spotlight 2 Desperate journeys of Rohingya The crisis in Myanmar shows no signs of abating, complicating prospects for the safe and voluntary return of refugees, among them the 1.3 million Rohingya. With resources for the humanitarian response in host countries increasingly stretched, thousands of stateless Rohingya refugees residing outside Myanmar have embarked on perilous journeys in search of protection, security, family reunification and livelihood opportunities. In 2024, around 11,300 people attempted dangerous journeys over land or by boat. This is an increase of 74 per cent compared to the previous year, although the actual number is thought to be higher. Tragically, around 660 Rohingya refugees were reported dead or missing at sea in 2024, the highest number since 2015. 86 These estimates indicate that one Rohingya was reported to have died or gone missing for every 18 people attempting the journey during 2024, showing the perilousness of the journeys. Some 87 per cent of boat movements resulted in interceptions or disembarkations in Myanmar or Bangladesh, leaving stateless Rohingya refugees in an even more desperate situation, including in prolonged immigration detention. In 2024, nearly 780 Rohingya disembarked in Indonesia, while almost 120 disembarked in Sri Lanka. Despite the grave risks, many vulnerable women, men and children continue to undertake these desperate journeys and are at risk of exploitation by smugglers and traffickers. 87 In Thailand, Rohingya refugees face prolonged immigration detention, however efforts are being made towards developing communitybased alternatives to detention for some children. In response, a route-based (or panoramic) approach has been taken by UNHCR to enhance access to effective protection and opportunities for solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers as early as possible. Ultimately, this will reduce the need for dangerous onward journeys. UNHCR continues to advocate with States across the region to promote greater coordination to save lives at sea, fully deploy rescue capacities and enable safe and timely disembarkation, thereby upholding the principles of humanity, solidarity and responsibility sharing. Towards durable solutions Finding durable solutions continues to remain a critical part of the response to the crisis in Myanmar. 88 In 2024, around 31,900 refugees from Myanmar, including more than 19,500 Rohingya refugees, were considered for resettlement. Over 10,100 departed to resettlement countries, an increase of 47 per cent from 2023. Over threequarters of the resettlement departures were to the United States of America. In addition, 1,790 refugees from Myanmar departed on complementary pathways from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries of asylum. However, the availability of third-country solutions through resettlement will decrease in 2025. To address statelessness among Rohingya, efforts continue to ensure birth registration and civil status documentation, with support provided through regional cooperation. 89 As global crises multiply and humanitarian resources become scarcer, the protection and humanitarian needs of forcibly displaced and stateless people within and from Myanmar must not be overlooked. The country’s dire situation requires sustained focus from all parties to the conflict to stop attacks on civilians, to prevent further displacement and to allow forcibly displaced people to rebuild and recover in the wake of ongoing conflict and recurring disasters. It also calls for coordinated action to address the root causes of conflict and displacement, create conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable returns, maintain humanitarian assistance for refugees in the region and expand pathways for lasting solutions. Lastly, the commitments made by member States and others in favour of resilience and solutions for the Rohingya refugees in the 2023 Global Refugee Forum must be translated into concrete progress.90 86 See Desperate Irregular Journeys: Rohingya refugees in search of protection, December 2024, UNHCR and Desperate Journeys: Rohingya refugees in search of protection, December 2023, UNHCR. 87 See Desperate Irregular Journeys: Rohingya refugees in search of protection, December 2024, UNHCR and Guidance Note on the International Protection Needs of People Fleeing Myanmar, UNHCR. 88 See What are Durable Solutions for Refugees and IDPs?, UNHCR. 89 See Ensuring everyone counts: working together to include stateless and displaced persons in civil registration systems, UNHCR and Towards the realization of the regional vision for inclusive civil registration and vital statistics systems, United Nations. 90 See Multi-stakeholder Pledge: Rohingya Refugees - Expanded Resilience, Enhanced Solutions. 22 UNHCR > GLOBAL TRENDS 2024