The United Nations has expressed concern after receiving reports that two migrant boats sank off the coast of Myanmar since late June, with an estimated total of over 500 dead and missing. Most of the passengers were Rohingya fleeing conflict and traveling by sea in search of safety and a better life.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over reports that two boats carrying a combined total of more than 500 passengers sank off Myanmar's coast in recent days.
Preliminary information indicates that both boats departed from Rakhine State, Myanmar, which is currently facing civil war in late June. Most passengers were Rohingya Muslims, with some coming from large refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, which host over one million Rohingya migrants who fled violence and live in difficult conditions.
The first boat is believed to have carried about 250 passengers and lost contact shortly after departing the shore. The second boat reportedly carried around 280 passengers and is believed to have sunk off the coast of Myanmar's Ayeyarwady region.
The statement said, "Although the incidents and death toll have not yet been officially confirmed by government agencies, UNHCR and IOM are deeply concerned about the potentially severe and tragic loss of life in this event."
Additionally, the UN agencies emphasized that these journeys took place outside the normal sailing season, a period when sea conditions are particularly dangerous, compounded by heavy rains and widespread flooding in the region, which further increase maritime risks. If confirmed, this incident would significantly raise the number of deaths and disappearances in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal this year, which already includes nearly 300 reported missing persons.
Each year, many Rohingya are forced to risk their lives crossing the sea in unsafe, dilapidated wooden boats, often operated by smuggling and human trafficking networks, in search of better living conditions and safety.
Data from UNHCR shows that last year alone, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees went missing or died at sea in the northern Indian Ocean region, out of more than 6,500 people attempting dangerous maritime journeys.
The United Nations stated that this recent tragedy reflects the devastating impact of prolonged conflict and displacement, as well as the lack of sustainable solutions for the Rohingya community.
The statement noted, "The escalating fighting and worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, combined with limited aid and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, have pressured many to risk their lives at sea for safety. This incident also highlights that human smuggling networks continue to exploit the desperation of people struggling to survive."
Following the incident, IOM and UNHCR called on all parties to intensify urgent search and rescue efforts at sea, ensure refugees have access to asylum procedures and protection, and take decisive measures to combat smuggling and human trafficking networks.
In conclusion, the two agencies praised Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting and caring for Rohingya refugees for many years, but stressed that this system requires "continued support from the international community" for both refugees and the local host communities, along with more serious efforts to address the root causes forcing people to be displaced from their homes today.
/sourceAFP