JAKARTA, 28 December 2021 – UNHCR, the UN Agency for Refugees, is calling for an immediate life-saving landing of the ship carrying a group of Rohingya refugees who are in difficulty in the waters of Bireuen, Aceh, Indonesia. The ship was first seen in Bireuen waters on December 26.
Based on photos and reports from local fishermen, the majority of passengers on the ship, which was in a very crowded condition and unseaworthy, were women and children. The ship, which reportedly had leaks and engine damage, was drifting in the open sea amid bad weather and could be at risk of sinking.
UNHCR is very concerned about the safety and lives of the refugees on board the ship. To prevent loss of life, UNHCR urges the Indonesian Government to immediately allow the ship to beach safely.
Presidential Regulation number 125 of 2016 concerning refugee protection includes provisions for the Indonesian Government to rescue refugees on boats experiencing difficulties near Indonesia and to help them disembark. This provision has been implemented previously in 2018, 2020 and most recently in June 2021, when 81 Rohingya refugees were rescued from waters in East Aceh.
For many years, Indonesia has been an example for other countries in the region in terms of providing refugee protection. UNHCR hopes to see the same humanitarian spirit again today in Aceh. The Rohingya have fled violence, persecution and forced displacement for decades. For those seeking international protection, safe anchorage and access to asylum procedures and humanitarian assistance must be granted.
UNHCR staff are currently on the ground, working in close coordination with the local government and we are ready to assist the government and local communities in providing life-saving emergency assistance to the group. We are also coordinating with other humanitarian partners in preparing a comprehensive response, which includes a quarantine process that complies with international standards and public health protocols.
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For information, please contact:
UNHCR Public Information Unit: +62-811-1960-0493
Mitra Suryono, Associate Communications Officer, [email protected]
Dwi Anisa Prafitria, Communications Associate, [email protected]
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