The lived experience of forced displacement often implies trauma and can lead to an increased prevalence of mental health conditions and challenges to psychosocial well-being. Long ignored, this fact has recently been acknowledged by the international community and led to new research and interventions. In this context, the mental health repercussions of immigration detention on these individuals have raised particular humanitarian concerns worldwide, including in Asia. The rise in depression, anxiety, and stress among refugees with detention experience is a troubling trend, reflecting a broader regional crisis, notably in Malaysia.
This briefing note aims to explore the mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia following their release from detention. It seeks to identify the gaps and challenges hindering their access to essential mental health support. By shedding light on these issues, this note aims to formulate practical recommendations to address these gaps and improve the accessibility of mental health services for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia post-detention. Such insights are crucial for guiding policies and practices that aim to enhance the well-being and resilience of these vulnerable populations as they navigate the intricacies of forced migration and detention experiences.

The Briefing Note is available here.