Why more Rohingya are taking deadly boat journeys
The Rohingya people are increasingly undertaking dangerous maritime journeys to escape persecution in Myanmar, leading to a record number of deaths at sea. Despite international legal scrutiny of the Myanmar military, the stateless population continues to face extreme risks in search of safety.
Why it matters
Highlights a critical humanitarian crisis and the ongoing failure of international protections for stateless ethnic minorities.
People smugglers charter wooden fishing boats to transport Rohingya asylum seekers to countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. ( AFP: Cek Mad )
Link copied Share Share article Two boats carrying more than 500 Rohingya asylum seekers have disappeared almost without a trace off the coast of Myanmar in recent weeks.
The tragedy brings the number of people reported lost at sea in the region this year to more than 800 — nearly reaching last year's record total of about 900.
One in seven Rohingya who attempted the sea journey in search of safety and a better life last year were reported missing or dead – the highest mortality rate worldwide of any major refugee and migrant maritime route, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
So why are so many increasingly risking their lives taking such a dangerous journey?
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