Geneva, Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, called for a regional emergency response to address the increasing arrival of Rohingya refugees in Indonesia. These refugees, many in urgent need of nutrition and medical assistance, continue to flee deteriorating conditions and reduced food rations in Bangladesh refugee camps.

According to United Nations, over 1000 Rohingya refugees have recently arrived in Aceh, Indonesia’s northernmost province, in overcrowded vessels. Andrews commended the Indonesian Government for providing safety, shelter, and support to these refugees, predominantly women and children. He urged other countries in the region to emulate Indonesia’s approach by safely disembarking Rohingya refugees arriving by boat.

The Special Rapporteur highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to upholding the rights of the Rohingya and called for a coordinated search and rescue operation to save those stranded on unseaworthy vessels. However, he stressed that Indonesia cannot handle this situation alone and that a collective emergency response is necessary.

Andrews warned that the crisis would continue to escalate unless the underlying issue—the illegal military junta in Myanmar—is addressed. He emphasized the need for the international community to tackle the root causes of the crisis by cutting off the junta’s access to weapons, money, and legitimacy. He also called for Member States to provide adequate humanitarian assistance and consider durable solutions for Rohingya refugees, including resettlement, until they can voluntarily return to Myanmar with assured safety, dignity, and rights.

During his visit to Rohingya refugees in Aceh, Indonesia, including a camp in Pidie, Andrews learned about the dire conditions pushing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to embark on dangerous journeys. He urged Indonesian authorities to continue collaborating with humanitarian agencies to meet the needs of these refugees, including establishing new shelters and services for vulnerable groups like women and children, who are at risk of exploitation and human trafficking.

Andrews expressed deep concern about the recent arrivals indicating a significant increase in Rohingya fleeing Bangladesh due to extreme desperation. He highlighted the tragic reality of families taking such perilous journeys not out of choice but sheer desperation, driven by hunger, malnutrition, and increasing violence in the camps. He firmly stated that no state should refuse Rohingya refugees disembarkation or push their boats back to sea.