Rohingya Boat Tragedy — Life and Death at Sea: ASEAN Must Urgently End the Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

PRESS STATEMENT

Rohingya Boat Tragedy — Life and Death at Sea: ASEAN Must Urgently End the Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

Date: 11 th November 2025

Location: Kuala Lumpur
Issued by: Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM)

MAPIM expresses its deep concern over the latest reports that a boat carrying dozens — possibly hundreds — of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar has capsized or gone missing at sea amid desperate conditions and severe weather.
The loss of lives and the ongoing suffering of these refugees represent one of the darkest faces of humanity — a tragedy that must no longer be tolerated by the Muslim world and the international community.

Facts That Cannot Be Ignored

■ Rohingya refugees continue to risk their lives on perilous sea routes in their desperate search for safety and dignity.

■ The humanitarian crisis in Rakhine and neighboring regions of Myanmar has persisted for years, characterized by denial of citizenship, persecution, and systematic displacement of the Rohingya community.

■ International organizations have described the situation not merely as poverty but as a total social, economic, and human rights collapse within Myanmar.

A Call to ASEAN and Its Member States

As a regional bloc founded upon the principles of community, security, and shared responsibility, ASEAN must:

1. Acknowledge that the plight of the Rohingya refugees and maritime victims is a regional humanitarian responsibility, not just the problem of the country of origin or transit states.
2. Expedite the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to conflict zones in Myanmar.
3. Develop a regional protocol on maritime rescue, anti-trafficking measures, and refugee protection — ensuring coastal states uphold international humanitarian standards.
4. Initiate proactive diplomacy to halt the violence, reopen channels for national dialogue in Myanmar, and create conditions for safe and voluntary repatriation.
5. Urge all ASEAN member states to contribute to a comprehensive recovery plan for the people of Myanmar, focusing on refugee rights, livelihood restoration, and long-term stability. MAPIM’s Commitment

MAPIM pledges to:

●Deepen its humanitarian monitoring of the Rohingya and maritime refugee crisis through field research, NGO cooperation, and humanitarian reporting.

●Channel assistance to affected communities through its international relief partners and regional humanitarian logistics hubs.

●Mobilize Malaysians, especially the Muslim community, to support the cause through volunteerism, advocacy, and humanitarian donations.

Our Stand

The loss of human lives at sea is a call to conscience for all — nations, leaders, and citizens alike. The Rohingya crisis is no longer a border issue or political question; it is a moral test of our humanity.

ASEAN must not remain silent. Every day of inaction will mean more lives lost in the depths of forgotten waters.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM)
We stand with the marginalized. We speak for the voiceless. And we will continue to call for justice, mercy, and decisive action.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President, MAPIM