UN warns of rising Rohingya deaths amid desperate sea crossings
The United Nations refugee agency has raised alarm over a growing number of Rohingya refugees undertaking perilous sea journeys to escape worsening conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh. A recent incident, involving the sinking of two boats earlier this month, is feared to have claimed the lives of up to 427 people—making it the deadliest Rohingya maritime tragedy of 2025 so far.
According to UNHCR, the boats—carrying a total of 514 individuals—departed from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and Myanmar’s Rakhine State on May 9 and 10. Only 87 survivors have been confirmed.
The agency attributes the surge in such dangerous voyages to deteriorating humanitarian conditions compounded by global aid funding shortfalls. “The worsening humanitarian crisis, intensified by severe cuts in aid, is pushing Rohingya families to risk their lives in search of safety and dignity,” said Hai Kyung Jun, Director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.
Funding reductions from key international donors, especially the United States during the Trump administration and some Western nations now reallocating resources to defense in response to security concerns over Russia and China, have left relief agencies struggling to meet needs.
To address the crisis, the agency is calling for urgent financial support to aid both Rohingya refugees in countries like Bangladesh and displaced populations still inside Myanmar. UNHCR’s funding appeal of $383.1 million for 2025 is currently only 30% met.
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