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    Myanmar: 17 Rohingya killed in capsized boat

    A family in their tent in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Sittwe, February 2, 2013

    Doctors Without Borders has been working in Myanmar since 1992. 

    Pictured here is a family in their tent in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Sittwe, from February 2013. © Kaung Htet

    This horrific incident is another reminder of the dreadful conditions Rohingya are forced to live in Rakhine state. A situation that continues to push this consistently persecuted, stateless group to make these perilous journeys in the hope of finding somewhere better.

    The reasons why Rohingya see no option but to flee Myanmar must be addressed. Driven from their homes by violence, many continue to live in squalid, overcrowded displacement camps in Rakhine state. They are routinely denied access to healthcare, livelihoods and education, existing in poverty, relying on humanitarian assistance and with little hope for their futures. The rights of Rohingya need to be upheld to prevent these tragedies from repeating.