It said the community still had “ongoing international protection needs” in light of the “worsening” security situation in the southern Chin state in Myanmar.
“As a result, the agency will be maintaining their refugee status,” UNHCR said in a statement tonight.
In June last year, UNHCR announced that the Chin population would no longer be considered refugees as of Jan 1, 2020, when all protection for Chin refugees will end accordingly.
UNHCR also declared the Chin state safe for return.
The Chin people are mostly Christian, converted by US missionaries in the 19th and 20th century. Many of them fled Myanmar because of the persecution and harassment they faced there.
There are more than 18,000 Chin refugees registered with UNHCR, including some 15,000 in Malaysia, with smaller numbers in India, Thailand and Nepal.
UNHCR said it had received a number of new reports and assessments which “did not support its original conclusion of fundamental and durable changes” in the Chin state and Sagaing region.
“The agency had also noted specific concerns raised by the Chin community and civil society organisations,” it said.
According to Volker Turk, assistant high commissioner (protection) for UNHCR, the decision to reassess its overall approach is in line with its commitment to monitor developments and revisit its position, if warranted.
“As with all refugees, UNHCR will continue to work towards maximising solutions for the Chin, including voluntary repatriation when conditions for sustainable return in safety and dignity allow,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNHCR said it has decided to halt the individual review process for Chin refugees.
“Although UNHCR offices in countries hosting Chin refugees began counselling and individual reviews of Chin refugees last year, no final decisions were made.
“No Chin refugees had lost their refugee status as a result of the revised processing approach,” the statement added.
UNHCR issues cards to registered refugees. They provide limited protection from the authorities as well as some access to health and education.
Under Malaysian law, registered and unregistered refugees are liable to arrest and deportation.
However, refugees who can show UNHCR cards to police or immigration officials can usually avoid arrest.
Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said last October that the Malaysian government would not force refugees to return to Myanmar if it was unsafe.