Rohingya Refugees Flee Camps as Trafficking Networks Expand Amid Rising Desperation

Rohingya Refugees Flee Camps as Trafficking Networks Expand Amid Rising Desperation
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Thousands of Rohingya refugees have embarked on dangerous sea journeys from Bangladesh and Myanmar in recent months, driven by worsening conditions and dwindling aid in the camps, according to a report that was published by The Guardian. Families say increasing fear, uncertainty and restricted opportunities are pushing many to seek passage to Malaysia, despite the risks of exploitation and deadly accidents at sea.

Human rights monitors report a sharp rise in boat departures from the Bay of Bengal since September, estimating that more than 4,000 people have attempted to reach Southeast Asia. Many refugees are fleeing food shortages, shrinking health services and strict limits on movement and work in the overcrowded camps in Bangladesh. Others are escaping intensified conflict and forced recruitment in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

The journeys are often controlled by trafficking networks that detain migrants in secret locations before transferring them to larger vessels offshore. Refugees’ families describe extortion, beatings and ransom demands, while aid groups warn that exploitation is worsening as desperation grows. UNHCR estimates that around 600 Rohingya have died or gone missing at sea this year.

Recent fatalities include a shipwreck in early November near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime border, where dozens drowned and several remain unaccounted for. Survivors from the incident were later charged by Malaysian authorities for irregular entry, prompting criticism from rights groups.

Humanitarian organisations and refugee advocates say the renewed surge in dangerous crossings mirrors levels last seen in 2015, when mass graves were discovered along trafficking routes. They warn that without international action to address root causes and improve conditions in the camps, more Rohingya will continue to risk their lives at sea.