Amnesty International’s Myanmar researcher Joe Freeman has responded to the deaths of refugees and migrants on a boat that sank off the coast of Malaysia.
“This latest tragedy at sea in Southeast Asia once again lays bare the deadly risks faced by Rohingya Muslims who attempt to flee conflict and persecution in Myanmar, plus deteriorating conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
“Those who were aboard a boat that sank off the coast of Malaysia had left a rapidly worsening situation both at home in Rakhine state and in overcrowded and underfunded camps over the border in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh,” Freeman said.
“In Myanmar, Rohingya civilians face food shortages, forced labour, arbitrary detention and restrictions on movement while they remain trapped in a conflict between the Myanmar junta and the Arakan Army that has driven more Rohingya into camps in Bangladesh.
“Meanwhile, US funding cuts have led to shortages in shelter, education services and aid in the Bangladesh camps, putting additional strain on communities and further compelling people to seek the dangerous option of fleeing by boat.
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“The Malaysian and Thai governments must coordinate comprehensive search-and-rescue missions for survivors of this tragedy and provide them with humanitarian assistance and protection from forcible return to Myanmar,” Freeman added.
“The unconscionable practice of pushing boats away from borders must end, and regional governments must ensure that any boats carrying refugees and migrants are allowed to land safely in the nearest country.
“Asean leaders must act decisively to address the long-standing issue of Rohingya boats at sea, as well as the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.”
Background
At least 11 people are reported to have died after a boat carrying around 70 migrants and refugees sank near the border between Thailand and Malaysia.
The passengers were among a group of around 300 mostly Rohingya people who were originally on a larger vessel before splitting onto small boats, according to Malaysian officials. It is currently unclear whether the boat began its original journey in Myanmar or Bangladesh.
Civilians in Rakhine state have been trapped in the armed conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, which has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid and carried out deadly indiscriminate air strikes.
Amnesty International and other groups have also documented violations of international humanitarian law and mounting abuses against civilians by the Arakan Army, which now controls most of northern Rakhine state.
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are internally displaced, and more than 150,000 Rohingya men, women and children have fled across the border to the Bangladesh camps since late 2023, bringing the total number of refugees to an estimated 1.2 million.
Malaysia has a record of pushing back migrant boats from Myanmar. In January 2025, authorities said they had expelled two boats ferrying about 300 undocumented migrants from Myanmar from the country’s waters. – Amnesty
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