The United Nations calls for the rescue of 185 refugees who were washed away in the Indian Ocean

The boat is in distress in the middle of the Indian Ocean. On Saturday, December 23, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees called for the rescue of 185 people who were on board a floating boat, near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. In a press release. communication “to act urgently”Title “To the regional coastal authorities”.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that about 70 of those on board were children, while 88 were women. “At least twelve of them are said to be in critical condition and one person is believed to have died.”, “Many more may die (…) without being rescued in time.”She warns.

UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch told Agence France-Presse that the UNHCR is making contacts and urging all authorities in the coastal countries in the region to rescue the migrants, who are believed to be Rohingya refugees, speaking about the presence of… “Desperate situation.”

“This situation once again highlights the importance of all countries in the region deploying all their search and rescue capabilities to prevent human disasters of this scale.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also warns in its press release.

Thousands of Rohingya refugees, most of them Muslims, persecuted in Burma, make dangerous sea journeys every year from Burma and refugee camps in Bangladesh to try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia.

In 2022, it is estimated that more than 2,000 Rohingya have attempted the perilous journey to countries in Southeast Asia, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Since last year, more than 570 people, including Rohingya refugees, have been reported killed or missing at sea in the region, according to the statement.