Rights group urges Bangladesh to keep border open

(June 14, 2012) A global human rights group on Wednesday urged Bangladesh to keep its border open to people seeking refuge from sectarian violence in western Myanmar. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement that Bangladesh should also allow independent humanitarian agencies free and unfettered access to the border areas. It expressed its concern after Bangladesh on Tuesday turned away three boats carrying 1,000 Muslims fleeing violence in neighbouring Myanmar, bringing to 1,500 the number of refugees intercepted in recent days. ``By closing its border when violence ... is out of control, Bangladesh is putting lives at grave risk,'' said Bill Frelick, Refugee Program director at Human Rights Watch. ``Bangladesh has an obligation under international law to keep its border open to people fleeing threats to their lives and provide them protection,'' Frelick said. It also urged other governments to provide humanitarian assistance and other support for the refugees. Violence in western Myanmar between Buddhists and minority Muslims who call themselves Rohingyas have left at least 12 people dead and hundreds of homes burned since Friday.