Dhaka, Oct. 1 -- A UN expert has urged Malaysian authorities to stop the ongoing repatriation of Myanmar nationals this week, and work with the UN system and others to address the situation of Rohingya and other Myanmar refugees in the country in line with its obligations under international law.

"I am gravely concerned the Government of Malaysia has begun to return 5,000 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, under a so-called "voluntary repatriation programme" agreed with the military authorities in Myanmar," said Kelley E. Currie, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

"Under international law, the Government of Malaysia is obligated to uphold the principle of non-refoulement and prevent the ret...