UN welcomes Malaysia, Indonesia pledge on migrants

Geneva: The United Nations refugee agency on Wednesday welcomed a promise by Malaysia and Indonesia to offer temporary shelter to 7,000 migrants adrift at sea and called for them to be brought to shore immediately.

Further steps will be needed including examining the root causes of mass displacement and who is in need of international protection, it said in a statement assessing referring to commitments by Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to resolve the crisis.

"It is now urgent for people to be brought ashore without delay, and that immediate first aid and other care is provided for all who are in need. We look forward to seeing this happen without delay," the UNHCR said in Geneva.