Between 15 and 17 January, airstrikes and clashes in the southeast reportedly resulted in nine deaths and left 31 others injured.
In 2024, over 7,800 Rohingya risked their lives attempting to escape Myanmar by boat across treacherous seas.
Worrying trend
UNHCR also warned that as the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, more people are expected to flee in the coming months.
In 2024, over 7,800 Rohingya attempted to escape Myanmar by boat – an 80 per cent increase from the previous year. Among those making the journey, children accounted for 44 per cent of passengers, up from 37 per cent in 2023.
UNHCR urged States to focus on protection at sea, meeting humanitarian needs and addressing false narratives and hate speech against refugees and asylum-seekers arriving on their shores.
“We call on all States to continue search and rescue efforts and make sure that survivors receive the assistance and protection they need,” Ms. Jun added.
Severe underfunding
Myanmar’s spiralling crisis is being further exacerbated by severe underfunding of humanitarian operations, leaving millions without critical support.
Humanitarians estimate that nearly 20 million people – more than a third of the total population – will require assistance this year. Among them, 6.3 million children and 7.1 million women.
Despite the urgent need, the humanitarian response remains drastically underfunded.
In 2024, only 34 per cent of the $1 billion required was received, leaving an estimated 1.4 million people without prioritized support. For 2025, humanitarians have appealed for $1.1 billion to provide life-saving aid to 5.5 million of the most vulnerable people.
“The people of Myanmar cannot afford a repeat of this underfunding in 2025 – they need decisive action from the international community, including more resources, and they need it now,” said Marcoluigi Corsi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Myanmar.