ARNC: Rohingya boat sinking exposes global failure

Arakan Now, 16 April 2026

The Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC) says a deadly boat sinking in the Andaman Sea reflects global inaction on the Rohingya crisis.

Around 250 to 280 people, mostly Rohingya refugees, were on board when the vessel capsized after days at sea in overcrowded conditions. The boat had left Teknaf in Bangladesh for Malaysia. Many, including women and children, are feared missing.

In a statement on April 16, the group said such journeys are driven by persecution in Myanmar, long-term statelessness, and worsening conditions in camps in Bangladesh. It said restrictions on work and movement, along with cuts in aid, are forcing refugees to flee.

The council also pointed to human trafficking networks that lure refugees with false promises and expose them to dangerous conditions at sea.

It criticised the response of the United Nations and ASEAN, saying limited action and pressure on Myanmar have allowed the crisis to continue.

The group called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.