The United Nations has warned of the death of more than 500 people in two separate boats off the coast of Myanmar. Most of the victims are believed to be Rohingya.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said the number of fatalities is extremely worrying, although the official confirmation of the incidents is not yet available.
According to the United Nations, the two boats began their journey from Myanmar’s Rakhine state in late June. There were about 250 people on one boat and about 280 people on the other. The second vessel is believed to have sinked off the coast of Ayerwadi on July 8th. Most of the survivors were Rohingyas, some of whom also travelled from refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The IOM and UNHCR said the trip was carried out in the rough seas outside the regular shipping season. The recent heavy rains and floods make the sea voyage more vulnerable. The number of people missing or killed in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal will reach about 800 this year.
According to the United Nations, more than six thousand Rohingyas who tried to flee dangerous seas in the northern Indian Ocean last year have killed or gone missing. According to the organisations, the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the humanitarian crisis, limited support and lack of employment in refugee camps in Bangladesh are forcing many Rohingyas to cross the sea at risk. Human trafficking and smuggling are taking advantage of this situation.
The IOM and UNHCR have called for early intigating search and rescue operations to find the missing, ensure safe haven and take effective action against human trafficking. At the same time, Bangladesh has long appreciated the Rohingyas and urged the international community to extend more sustainable support to the refugees and sheltering communities.