A Myanmar state at the heart of ethnic conflict and refugee exodus
Since early 2026, over 2,800 Rohingya refugees have risked dangerous sea crossings from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Malaysia and Indonesia. A fishing trawler carrying about 250 people capsized in the Andaman Sea in April, with nine survivors rescued and hundreds feared dead. Reduced humanitarian aid and ongoing conflict are worsening conditions in refugee camps, pushing more to attempt perilous journeys.
UNHCR and IOM have voiced alarm after reports that two boats carrying more than 500 Rohingya people may have capsized off Myanmar. One vessel lost contact soon after departure; the other is believed to have sunk. Agencies warn travel outside the safe monsoon window risks deadly outcomes; thousands have died attempting similar crossings in recent years.