is a community-based organization working to provide social services and promote the protection of Chin refugees in Malaysia. CRC works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) office to assist and facilitate their operations in Kuala Lumpur.
Formation & Focus
The Chin Refugee Committee (CRC) was founded in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur to assist Chin refugees in their pursuit of safety and protection. Before 2001, Chin refugees struggled in Malaysia without any relationship with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) in Kuala Lumpur. With assistance from the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), Chin asylum-seekers first approached UNHCR in February 2001. At this time, there was little awareness about the problems the Chin people face in Burma and these initial attempts for recognition and protection from UNHCR were unsuccessful.
Despite initial difficulties, CRC persevered to bring attention to the plight of the Chin in Malaysia. By the end of 2002, CRC had developed into a well-organized and effective committee dedicated to improving the situation of the Chin in Malaysia. As UNHCR gained a greater understanding about the Chin and their need for protection in Malaysia, the recognition rate of Chin refugees improved. CRC now works closely with UNHCR to advocate on behalf of the Chin community. CRC also acts as an important intermediary between the Chin community and local Malaysian nongovernmental organizations, foreign embassies, and the Malaysian authorities.
In addition to ensuring the Chin community has access to UNHCR procedures, CRC also provides a variety of humanitarian relief and social services to members of the Chin community in Malaysia. CRC conducts outreach on all community issues and stands as a pillar of the Chin community. CRC implements and supports programs on health, education, security, information awareness, and cultural activities. The committee is run on a voluntary basis by community service providers and the operations of CRC are overseen by an executive committee.
Chin Refugee Center
The Chin Refugee Center was established in August 2002 in order to improve the capacity of CRC volunteers in Malaysia and to provide a base for the committee’s operations. The center is located at 11C, Jln. Khoo Teik Ee, Off Jln. Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
The center serves not only as a community center but is also a shelter for CRC volunteers and members of the Chin community in need of refuge. The center is also the main transit point for Chins who have recently arrived to Malaysia, those who have recently returned to Kuala Lumpur after being deported to the Thai border, and those who are temporarily in Kuala Lumpur for medical treatment or to attend an appointment with UNHCR.
Since 2004, CRC also supports a safe house for women and children. The safe house provides temporary accommodations and humanitarian support to women and children who are struggling for their survival in Malaysia.