World

Iran prepares aid for Myanmar Rohingyas

United Nations says 164,000 refugees have so far fled to neighbouring Bangladesh

Afp September 07, 2017

This file photo taken on September 6, 2017 shows the bodies of Rohingya refugees being brought to the shore of the Naf river on a boat by fellow Rohingyas in Ukhiya. PHOTO: AFP

TEHRAN: Iran's Red Crescent said Thursday it has prepared an aid package for Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims as they flee a crackdown by security forces, local media reported.

"An emergency, food, life support and hygiene package has been prepared by the Red Crescent to be sent to Myanmar," said head of the organisation Morteza Salimi, according to the ISNA news agency.

The aid package would be "immediately sent to the oppressed people of this country if we receive authorisation from Myanmar," he said, adding it had been ordered by President Hassan Rouhani.

Iranian officials have repeatedly condemned the massive security operations by the Myanmar army that followed a series of deadly ambushes by Rohingya militants on August 25.

UN expects up to 300,000 Rohingya refugees

The United Nations says 164,000 refugees have so far fled to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Iran's ambassador to the UN, Gholam Ali Khoshrou, on Thursday said he was working to bring together ministers and diplomats from several Islamic countries to discuss the issue.

"I have had numerous contacts with ambassadors of Islamic countries in recent days and it was decided to form a group at the ambassadorial and ministerial levels," he said, according to state news agency IRNA.

He said he hoped the group could meet in New York when the UN General Assembly convenes next week.

"Everyone must make an effort to stop this human catastrophe," he said.

COMMENTS (2)

Asif | 7 years ago | Reply @Bunny Rabbit: Rohingyas cleansing is happening at Bangladesh border. 1/3 of Bangladesh is under water and its world most congested over populated country. Even then they are accepting thousands of refugees. Now the problem is not, who is not accepting them as refugees, the problem is they are being killed inhumanely and being burnt alive, being forced to leave their birth place where they been living for hundred of years, being their citizens denied, their rights are being violated. Now there is international pressure to stop them from being killed. News coverage in western media is limited. There is no warning from UN. As if they have closed they been doing in Palestine. West should change their hypocrite policies and should send strong message to Myanmar to stop these ethnic cleansing.

Bunny Rabbit | 7 years ago | Reply how come not one islamic country of the world is willing to take their brethren .

Replying to X