Boat Migration Operations Continue
About 170 Rohingya people arrived in Indonesia recently, escaping from a country called Myanmar. This is not the first time we've seen this happen. In fact, over a thousand Rohingya migrants have arrived in Indonesia in the past few weeks.
Why Are They Leaving?
The Rohingya people are a Muslim minority group in Myanmar. Unfortunately, they have been facing a lot of problems there. They are being persecuted and even experiencing something called ethnic cleansing. This means that they are being treated very badly just because of who they are.
Boat Journey to Safety
When the seas are calmer between November and April each year, the Rohingya people leave Myanmar on wooden boats. They head to neighboring countries like Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They hope to find safety and a better life there.
The Arrival in Indonesia
According to Muftah Kut Adi, who is the head of a fishing association in Aceh province, the latest group of Rohingya arrived at Le Muli Beach on Sabang Island. Most of them are women and children, and they are in a weak condition. It must have been a tough journey for them.
Indonesia's Response
Did you know that Indonesia didn't sign a special agreement called the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees? But that doesn't mean they turn away people in need. Throughout history, Indonesia has been welcoming refugees who arrive on their shores. They understand the importance of helping those who are in trouble.
The Rohingya's Struggle
The Rohingya people have been leaving Myanmar for many years now. Myanmar is a country where most people follow the Buddhist religion. Unfortunately, the Rohingya face terrible treatment and violations there. Some reports even say that it has reached the level of ethnic cleansing and genocide. It's really sad to hear about their struggles.
Living in Refugee Camps
Currently, almost a million Rohingya people live in refugee camps in a place called the Coxs Bazar district, which is on the border of Bangladesh. They had to flee Myanmar because of a military-led crackdown in 2017. It's not easy for them to live in these camps, but they are trying their best to survive.
Source: Reuters
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