The UN says there was an “alarming” rise in the number of Rohingya refugees lost at sea fleeing their Myanmar homeland or Bangladesh last year, warning more would die without concerted action.
More than 3,500 Rohingya attempted sea crossings in 2022, representing a huge increase on the year before, when some 700 people made similar journeys, UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, said on Tuesday.
“Those who have disembarked report that they undertook these dangerous sea journeys in an effort to find protection, security, family reunification, and livelihoods in other countries,” UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said. “Among them are victims of trafficking, unaccompanied and separated children, and survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence.”
Myanmar is on trial for genocide at the UN’s top court over the mass exodus.
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