Hundreds of Rohingya Refugees at Risk After Being Refused Landing in Aceh, Says Amnesty International
Editor
18 November 2023 19:07 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International Indonesia's Executive Director Usman Hamid spoke up about news reports that stated around 247 Rohingya people, which still adrift in Aceh waters up until this moment, were being rejected after attempting to land in Bireuen, Aceh.
"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, according to a press release received by Tempo on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
He also stated that the images of families, including babies and young children, attempting merely to find safety and shelter are heartbreaking and unbearable. People are in extreme danger at sea and in need of urgent rescue now.
He added that hundreds of lives are in danger. Usman Hamid call on the Indonesian and other regional authorities who may come in contact with the stranded boat to immediately rescue those attempting to land, allow them to disembark safely, and provide humanitarian assistance, safety and shelter.
On November 14, 2023, a boat of 194 Rohingya refugees disembarked at Pidie, Aceh. Following this arrival, a boat of 147 refugees also entered Pidie the next day.
Local sources mentioned that both of the boats were welcomed and all individuals are currently located in a shelter.
On the morning of November 16, however, another boat of around 247 refugees tried to disembark in Bireuen, Aceh. A source told Amnesty International Indonesia that locals repaired the broken-down boat and provided food for its passengers. However, it got pushed back and tried to re-enter North Aceh waters in the afternoon, just to face another refusal.
Up to today, the boat is still seen adrift off coast North Aceh.
TEMPO.CO
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