ImageCourtesy: independent.co.uk
As Southeast Asian countries are refusing to let the fleeing Rohingya migrants in, a massive humanitarian crisis is brewing, with thousands of Rohingya migrants remain stranded in their boats, being forbidden from entering into the countries, despite the United Nations appeal to the Southeast Asian nations.
Those fearing persecution in Myanmar – a nation consisting a huge Rohingya population – and poverty in Bangladesh, have fled via boats and are seeking refugees, however, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia have refused to accept the migrants on boats – comprising men, women and children.
The fleeing migrants moved to Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, which has earlier hosted thousands of Rohingya’s. However, presently, Malaysia too, has refused to accommodate the fled migrants, even as the crisis is escalating.
Reportedly, the three nations – Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are refusing to let the fleeing Rohingya’s enter their nation and are providing them with basic necessities – food and water, before directing them to the other nations. A report on CNN said a boat with Rohingya migrants aboard was missing in the Arabian Sea.
Amidst the refusals, the Philippines mentioned its willingness to allow the Rohingya minorities in their nation, saying that it is committed to the United Nation’s pledge to protect asylum seekers and refugees, Al Jazeera reported.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban ki-Moon spoke to the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, while the Deputy Secretary-General spoke to the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh – both reiterating the need to protect lives and uphold international law. They also urged leaders to uphold the obligation of rescue at sea and maintain the prohibition on refoulement.
Tags: migrants Rohingya Rohingya crisis
