UN human rights chief Volker Türk has appealed for greater regional protection of Rohingya refugees, UN News reports.

Expressing deep sadness that more than 200 Rohingya, who fled military persecution in Myanmar in 2017, have died trying to cross the Andaman Sea from Bangladesh this year, Mr Türk said that the boats used to make the crossings are not only “overcrowded and unsafe” but also “left to drift for days on end without any help”.

As the UN notes, in 2022 more than 2,400 Rohingya have attempted the sea journey.

With no sign in sight of the crisis ending, the UN rights chief urged more countries to assist in their safekeeping.

Specifically, Mr Türk urged States to coordinate proactive search and rescue operations, disembark Rohingya refugees on their territories, and ensure their protection. He also called on regional and countries globally to help Bangladesh support the over one million Rohingya refugees who have sought protection there since 2017.

“An urgent solution must be found to enable the voluntary return of all Rohingya, with full respect of their dignity and human rights as full and equal citizens of Myanmar,” he added.