The number of Rohingya drowning at sea is ‘alarmingly increasing,’ according to the UN.

More than 3,500 Rohingya attempted to flee Burma in 2022, where the ruling junta persecutes this Muslim minority.

On December 31, 2021, the Indonesian Navy rescued Rohingya refugees in Bireuen waters. (AFP)

The UN condemned the “alarming” increase in the number of Rohingya refugees lost at sea after fleeing Burma or Bangladesh on Tuesday, January 17, and warned that more will perish unless the region takes coordinated action. “At least 348 people died or went missing at sea in 2022, making it one of the deadliest years since 2014,” said UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo at a press conference in Geneva.

Last year, more than 3,500 Rohingya attempted to flee Burma, where the ruling junta persecutes this Muslim minority, or Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands have sought refuge, a- she added.

Despite having lived in Burma for generations, the Rohingyas are still regarded as intruders.which they do not have nationality or the same rights as the other residents, particularly in terms of travel.