination and violence, violates international principles of non-refoulement.

Malaysia's decision comes amid rising internal sentiment regarding the presence of refugees. While the government provided refuge, the growing population has reportedly led to increased tensions and calls for their return. The Malaysian government has previously indicated a willingness to invite Myanmar's leadership to discuss repatriation efforts, suggesting a desire for a resolution to the long-standing refugee situation.

This repatriation effort raises critical questions about the future of the Rohingya diaspora in Malaysia and the international community's responsibility to protect refugees fleeing persecution. The lack of formal status means many Rohingya children, like those attending informal classes, are denied basic rights and opportunities, underscoring the complex challenges of long-term refugee integration and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.