The Unwanted

THE end of the Vietnam War four decades ago unleashed thousands of Indochinese escaping the aftermath of a protracted armed conflict. Some managed to board American helicopters and aircraft standing by to rescue them. Others walked miles overland to cross the border into Thailand, where the United Nations had set up refugee camps. Still others boarded overloaded boats and headed out to sea, anywhere to escape persecution. Many ended up on the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. After waiting for years in transit camps, such as the Indonesian island of Galang, they were eventually processed by the UNHCR and relocated in mostly developed countries.

History seems to be repeating itself, but with a twist. Today, a new wave of boat people are appearing off the same shores. They may not be escaping a war, but many are in well-founded fear of persecution, the United Nations definition for a refugee. They are the Rohingyas, a Muslim minority in Myanmar, discriminated against because they are not recognized as true citizens. Since 2009, many have taken to the sea, usually with the aim of landing in Malaysia, where they hope to get jobs and live among people of their own faith.