IOM provides humanitarian assistance to 303 Sri Lankan migrants rescued at sea off Vietnam

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing humanitarian assistance to 303 Sri Lankan migrants rescued on November 8 off the coast of Vietnam.

Responding to a request received from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Hanoi, IOM in coordination with the Governments of Vietnam and Sri Lanka, the IOM missions in Viet Nam and Sri Lanka and relevant UN agencies, are providing necessary assistance and protection in line with the relevant local and international standards and laws, the agency said in a statement on Monday.

IOM said it appreciates the Government of Vietnam’s willingness to offer a place of safety and assist the 303 vulnerable Sri Lankan migrants rescued at sea while IOM, the Government of Sri Lanka and other counterparts conduct vulnerability screenings and necessary assessments to ascertain the situation.

Once the assessments are completed, in addition to providing basic necessities, including food and medical aid, IOM and partners will facilitate the potential voluntary return of the migrants, should they wish to do so.

“IOM stands ready to support the Government of Sri Lanka and Vietnam in their efforts in making migration safe and dignified, supporting migrants and communities in vulnerable situations, and addressing the adverse drivers of migration and displacement,” the statement said.