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Two boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals sank off Myanmar’s coast in recent weeks
United Nations agencies noted that conditions at sea during this time are “typically more hazardous” and expressed concern for Rohingya making the journey despite the perils
The Rohingya have faced persecution for years, with many fleeing to overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after Myanmar’s military violence in 2017
More than 500 people are believed to be dead after the capsizing of two boats off the coast of Myanmar, officials said.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a press release on Thursday, July 16, that they were “deeply concerned” by reports that the boats may have capsized after departing the country in late June.
Both vessels carried mostly Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority group who have lived for centuries in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State and have been persecuted, the UN agencies said. Some had traveled from refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh.
The agencies said that one of the boats — which was believed to have been carrying around 250 people — lost contact shortly after departure. In addition, a second boat carrying about 280 people was believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8.
“While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the agencies said in a statement.
The boats set sail “outside the regular sailing season” when conditions at sea are “typically more hazardous.” Recent flooding and torrential rains across the region made the maritime journeys riskier.
The agencies said that nearly 300 people have already been reported dead or missing in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, which border Myanmar. Those missing include Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.
The United Nations agencies said that “escalating conflict” and worsening conditions in Myanmar and limited assistance in Bangladesh have prompted several Rohingya to attempt “perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection. ”
The agencies also noted the risks of smuggling and trafficking networks that exploit people who are desperately “seeking safety.”
“Stronger regional and international efforts are needed to prevent further loss of life along one of the world’s deadliest maritime routes, including through enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks,” the IOM and UNHCR said.
Thousands of Rohingya have been killed by Myanmar’s military since 2017, an act the United States has classified as a “genocide.”
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This caused the Rohingya to flee and seek shelter in nearby Bangladesh. About 1.2 million Rohingya are currently living in overcrowded refugee camps in the country, according to NBC News. The United Nations agencies noted that more has to be done to help the Rohingya.
“While recognizing Bangladesh’s remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years, UNHCR and IOM call for sustained international support for Rohingya refugees and the communities hosting them, alongside greater efforts to address the underlying drivers of forced displacement,” the agencies said.
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