Nearly 1,000 arrive by boat in Indonesia's Aceh Province
Almost 1,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar reached Indonesia's Aceh province by boat in the past six days, officials reported on Monday. Among them were five groups, including women and children, who spent days at sea. (Photo Credit: AFP)
Over 240 Rohingya refugees face rejections
One group of over 240 people faced two denials for landing in the Aceh Utara district, eventually disembarking in Bireuen district on Sunday morning. (Photo Credit: AP)
UNHCR expresses gratitude for landing permits
In a statement, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said, “We thank the authorities and local communities who have received and granted landing permits for them and in the future we hope that this spirit of solidarity and humanity will continue to be extended to refugees who need assistance and protection.” (Photo Credit: AP)
Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar army crackdown find shelter in Aceh, Indonesia
Having undergone a challenging sea voyage, the refugees arriving in Aceh originated from refugee camps in Bangladesh. These camps harboured over 700,000 individuals who fled in the wake of the Myanmar army's crackdown in August 2017. The Myanmar security forces stand accused of widespread allegations, including mass rape, killings, and the destruction of numerous Rohingya homes. (Photo Credit: AFP)
Many Rohingya refugees divert to Indonesia instead of Malaysia
While the majority of refugees endeavoured to reach Malaysia, a significant number found themselves in Indonesia during their journey. (Photo Credit: AFP)
Denial of landing to Rohingya refugees challenges past acts of generosity
"The thwarted landing of hundreds of Rohingya refugees is a big step back for Indonesia, where communities have previously shown generosity and humanity towards those seeking safety after perilous boat journeys," said Usman Hamid, Executive Director for Amnesty International Indonesia. (Photo Credit: AFP)
Indonesia affirms humanitarian stance amid refugee arrivals
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified it isn't a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, emphasizing its humanitarian stance. The Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhamad said in a statement, “Accommodation has been provided solely for humanitarian reasons. Ironically, many countries party to the convention actually closed their doors and even implemented a pushback policy toward the refugees.” (Photo Credit: AFP)
People smugglers exploit shelter, putting vulnerable refugees at risk
Ministry spokesperson Lalu Muhamad mentioned that the temporary shelter offered by Indonesia intended as an act of kindness, has been extensively abused by people-smugglers pursuing financial gains, showing little regard for the risks faced by refugees, particularly vulnerable groups like women and children. (Photo Credit: AFP)
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