The United Nations fears that more than 500 people may have died in two separate boat capsizings off the coast of Myanmar in late June and early July.
Every year, many Rohingya risk their lives to travel by sea in the hope of a better life. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have expressed deep concern over the recent shipwreck.
In a joint statement, the two agencies said two boats carrying more than 500 passengers had sunk off the coast of Myanmar. Concern has been expressed about the number of casualties in this incident.
According to initial information, the two boats set sail from war-torn Rakhine state in late June. It mainly consisted of people from the Rohingya population, a Muslim minority in Myanmar.
It is reported that some of the passengers also traveled from the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Currently, more than 1 million Rohingya refugees are living in difficult conditions in Cox’s Bazar.
Every year, many Rohingya take risks to travel by sea in the hope of a better life. On these journeys they are often forced to use dilapidated boats operated by human trafficking rings.
A boat carrying about 250 passengers lost contact shortly after departure, the statement said.
On the other hand, another boat carrying about 280 passengers is believed to have sunk off the coast of Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady on July 8.
The IOM and UNHCR said they were deeply concerned by the possible mass loss of life, although the number of incidents and casualties had not yet been officially confirmed.
According to UNHCR data, nearly 900 of the more than 6,500 Rohingya went missing or died during the perilous voyage in the northern Indian Ocean last year.
The two UN agencies said the latest tragic events have once again brought to the fore the devastating impact of protracted conflict, displacement and the lack of durable solutions for the Rohingya.
At the same time, organizations have praised Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees over the years. But they stressed that the refugees and the local communities that shelter them need continued support from the international community. It also called for more effective initiatives to address the root causes of forced displacement.
TimesBD/ rabbi
