This comes after the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) today called for an end to alleged physical harassment by security guards working at the UNHCR.
UNHCR, however, said it has not received any report of abuse by security personnel from any refugee from the Chin community.
UNHCR said it practises a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, misconduct, corruption, exploitation or abuse by any of its staff or anyone else working on their behalf.
“We view such allegations very seriously,” it said in a statement.
“We continue to encourage those with concerns over fraud, corruption, sexual abuse or exploitation and other misconduct to lodge a report with the Inspector-General’s Office (IGO), which provides independent assurance and oversight of UNHCR’s activities and operations.”
It also said that information on how to contact the IGO is regularly shared with communities as well as on its website.
Earlier, FMT quoted ACR chairman James Bawi Thang Bik as saying that the guards manning the gates at the UNHCR office had used physical force to turn away refugees who did not make appointments with their caseworkers.
He also said he had personally experienced such mistreatment.
James also claimed there were two cases in the past three months where refugees were punched and kicked by guards after requesting to meet their caseworkers.
UNHCR, in response, said it has always maintained and will continue to have an open door policy. It will also give all petitions the necessary attention they merit.
“During this year alone, 70 sessions have been held with refugee representatives – including the Chin community — to enable a dialogue and exchange of information on a range of protection issues,” it said.
It also said representatives of the Chin refugee community are active participants in these engagement platforms where concerns of their community are regularly raised and responded to.
Earlier today, the ACR held a peaceful protest at the UNHCR office on Jalan Bukit Petaling. More than 300 participants gathered outside the gates holding signs that read: “Guards are not my case officers”, “UNHCR should register us before we die” and “You have no power to turn me away”.