LOC14:35
11:35 GMT
GENEVA, Aug 29 (KUNA) -- In light of the dramatic worsening situation in Myanmar's Rakhine state, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Tuesday notified Bangladesh of its readiness to support the nation in helping refugees fleeing across the border.
"As of Sunday it was estimated that some 5,200 people had entered Bangladesh from Myanmar since Thursday," said UNHCR Chief Spokesperson Adrian Edwards in a press briefing.
Several thousand people were reported to be in locations along the Myanmar side of the border, he added.
UNHCR underscores the UN Secretary-General's statement in which he condemned the violence in Rakhine State.
On the Bangladesh side of the border some people are in cordoned off areas near the border, and others are mainly in the Kutupalong area.
Most are women, children, or the elderly, and there have been reports of wounded people among them.
Aid efforts involving the Bangladeshi authorities, local communities, UNHCR partners and NGOs have been under way to get food, water, and medical help to the new arrivals.
Edwards said that UNHCR is grateful to the Bangladeshi authorities for the support being provided.
"Rapid needs assessments are being planned, however with the precarious situation inside Myanmar we are concerned that numbers of people needing help may rise further over the coming days," he explained.
UNHCR is aware of several reported instances of people being prevented from entering Bangladesh.
This poses very grave risk to the individuals affected. Bangladesh has hosted refugees from Myanmar for decades, and UNHCR believes it is of utmost importance that it continue to allow Rohingya fleeing violence to seek safety there.
UNHCR also calls on the international community to support Bangladesh in doing so, with all necessary aid and other help. (end)
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