By: Camp Correspondent
February 7, 2025
The Rohingya refugee crisis appears to be intensifying as an increasing number of people flee Myanmar by sea amid escalating violence in Rakhine State. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported on February 6 that the number of Rohingya undertaking dangerous boat journeys has risen sharply.
Rising Numbers of Sea Crossings
According to UNHCR, over 7,800 Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar by sea in 2024—a figure that represents an 80% increase compared to 2023. This trend has carried into early 2025, with at least 700 Rohingya already attempting to escape by boat.
Desperate Journeys Across Treacherous Waters
The Rohingya, a persecuted ethnic minority facing systemic violence and displacement, are risking perilous sea voyages in search of safety and better living conditions. Many refugees are reported to be aiming for destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. They often travel in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats that further endanger their lives.
In addition to sea routes, reports indicate that thousands of Rohingya attempted to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh during 2024—a move that underscores the desperation felt amid the worsening conditions in Myanmar.
Recent Arrivals in Southeast Asia
Recent reports highlight that at the end of January, more than 200 Rohingya refugees reached Sumatra, Indonesia, after a hazardous journey by sea. In another incident, around 300 refugees arrived in Langkawi, Malaysia, aboard two motorboats. These arrivals further emphasize the continuing urgency of the migration crisis.
Warnings and Calls for Action
Humanitarian organizations are voicing growing concern over these dangerous departures. Save the Children, for example, warned as early as November 4, 2024, that with the easing of monsoon winds and improved sea conditions, more Rohingya are likely to risk the journey by boat.
International agencies and human rights groups continue to call for urgent humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions to address the crisis. With thousands of Rohingya at risk of persecution and displacement, the need for safe, legal pathways to protection and durable solutions remains critical.
