UNHCR, IOM mourn Rohingya boat tragedy off Malaysia-Thailand coast

UNHCR and IOM have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic sinking of a boat off the Malaysia-Thailand coast carrying up to 70 people from Myanmar, including Rohingya.

Some 13 people have been safely brought ashore by Malaysian authorities, with at least 21 confirmed deaths, including two teenage Rohingya girls recovered by Thai authorities. The rest of the passengers remain unaccounted for.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM commend the authorities and local communities in Malaysia for their life-saving efforts in rescuing those from the capsized boat. UNHCR and IOM stand ready to support local authorities by assisting the survivors of this tragic incident following disembarkation.

UNHCR and IOM are extremely concerned about the scale of potential loss of life, as at least one other boat is reportedly still at sea, carrying a further 230 people, according to a media release.

So far this year, more than 5,300 Rohingya refugees have embarked on dangerous maritime journeys from Bangladesh and Myanmar, with over 600 reported to be missing or have lost their lives. Limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, along with escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, exacerbated by funding cuts, contribute to more and more people attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection.

In recent years, over two-thirds of Rohingya embarking on dangerous sea journeys are women and children.

Saving lives and rescuing those in distress at sea is a humanitarian imperative and a longstanding duty under international maritime law. UNHCR and IOM continue to call for more resources and stronger regional and international efforts to enhance search-and-rescue capacity and safe access to asylum to avoid such tragedies.

Greater regional and international support is also needed to achieve a political solution to the crisis and end the hostilities in Myanmar. Until the drivers of onward movement and the root causes of forced displacement in Myanmar are resolved, refugees will continue to undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety.

UNHCR and IOM are working with national authorities to strengthen protection and solutions of refugees, migrants, and stateless people moving along key routes, including South and South-East Asia. This 'route-based approach' aims to save lives, protect people and reduce harm, and support States in effectively managing mixed movements.