UNHCR worried about abuse of boat people
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern over the rising abuse of people who have sailed from Myanmar and Bangladesh through the Bay of Bengal aiming at illegally migrating to other countries.
The UNHCR welcomed Bangladesh government's initiative to make a 'list' of the estimated 200,000 to 500,000 unregistered Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
"We hope the exercise will be carried out in accordance with international standards and that it will result in access to documentation, assistance and justice for these groups living outside the camps," UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said on June 10.
He was speaking at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, according to a statement released by the organisation.
Over 86,000 people have left on boats since June 2012 from Myanmar and Bangladesh, the statement said.
"This includes more than 16,000 people in the second half of 2012, 55,000 in 2013 and nearly 15,000 between January and April this year. The majority are Rohingya, although anecdotally the proportion of Bangladeshis has grown this year," the statement said.
Two years after inter-communal violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state, thousands of people are still leaving by boat through the Bay of Bengal. Reports of abuse and exploitation as people seek safety and stability elsewhere are increasing, the UN Refugee Agency said.
While 730 people were reported to have died during such journeys in the second half of 2012, that number fell to 615 for all of last year, possibly due to the use of larger, more stable cargo boats by smuggling networks.
People who have made it to Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia have told UNHCR staff about overcrowded boats that sometimes lost their way or developed engine problems. Some ran out of food and water due to the long periods at sea. Some who died on the boats are said to have been thrown overboard.
Adrian Edwards once again emphasised on temporary stay arrangements for the Rohingya refugees until the situation stabilizes sufficiently in Rakhine state for them to return.
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