JAKARTA: The government of Indonesia has been urged by the UN refugee agency to save a boat that is stranded off its western coast, carrying over 100 Rohingya migrants, including women and children.
Every year, thousands of Rohingya, an ethnic group that is predominantly Muslim, risk their lives on perilous sea voyages in an attempt to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.
A relief boat pushed the boat, which was anchored about 6 km off the shore of Aceh, the westernmost province, to within 1.6 km on Monday. It was thought to be carrying over 100 refugees.
“UNHCR urgently appeals to the authorities to ensure rescue at sea and safe disembarkation for this desperate group,” stated UNHCR protection associate in Indonesia Faisal Rahman. UNHCR and partners stand ready to support and to provide much-needed assistance for these vulnerable people,” Rahman noted late Monday in a statement.
Five Rohingya were evacuated on Thursday for medical treatment at a local Indonesian hospital, he added. At least one refugee died while on board the ship, according to local officials in South Aceh, the nearest district.
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