The plight of boat people in the Indian Ocean has been a major topic of concern in recent weeks, as thousands took to the seas on rickety ships seeking work or safe haven. Many are Muslim Rohingya who have been fleeing Myanmar on a regular basis since sectarian violence erupted in 2012. In western Rakhine State, VOA’s Colin Lovett rode with the Myanmar border patrol, who say they are there to combat the human trafficking.
