Desperate Rohingya escaping Myanmar, Bangladesh by boat despite rising death toll

In a perilous journey across the water, thousands of Rohingya fled their homeland and refugee camps, with hundreds perishing along the way.

Despite the known risks, many feel they have no choice but to continue fleeing by boat, as they believe the world has abandoned them. The UNHCR reported that nearly 4,500 Rohingya, mostly women and children, attempted the crossing last year, with 569 dying or going missing.

Despite the high death toll, the stream of Rohingya seeking refuge shows no signs of slowing. Recent reports indicate another boat carrying Rohingya refugees landed in Indonesia.

The situation in the overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh has become increasingly dire, driving many to take the dangerous journey by sea.

The lack of international action and support has left the Rohingya with few alternatives. With limited prospects for resettlement or return to Myanmar, and facing violence and desperation in the camps, many feel compelled to risk their lives on the treacherous sea journey.