At least 17 Rohingya refugees have tragically lost their lives and 30 others are still missing after a boat capsized in the Bay of Bengal earlier this week. The boat, carrying a total of 58 passengers and crew, was headed for Malaysia, a sought-after destination for many Rohingya people fleeing persecution and poverty in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Rescue workers have reported that eight individuals were fortunate enough to be rescued from the boat, but the search continues for those who remain missing.

The bodies of 10 women and seven men have already been recovered along the coast of Myanmar, according to Bya Latt, a spokesperson for the rescue organization Shwe Yaung Matta Foundation. The Rohingya are a persecuted Muslim minority group in Myanmar who have faced discrimination and violence.

In 2017, a military crackdown forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya out of Rakhine state and into refugee camps in Bangladesh. Despite their dire living conditions, many Rohingya still risk their lives in dangerous journeys to seek better opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Unfortunately, this recent tragedy is not an isolated incident. Last year alone, over 3,500 Rohingya attempted to make the treacherous crossing over the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with nearly 350 losing their lives or going missing at sea, according to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have urged for a regional response to prevent further drownings and protect the rights of these vulnerable refugees. The living conditions for Rohingya in Rakhine state have been likened to apartheid by Amnesty International, with the denial of citizenship and freedom of movement exacerbating their plight.

Additionally, the military junta in Myanmar has hindered aid efforts, resulting in a lack of assistance for the Rohingya population even when faced with natural disasters such as the cyclone that devastated Rakhine in May. As the international community grapples with these ongoing issues, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Rohingya people.

The tragic loss of lives in this recent boat capsizing should serve as a wake-up call to take effective action and provide the necessary assistance and protection to those who are most vulnerable.