Desperation drives Rohingya refugees to deadly sea journeys as aid dwindles
Bangladesh has raised alarms over increasing numbers of Rohingya refugees risking perilous boat journeys to flee overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, where over 1.3 million live after fleeing persecution in Myanmar, news reports said.
Recent tragedies highlight the crisis: two boats carrying 514 Rohingya capsized on May 9–10, with at least 427 feared dead, according to UNHCR. The agency reports nearly 20% of those attempting sea escapes in 2025 have died or gone missing.
Aid cuts have worsened conditions in the world’s largest refugee settlement. The U.S., previously contributing 55% of aid ($301 million in 2024), slashed funding under the Trump administration. UNHCR’s 2025 appeal for $383 million across Asia is only 30% funded. “Extreme desperation fuels these journeys,” said Hai Kyung Jun of UNHCR, noting the added danger of monsoon-season voyages.
Despite repatriation efforts, Rohingya—denied citizenship in Myanmar since the 1980s—remain stuck in limbo. Mizanur Rahman, a Bangladeshi official, cited eroded food, health, and livelihood support as pushing refugees toward “unknown destinations.” The crisis underscores urgent needs for sustained aid and international responsibility-sharing to prevent further loss of life.
