NEW YORK (September 28, 2017) – “The tragic accident that this evening cost the lives of at least 14 people – including several children – in the waters of the Bay of Bengal is a grim reminder of the extraordinary risks that desperate Rohingya are taking in order to escape the violence engulfing their homeland.

"Dozens of others are believed to have perished making similar journeys since the latest crisis in Rakhine state erupted in late August. All told, over a quarter of a million children from Myanmar have now taken refuge in southern Bangladesh in recent weeks.

"UNICEF calls for international support to the efforts being led by the Government of Bangladesh to deliver urgent humanitarian aid and ensure the protection of children’s rights."

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org