by Hafizur Rahman
April 17, 2026
Nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported dead or missing at sea in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record for Rohingya attempting maritime journeys, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
The agency said more than 6,500 Rohingya attempted sea crossings last year, with around one in seven reported dead or missing. This represents the highest fatality rate among major sea migration routes globally.
Most departures were from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where many Rohingya continue to face limited access to education, livelihoods, and essential services. The journeys are often organized by trafficking networks, with refugees traveling in overcrowded and unsafe boats.
A UN spokesperson said, “Last year was the deadliest on record for Rohingya at sea.”
Another official said ongoing conflict in Myanmar, combined with statelessness and lack of protection, continues to drive people to undertake such journeys. “Ongoing conflict, lack of safety, and no citizenship rights leave many Rohingya with little hope,” the official said.
Women and children accounted for more than half of those traveling by sea in recent years, according to the agency.
The trend has continued into 2026, with more than 2,800 Rohingya reported to have attempted sea crossings between January and mid-April.
Earlier in April, a boat carrying around 280 people sank in the Andaman Sea after departing from Teknaf and heading toward Malaysia. Only nine survivors were rescued, while around 250 people remain missing.
A UN official said survivors of such incidents are receiving medical and psychological support.
The United Nations has called on countries to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking, expand safe migration pathways, and address the root causes of displacement to prevent further loss of life.
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