The Philippines has offered refuge to the thousands of migrants who have been stranded for months on boats after being repeatedly rejected and towed back to sea by Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Marking a possible breakthrough in a crisis that has left thousands at risk of starvation on boats labelled "floating coffins" by the United Nations, Benigno Aquino, the president of the Philippines, said his nation was a signatory to the UN's refugee convention and was therefore obliged to save the lives of the migrants.
"As the only predominantly Catholic nation in south-east Asia, it is our duty to provide succour to those in need," said Herminio Coloma, the president's spokesman.
"The Philippines has extended humanitarian assistance to 'boat people' and had even established a processing centre for Vietnamese travellers in the 70s. We shall continue to do our share in saving lives under existing and long-standing mechanisms pursuant to our commitments under the [UN] convention."
The decision by the Philippines has raised hopes that the region would finally move closer to resolving the fates of an estimated 8,000 people who have been adrift for months with little or no supplies of food and water. Full story...
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Marking a possible breakthrough in a crisis that has left thousands at risk of starvation on boats labelled "floating coffins" by the United Nations, Benigno Aquino, the president of the Philippines, said his nation was a signatory to the UN's refugee convention and was therefore obliged to save the lives of the migrants.
"As the only predominantly Catholic nation in south-east Asia, it is our duty to provide succour to those in need," said Herminio Coloma, the president's spokesman.
"The Philippines has extended humanitarian assistance to 'boat people' and had even established a processing centre for Vietnamese travellers in the 70s. We shall continue to do our share in saving lives under existing and long-standing mechanisms pursuant to our commitments under the [UN] convention."
The decision by the Philippines has raised hopes that the region would finally move closer to resolving the fates of an estimated 8,000 people who have been adrift for months with little or no supplies of food and water. Full story...
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