MMNN Report: UN Links Rohingya Boat Disaster to Humanitarian Aid Shortfalls
By Myanmar Muslims News Network (MMNN)
📍 Geneva | May 25, 2025
The United Nations refugee agency has drawn a direct connection between dwindling humanitarian aid and a devastating maritime tragedy earlier this month, where an estimated 427 Rohingya refugees died in two separate boat sinkings — the deadliest incident involving the community at sea this year.
According to the UNHCR, the twin disasters occurred on May 9 and 10 when two boats carrying over 500 Rohingya capsized during the dangerous monsoon season. The vessels are believed to have departed from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh and Rakhine State in Myanmar. Of the roughly 514 passengers, only 87 survivors were rescued.
“A Sign of Desperation”
UNHCR officials described the willingness of refugees to embark on such high-risk journeys during monsoon season — a period known for turbulent seas — as a tragic signal of their desperation. Many are reportedly fleeing worsening conditions in refugee camps and conflict zones, where access to food, healthcare, and safety is increasingly limited.
Hai Kyung Jun, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at UNHCR, warned that aid cuts are driving more vulnerable Rohingya into peril.
“The dire humanitarian situation, exacerbated by funding cuts, is having a devastating impact on the lives of Rohingya,” said Kyung Jun. “More and more are resorting to unsafe journeys in search of protection and a dignified future.”
Funding Freezes and Appeal Shortfalls
Humanitarian operations across Myanmar and Bangladesh have been hamstrung by major funding reductions. A UNHCR spokesperson revealed that more than US$300 million in planned support programs were frozen as early as March this year due to budget constraints.
Currently, UNHCR’s 2025 appeal for US$383.1 million to assist displaced Rohingya remains only 30% funded. This funding gap severely limits critical services like food assistance, shelter, healthcare, and education in overcrowded refugee settlements and conflict-hit areas.
While the United States remained the top donor in 2024 — contributing over US$2 billion — global humanitarian budgets have shrunk, with many Western governments shifting priorities toward defense spending amidst heightened geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China.
Call for Global Responsibility Sharing
UNHCR reiterated its call for greater international cooperation, urging host countries and regional partners to share responsibility for refugee protection. It also emphasized the importance of safe disembarkation, maritime rescue protocols, and legal pathways to asylum.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that unless the root causes and humanitarian gaps are addressed, desperate people will continue risking their lives,” said Kyung Jun.
The agency has called for an immediate scale-up of aid, particularly in frontline host countries like Bangladesh, to prevent further loss of life and reduce the appeal of traffickers exploiting refugee desperation.
MMNN – Myanmar Muslims News Network
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