UN: 900 Rohingya refugees died at sea in 2025

Kathmandu. The United Nations has reported that 900 Rohingya refugees died while attempting to flee by sea in 2025.

UN Refugee Agency spokesperson Babar Baloch told a press conference in Geneva that the deaths occurred when boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsized in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in 2025.

According to UNHCR data, he stated that 2025 has been the deadliest year for the region. He noted that out of more than 6,500 Rohingya who attempted the dangerous sea crossing last year, one in seven was reported missing.

It is reported that every year, Rohingya seeking a better life travel on boats operated by human trafficking networks. He stated that most Rohingya refugees wish to return to Myanmar voluntarily, safely, and with dignity once permitted.

Meanwhile, he noted that a lack of funding has led to a reduction in humanitarian aid in Bangladesh, pushing refugees toward danger due to insecurity and limited access to education and livelihoods.

According to UNHCR data, more than half of those attempting such crossings in recent years were women and children. His comments came days after reports emerged of a boat carrying approximately 280 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants capsizing in the Andaman Sea.

Bangladeshi officials stated that nine people were rescued. He noted that an estimated 250 people are missing following the boat accident.