By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration on Tuesday reported that at least 21 Rohingya refugees, including 2 teenage girls, have died after a boat carrying up to 70 people capsized in the Andaman Sea off the coasts of Malaysia and Thailand.
UN agencies reported that 13 survivors have been rescued by Malaysian authorities, but dozens remain missing.
Another vessel with 230 people on board is reportedly at sea, raised fears of further tragedy.
IOM and UNHCR said that thousands of Rohingya refugees continue to attempt perilous journeys across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea in search of safety, as conditions worsen in camps in Bangladesh and in conflict-affected Myanmar.
UN agencies have expressed deep concern over the mounting loss of life, noted that more than 600 people have died or gone missing at sea this year.
Women and children make up over 2 thirds of those making these dangerous crossings.
The agencies praised rescue efforts by Malaysian authorities and local communities and urged stronger regional cooperation to boost search-and-rescue capacity, ensure safe disembarkation, and address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar.
