CONTEXT: The boat left from Bangladesh around 14-15 days ago and was on its way to Indonesia. Those onboard included 47 women and 59 minors

News:

• UNHCR expressed gratitude to Indian authorities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for taking care of 142 Rohingya refugees.
• The refugees' boat was intercepted by coastal security agencies near Shaheed Dweep after leaving Bangladesh 14-15 days ago, heading to Indonesia.
• The interception and rescue were carried out by multiple coastal security agencies, including the navy, coast guard, and marine police.
• The refugees' boat had technical issues and was towed to Shaheed Dweep, where it was deemed unfit for further travel.
• The refugees were taken to Port Blair and placed in a temporary shelter by the local administration.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

• It  is a vital global organization dedicated to helping those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. They work tirelessly to safeguard the rights and rebuild the lives of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless people across the globe.
• Founded in 1950 after the devastation of World War II, UNHCR has provided assistance and protection to millions around the world.
• Recognized for their immense contributions, they have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice. Their work is guided by the 1951 Refugee Convention, a key legal document in refugee protection.
• With offices in over 135 countries, including India's New Delhi and Chennai, UNHCR operates at the local and global levels. Led by the High Commissioner for Refugees, they collaborate with a variety of partners to deliver vital aid and advocate for lasting solutions for displaced individuals.
• Additionally, they annually recognize outstanding contributions to refugee rights with the Nansen Refugee Award.
• In essence, UNHCR is a beacon of hope for those displaced from their homes. They provide life-saving aid, defend fundamental rights, and strive for a future where everyone can find safe haven and build a better life.

The Rohingya Crisis: A Decades-Long Struggle for Recognition and Safety

• The Rohingya, a marginalized ethnic group in Myanmar, have endured a prolonged ordeal of oppression and displacement.
• Decades of state-sanctioned discrimination have robbed them of citizenship, making them one of the world's largest stateless populations.
• Starting from the early 1990s, repeated waves of violence have forced them to flee Myanmar, culminating in a mass exodus in August 2017. This event saw over 742,000 Rohingya, predominantly women and children, desperately seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
• In essence, the Rohingya crisis is a multifaceted tragedy fueled by ethnic exclusion, human rights abuses, and mass displacement. Their quest for recognition and basic safety continues to remain elusive, making this a pressing global concern demanding action and lasting solutions.