COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh – The first quarter of 2026 has seen a dramatic 90% increase in Rohingya refugees attempting to flee their camps via sea routes from Bangladesh and Myanmar, as reported by Save the Children, citing UN data. Between January 1 and March 31, 2026, approximately 2,907 individuals embarked on these hazardous journeys, a stark rise from the 1,517 who departed during the same timeframe in the previous year. This surge in desperate departures, which includes a significant number of women and children, underscores the worsening conditions within the refugee camps. According to UNHCR figures, more than half of those undertaking these perilous voyages are women and children, highlighting the vulnerability of this population. The increased insecurity and reduced humanitarian aid, including recent food ration cuts affecting at least half a million Rohingya refugee children, are cited as primary drivers for these risky endeavors. Save the Children warns that the approaching monsoon season will further heighten the dangers for those attempting to flee by boat, with heavy rains and strong winds increasing the risk of capsizing on rough seas. The organization is calling for an urgent increase in funding for education and livelihoods, as well as improved security within the camps, to ensure the safety and protection of children. The growing desperation among the Rohingya, who have been displaced for nearly nine years and rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid, is pushing them to take extreme measures for survival. This alarming trend has also been tragically underscored by a recent incident where a fishing trawler carrying Rohingya refugees and others from Bangladesh sank in the Andaman Sea, resulting in an unknown number of missing or dead, including children. The situation demands immediate international attention and a comprehensive response to address the root causes of displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of the Rohingya people. The lack of access to education and employment opportunities within the camps further exacerbates the feeling of hopelessness, compelling refugees to risk abuse or even death at sea in search of a safer future.