The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will convene a regional conference in Jakarta next month to address the escalating issue of irregular maritime migration, officials confirmed. The summit aims to foster cooperation among Asia Pacific nations to prevent the perilous sea journeys that have recently led to multiple crises in the Bay of Bengal.

The move follows two recent incidents where the Sri Lankan Navy rescued dozens of people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, from boats left adrift at sea. In one case, 32 Myanmar nationals were rescued, while another boat carrying 138 people, mostly Bangladeshis, was intercepted on February 3.

A UNHCR official in Dhaka stated that the conference is tentatively scheduled for mid-March, with a final date to be announced once all stakeholders confirm their participation. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by similar incidents off the coasts of Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where authorities have rescued, detained, or in some cases, reportedly pushed back boats carrying migrants.

Local sources indicate that human trafficking networks exploit vulnerable populations, including impoverished Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees from makeshift camps in Cox's Bazar, luring them with false promises of overseas employment. Despite efforts by Border Guard Bangladesh to combat trafficking, the illicit trade continues. Official estimates suggest more than 400,000 Rohingya are living in precarious conditions in the region, making them susceptible to such schemes.

UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres issued a fresh appeal from Geneva for a united regional effort to save lives. A statement from the agency noted that the Indian Ocean has become one of the world's deadliest migration routes, with nearly 500 people perishing at sea in 2012 alone as their boats broke down or capsized.

"Push-backs, denial of embarkation, and boats adrift for weeks will not solve a regional problem that clearly needs better, more joined-up and more compassionate approaches by everyone," Guterres said. He stressed that the passengers are often fleeing desperate situations and that a concerted effort is required to stop the traffickers and prevent further loss of life.

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