The Rising Tide of Rohingya Refugee Crises: A Call for Global Action
The plight of the Rohingya refugees continues to escalate, with 2024 marking one of the deadliest years for those fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat. According to Save the Children, nearly half of the refugees embarking on these perilous journeys are children, highlighting a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent global attention.
A Surge in Hazardous Journeys
In 2024, more than 7,800 Rohingya refugees risked their lives on overcrowded, flimsy fishing boats, an 80% increase from the previous year. Tragically, 656 passengers were reported dead or missing, the highest number since 2014. As of January 2025, the trend shows no signs of slowing, with approximately 460 refugees already taking to the sea.
Sultana Begum, Asia head of humanitarian policy and advocacy for Save the Children, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“Since February 2022, thousands of Rohingya refugee children have taken life-threatening boat journeys from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Thousands of children who have got on rickety boats in the scorching sun with meagre supplies of food and water. Thousands of children who have no guarantee they will get to safety and have risked everything in the hope of a better future.”
Children Bear the Brunt
UN data reveals that 44% of documented arrivals in 2024 were children,up from 37% in 2023. this alarming statistic underscores the vulnerability of young refugees,many of whom face exploitation,malnutrition,and trauma. On January 5,2025,254 Rohingya refugees landed in Aceh,Indonesia,with 10 reported missing or dead. Among the survivors were 118 children, according to the Geutanyoe Foundation, a partner institution of Save the Children.
Regional Responses and Challenges
The response from regional governments has been mixed. In Malaysia, 196 refugees arriving by boat in Langkawi were detained by police, as the country dose not formally recognize refugees and often treats them as illegal migrants. Two other boats were reportedly escorted out of Malaysian waters after receiving minimal aid.This lack of consistent support exacerbates the crisis. Refugees are frequently enough forced to navigate multiple countries in search of safety, facing pushbacks, detention, and inadequate legal protections.
Root Causes of the Crisis
The surge in boat journeys is driven by escalating conflict in Myanmar and deteriorating conditions in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh. Home to over one million Rohingya refugees, these camps are plagued by overcrowding, violence, and dwindling humanitarian aid. Refugees are stateless,confined to squalid conditions,and almost entirely dependent on external assistance for survival.
Sultana Begum urges regional governments to act:
“Regional governments must act decisively. All governments in the region must live up to their international obligations. They must not push refugee boats back and allow them to land safely, provide legal protection in transit and destination countries, and address the root causes of boat journeys.”
Save the Children’s Lifesaving Work
Save the Children has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response in Cox’s bazar, providing critical services such as child protection, education, health, nutrition, and shelter. As 2017, the organization has reached over 600,000 Rohingya refugees, including more than 320,000 children.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Year | Total Refugees by boat | Children (%) | Deaths/Missing |
|———-|—————————-|——————|——————–|
| 2023 | 7,800 | 37% | 416 |
| 2024 | 7,800 | 44% | 656 |
| 2025 | 460 | N/A | 10 |
Data as of January 2025
A Call to Action
The international community must step up to address this crisis. Governments, NGOs, and individuals alike have a role to play in providing safe passage, legal protections, and lasting solutions for Rohingya refugees.
How You can definitely help:
- Donate to organizations like Save the Children to support their lifesaving work.
- Advocate for stronger refugee protections and policies in your country.
- Spread Awareness by sharing stories like this to amplify the voices of those in need.
The Rohingya crisis is not just a regional issue—it is indeed a global responsibility. Let 2025 be the year of hope and action, not despair.
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For more information on the Rohingya crisis, visit the UNHCR Rohingya Maritime Dashboard or read about Malaysia’s response here.
