UNHCR: The Escape Of Rohingya From Refugees In Aceh Can Lead To A Smuggler Network

Illustration - A number of ethnic Rohingya immigrants got out of the car upon arrival at Mina Raya temporary shelter, Padang Tiji sub-district, Pidie district, Aceh, Tuesday (14/11/2023) (ANTARA PHOTO/Ampelsa)

The BANDA ACEH - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that the escape of Rohingya refugees from shelters in Aceh to other destinations could lead to a smuggling network due to coercion or lack of choice.

"Including using a network of smugglers (unofficial travel), because they have no choice, and are desperate in their efforts to unite with their families," said UNHCR Indonesia spokesman Mitra Salima Suryono as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 24.

Mitra made this statement in response to the re-arrival of three Rohingya refugees who left or fled from the temporary evacuation site at the Banda Aceh Meuseuraya (BMA) Center, Aceh, yesterday, Tuesday (23/1).

Mitra menyampaikan, berdasarkan kejadian masa lalu, banyak pengungsi yang kemudian diketahui beralih dari Aceh, dan karena mereka tidak memiliki identitas atau dokumen perjalanan.

As a result, they cannot travel in official ways (such as with passports, using visas, buying tickets and through airports).

Finally, the Rohingya refugees were forced to take an unofficial trip, to use services from a smuggling network due to despair.

"UNHCR continues to coordinate with our authorities and partners in the field to ensure that security is always in the shelter," he said.

Rohingya refugees leave shelters in Indonesia for several reasons, such as wanting to unite with their separate families in neighboring countries (Malaysia).

In order to prevent escape, said Mitra, his party always provides counseling to refugees regarding the dangers or risks if they take a further trip like that.

"As a precautionary measure, we convey this counseling regularly to the refugees," he said.

He explained that women, men and children who are vulnerable like them still decide to continue such a journey. Even though they already know the risks.

This means that all of this shows their despair in finding long-term solutions so that they can reunite with their respective families.

"Long-term solutions require cooperation between countries in this region, where each country is expected to contribute to the spirit of equitable responsibility," said Mitra Salima.