In May 2015, hundreds of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have landed in several areas of Aceh, Indonesia, including Lhoksukon, Kuala Cangkoi, Kuala Langsa, Bayeun and Kuala Simpang.
Some of them reached the shore on their own, but most of them were rescued off at sea by the Acehnese fishermen. Indonesian Government, NGOs and local communities have given humanitarian assistance to these refugees ever since.
They were on their way fleeing to Malaysia, when the smugglers suddenly left the boat and abandoned the refugees. Many of them were women and children. They said that they were losing hope to ever survive the rough boat journey.
Rohingya women are the most vulnerable. They were persecuted in their home country and forced to flee only to become an easy target of exploitation and assault. A former paper factory in Bayeun, East Aceh, is sheltering to hundreds of Rohingya asylum seekers. It’s been months and there were serious unanswered questions about a long-term solution. These women are stateless, but should they feel hopeless?
About Fauzan Ijazah
Fauzan Ijazah, is a photographer/ photojournalist currently based in Indonesia. His work have appeared in publications, The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Global Post, BBC, Associated Press (AP), NPR, The Guardian, PDN, STERN among others.
He also has been working on photo assignments for organizations like Save The Children, International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Norwegian Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, USAID, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Terre de Homes, Panos, Islamic Relief, HIVOS, World Bank, Plan International, Save The Children New Zealand, United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees (UNHCR). [Official Website]
