UNHCR issued a expression He explained that two groups of survivors had been brought ashore off the coast of northwestern Indonesia.
The UN agency, believed to have been at sea for more than a month, expressed relief that they are now safe in Indonesia.
After this highlight Ann Maymann, UNHCR Representative in Indonesia, said: “We applaud this act of humanity by the local communities and authorities in Indonesia.”
“These actions help save lives from certain death and end the excruciating ordeal for many desperate people.”
care for the newcomers
Urgent medical care was provided to treat survivors for exhaustion and dehydration.
According to survivors, the dire conditions on board resulted in the deaths of 26 people at sea.
UNHCR, local authorities and staff from humanitarian partners are caring for the people brought ashore.
“Many are in urgent need of medical attention to stabilize their condition,” the UN agency reported. “The agency is also rushing to increase supplies and staff to help local communities and local authorities support those who have been rescued.”
Fatal passage
So far this year, more than 2,000 people have taken risky sea voyages in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal that have reportedly killed nearly 200 people.
Many are Rohingya men, women and children who fled persecution in Myanmar to Bangladesh in 2017.
Humanitarian obligation ignored
UNHCR is also working to confirm reports that another boat with 180 people on board is still missing at sea – with all passengers believed dead.
All states in the region “must fulfill their legal obligations” to rescue people on boats in distress to avoid further misery and deaths, the UN agency stressed.
Indonesia’s commitment
Latest UN data shows Indonesia has helped rescue 472 people from four boats over the past six weeks.
This demonstrates “his commitment and respect for fundamental humanitarian principles to people facing persecution and conflict,” UNHCR said.
“Many others have not acted despite numerous requests and calls for help,” regretted the UN refugee agency and called on other countries in the region to follow Indonesia’s example.
