Rohingya refugees in Indonesia are safe: UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has "commended" the Indonesian government for allowing the safe disembarkation of the Rohingya boat and has ensured to provide all support for the refugees in need.

Eighty-one Rohingya refugees, who landed in Indonesia's Aceh coast last week, are currently being sheltered in Pulau Idaman near Simpang Ulim, UNHCR officials said.

"They are receiving food and medical assistance from the Indonesian authorities. UNHCR and humanitarian are on site to provide additional support and coordination to ensure that the refugees' needs are met," they added.

It also lauded members of the local community who initially provided food provisions to the refugees.

Within days of departure from Bangladesh on 11 February, the boat's engine had broken down putting the life of the refugees at risk,as many were suffering from severe dehydration.

By the time that the boat was eventually assisted in the Andaman Sea by the Indian authorities, nine passengers had reportedly passed away. After they again set sail, UNHCR and partner organisations lost contact with the refugees.

"It is both a humanitarian imperative and an international obligation to provide vessels in distress with life-saving assistance and disembarkation to a place of safety," the UNHCR had said in a statement last week.

"While we commend the Government and people of Indonesia once more for their humanitarian gesture, UNHCR reiterates the urgent need for states in the region to come together to forge a collective regional response to search, rescue and disembarkation." It said