Human Rights Watch urges Bangladesh to accept Myanmar refugees

Dhaka A global human rights group on Wednesday urged Bangladesh to keep its border open to people seeking refuge from sectarian violence in western Myanmar.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement that Bangladesh should also allow independent humanitarian agencies free and unfettered access to the border areas.

It expressed its concern after Bangladesh on Tuesday turned away three boats carrying 1,000 Muslims fleeing violence in neighbouring Myanmar, bringing to 1,500 the number of refugees intercepted in recent days.

“By closing its border when violence… is out of control, Bangladesh is putting lives at grave risk,” said Bill Frelick, Refugee Programme director at Human Rights Watch.

(2012-06-14/gulfnews)