BANGKOK: As the resumption of dangerous sea journeys in the Bay of Bengal looms, countries in the region today affirmed that the only way to reduce loss of life at sea is by working together on comprehensive and sustainable approaches to mixed migration movements.
On Friday delegates from more than 20 countries and international organizations met in Bangkok for the 2nd Special Meeting on Irregular Migration in the Indian Ocean.
They took stock of achievements since the previous meeting in late May - when some 5000 Rohingya and Bangladeshis were eventually disembarked after weeks adrift at sea - in a bid to better prepare for future movements.
''With an unprecedented 60 million persons displaced today, it has become clear that forced displacement issues are a global phenomenon that no country can address or resolve on its own,'' said Volker Turk, the UN Refugee Agency's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.
''The numbers we are seeing in this region can be managed and we welcome the regional approach,'' he added.
''The fact that only 1000 people have taken to boats since September offers an important window of opportunity to put those plans in place.'' (Courtesy of Phuket Wan)
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