Record Rohingya sea deaths expose deepening refugee crisis, UNHCR warns
Dhaka-The United Nations refugee agency said a record number of Rohingya refugees died or went missing at sea in 2025, highlighting worsening desperation among displaced populations in South and Southeast Asia.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly 900 Rohingya were reported dead or missing last year during dangerous sea crossings in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal the highest toll on record for the crisis.
More than 6,500 Rohingya attempted the journeys in 2025, with over one in seven perishing, making it the deadliest maritime route globally for refugees and migrants, the agency said.
Despite the risks, departures have continued into 2026, with more than 2,800 Rohingya already embarking on similar voyages by mid-April, often aiming to reach Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand.
The surge in fatalities reflects a combination of factors, including ongoing violence in Myanmar, deteriorating conditions in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, and declining international aid. The UNHCR said its $200 million appeal for Rohingya support in 2026 remains significantly underfunded.
Recent incidents underscore the dangers. Earlier this month, about 250 people were reported missing after a boat carrying Rohingya capsized in the Andaman Sea, one of several deadly accidents linked to overcrowded vessels and rough conditions.
Overall, more than 1.3 million Rohingya remain displaced across the region, most of them in Bangladesh, where limited resources and uncertain futures continue to drive risky migration attempts.
