After much reluctance to let in the stranded Rohingya migrants, the three nations – Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have agreed to provide tentative shelter to some 7000 migrants, fled from Myanmar and Bangladesh, along with basic necessities such as food and water.
This gracious change in the decision came in after the three nations hold emergency talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Remember: the three nations had pressure from the UN to assist the stranded migrants, inorder to curb a massive humanitarian crisis. Thailand initially refused to join the other two nations, however, it later agreed for providing assistance.
Subsequent to this decision, a migrant boat that was missing was also recovered and rescued by Indonesian fishermen, while it was sailing off the Thailand coast. The rescued migrants on board this missing boat were dumped by the smugglers and had shortage of food and water. Reportedly, 10 had already died by the time help could reach. More than 400 migrants were rescued on Wednesday.
Offering help, Malaysian Prime Minister Majib Razak said that the Malaysian navy will conduct a search and rescue operation for the missing boats, while assuring humanitarian aid for the migrants.
Meanwhile, US too, has come forward to help, with the US State Department saying the US is prepared to take in refugees and lead a multi-country effort to resettle them, according to the BBC.
Tags: Rohingya Rohingya crisis Rohingya migrants
