Amnesty International raised an alarm on Monday about deteriorating circumstances facing Rohingya Muslims after a vessel transporting 90 refugees capsized between Thailand and Malaysia, killing at least 25 people. Researcher Joe Freeman blamed deadly sea journeys on persecution in Myanmar and worsening refugee camp conditions in Bangladesh, which American budget reductions have intensified through shelter and education shortages.
Freeman urged Thai and Malaysian authorities to aid survivors while avoiding forced repatriation and pressed regional leaders to address displacement crises. Malaysian authorities are conducting rescue efforts for two additional boats while investigating arrivals under immigration statutes that criminalize entry without documentation. The maritime agency has intercepted over 1,300 undocumented migrants near Langkawi and Kedah since 2020, though the nation hosts nearly 118,000 registered Rohingya with the UN refugee agency.
Freeman urged Thai and Malaysian authorities to aid survivors while avoiding forced repatriation and pressed regional leaders to address displacement crises. Malaysian authorities are conducting rescue efforts for two additional boats while investigating arrivals under immigration statutes that criminalize entry without documentation. The maritime agency has intercepted over 1,300 undocumented migrants near Langkawi and Kedah since 2020, though the nation hosts nearly 118,000 registered Rohingya with the UN refugee agency.
