UN refugee agency welcomes Indonesia’s ‘act of humanity’ in rescuing migrants adrift at sea — Global Issues

UNHCR issued a statement explains that two groups of survivors were brought ashore off the northwest coast of Indonesia.

Believed to have been at sea for more than a month, the UN agency expressed relief that they are now safe in Indonesia.

Later highlights their plight, said Ann Maymann, UNHCR Representative in Indonesia, “we welcome this humanitarian action by the local community and the authorities in Indonesia”.

“These actions help save people’s lives from certain death, ending the ordeal of torture for many desperate people.”

Attention newcomers

Urgent medical care was provided to treat survivors of exhaustion and dehydration.

According to survivors, the harsh conditions on board caused the deaths of 26 people at sea.

UNHCR, local authorities and humanitarian partner staff are taking care of those being brought ashore.

“Many people need urgent medical care to stabilize their condition,” the UN agency reported. “The agency is also rushing to provide additional supplies and staff to help local communities and local governments assist those rescued.”

deadly path

So far this year, more than 2,000 people have embarked on adventurous sea voyages in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, of which nearly 200 are believed to have died.

Many are Rohingya men, women and children, who fled persecution in Myanmar to Bangladesh in 2017.

Humanitarian obligations ignored

UNHCR is also working to confirm reports that another boat with 180 people on board is still missing at sea – with all passengers presumed dead.

The UN body stressed that all countries in the region “must fulfill their legal obligations” to save those on board in distress to avoid further suffering and death.

Indonesia’s commitment

The latest United Nations data indicates that in the past six weeks, Indonesia has helped save 472 people from four boats.

UNHCR said this demonstrates “commitment and respect for basic humanitarian principles to those facing persecution and conflict”.

“Many others have failed to act despite numerous pleas and calls for help,” lamented the UN’s refugee agency, urging other countries in the region to follow Indonesia’s example.