Rohingya Boat Departures Triple as Funding Cuts Deepen Crisis in Camps: UNHCR Warns

Photo: Bay of Bengal Post

Arakan Now | 18 October 2025

The number of Rohingya leaving Bangladesh by boat in the first half of this year has tripled compared to the same period last year, as funding cuts and worsening conditions in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar push more people to risk perilous sea journeys, according to Save the Children.

At least 1,088 Rohingya, including 87 children, set out from Bangladesh by boat between January and June 2025, heading towards Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The figure stood at just 364 during the same period in 2024, according to data from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

“As the rainy season ends and conditions in the camps continue to deteriorate, with increasing crime and shrinking services, more families are contemplating whether to leave and brave dangerous boat journeys in search of a better life,” Save the Children said in a statement on Wednesday.

For many refugees, the decision stems from deepening hopelessness.

“Life in the camp is getting harder every day. There’s no proper work, no chance to study,” said Rahim, a 20-year-old refugee living in Cox’s Bazar. “Many of my friends talk about going to Malaysia—they think it’s the only way to build a future. I thought about it too, but after hearing how some people were caught or never came back, I got scared. Still, when you see no hope here, it’s difficult not to dream of leaving.”

Save the Children warned that cuts in humanitarian funding have severely disrupted access to essential services such as education and healthcare, making this year especially difficult for children in the world’s largest refugee settlement.

Traditionally, Rohingya begin their sea journeys in October, after the monsoon season, despite the risks of abuse, trafficking, and death. Many of those attempting the crossing are children, often traveling alone or separated from their families.

According to Abeda Sultana, Senior Project Officer for Child Poverty at Save the Children, limited livelihood options and growing insecurity are pushing more young refugees toward irregular migration.

“Economic pressure and the need to support their families push youth to take high risks. Hearing success stories from others who migrated successfully continues to encourage more to follow the same unsafe routes,” she said.

The organization has urged donors to increase funding for education, livelihood opportunities, and improved camp security to reduce desperation. It also called on regional governments to ensure safe disembarkation for refugee boats and protection for those fleeing persecution.

“Regional cooperation and responsibility-sharing are essential to prevent further loss of life and protect vulnerable children and families,” Save the Children added.