Recommendations The root cause of high-risk migration lies in the persecution and genocide in Myanmar. Until Rohingya have access to safe and viable futures in Myanmar, exploitation and trafficking will continue to take place. Rohingya fleeing immediate risk to their lives are less able to plan for and finance travel, increasing the risks. States should provide immediate humanitarian assistance to people on board boats in distress. COVID-19 containment measures should be proportionate and should complement, rather than erode access to asylum and protection. The protection of the rights of refugees in receiving countries would function to reduce the number of journeys and the risks taken. Most importantly, refugees must be provided protection and a legal status, rather than be treated as ‘illegal’ or irregular migrants. Access to safe and legal work that is available to other migrants would enable Rohingya to be integrated into the formal economies of host states and would reduce the incentive for people to turn to irregular and risky means for onward travel. Legal and safe travel options for those without access to citizenship would also help to disincentivise irregular travel. This should include the issuance of exit visas from Bangladesh, which enable some Rohingya to join family in safe third countries and facilitate resettlement options for those in situations of protracted displacement. Where abuses and exploitation have occurred, traffickers should be prosecuted more consistently and effectively. This will act as a deterrent including to agents working inside camps and communities. Where necessary, thorough investigations should cover any involvement of state officials and security forces. Community-level approaches are needed that tackle gender inequalities and the social norms that drive gender inequality and early marriage. Additionally, greater awareness is needed regarding the risks of abuse and extortion on the journeys and in destination countries. Rohingya community-level campaigns in India and Malaysia have, for example, had some gains in addressing marriage practices and gendered social norms among the younger generations. However, community-level approaches can only be effective where the larger structural issues above are also addressed. 7