GENEVA: The UN refugee agency yesterday urged Myanmar to stem sectarian violence to avoid a repeat of a boat tragedy believed to have killed dozens of Rohingyas fleeing clashes in the country.
“As with the recent boat disasters on the Mediterranean, our worry is that similar tragedies with follow, unless actions are taken to address the causes and reduce the risks,” spokesman Adrian Edwards said. “It is unacceptable that people are driven by such desperation into life-risking journeys, often falling into the hands of ruthless smugglers.”
A boat carrying 70 Rohingyas headed to Malaysia capsized on Sunday off Myanmar’s coast, police said, leaving dozens missing and a reported eight survivors.
Around 140,000 people, mostly Rohingyas, were displaced by two waves of violence between the Buddhist majority and Muslims in Rakhine last year that left some 200 people dead.
AFP
