Apr 17, Kathmandu - The United Nations has reported that close to 900 Rohingya refugees lost their lives while attempting to cross the sea in 2025. According to UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch, many of these tragic incidents involved ships capsizing in the waters of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Baloch stated at a press conference in Geneva that 2025 was the deadliest year on record for the region, with over 1,500 Rohingya individuals attempting dangerous sea journeys, and approximately one in every seven going missing. 

Every year, Rohingya refugees undertake perilous maritime voyages, often traveling on boats operated by human trafficking networks, in search of a better life. Most refugees, after receiving permission, wish to return voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to Myanmar.

Meanwhile, a shortage of resources has hampered humanitarian aid in Bangladesh, leading to insecurity in refugee camps and limited access to education and livelihood opportunities, further endangering the refugees.

UNHCR data indicates that over half of those attempting these dangerous crossings are women and children. The recent sinking of a boat carrying around 280 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants in the Andaman Sea occurred just days before the UNHCR spokesperson's remarks.

Bangladeshi authorities reported rescuing nine individuals. The incident is estimated to have left approximately 250 people missing.