Bangladesh pushing back IDP’s from Myanmar
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displaced family in Myanmar
Hundreds of people fleeing violence in western Myanmar are stranded in boats off the coast of Bangladesh, according to the UN Refugee agency UNHCR.
The boats, which are reported to be carrying mainly women children and wounded people from Myanmar's Rakhine State, have been denied entry into Bangladesh.
UNHCR is appealing to authorities in Bangladesh to respond to the crisis in western Myanmar with compassion and solidarity.
Andrej Mahecic is a spokesperson from UNHCR.
"We have first hand reports of Bangladeshi security forces turning away the arrivals by boats. There are now a number of boats adrift in the mouth of the Naf River. We have been talking to the Bangladeshi authorities and we hope that Bangladesh will in line with its long tradition of hospitality for the people of Myanmar allow access to safe haven and assistance for these people. The fact of the mater is that Bangladesh has been hosting and bearing the brunt of the difference crisis in Myanmar for years."
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A United Nations team which visited the affected region in Rakhine State on Thursday says tension remains high despite efforts by the government to restore the rule of law.
Myanmar authorities estimate that some 30,000 people have been displaced and are in need of food, shelter and medical attention.
