Malaysian authorities have rescued thirteen survivors, but many remain missing. Another vessel with around 230 people is reportedly still at sea, raising concerns of further tragedy. Thousands of Rohingya refugees continue perilous crossings across the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea seeking safety, as conditions in Bangladesh camps and conflict-stricken Myanmar worsen.
Mounting death toll
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed deep concern over the increasing loss of life, noting over 600 people have died or gone missing at sea this year. Women and children constitute over two-thirds of those making these dangerous crossings. The agencies commended rescue efforts by Malaysian authorities and local communities and urged stronger regional cooperation to enhance search-and-rescue capacity, ensure safe disembarkation, and address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar.
Gaza: vaccination campaign begins as immunization rate drops below critical threshold
In Gaza, a catch-up immunization, nutrition, and health campaign targets over 40,000 children under three who missed routine vaccines due to two years of conflict. UNICEF warned that vaccination rates in Gaza have fallen below 70 per cent, a critical threshold for preventing diseases. The campaign, which began over the weekend, will be conducted in three rounds: this month, December, and January. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires noted that before the war, Gaza had 98 per cent vaccination coverage with 55 sites, but now coverage has dropped below 70 per cent with 31 facilities destroyed or damaged. As a fragile ceasefire holds, Pires highlighted the major challenge of delivering essential medical equipment, including 1.6 million syringes, into the Strip.
Fuel supplies
Between Friday and Monday, the UN Office for Project Services distributed over 619,000 litres of diesel to humanitarian partners to support critical operations such as water services, sanitation, and health. From 1 November to Sunday, UN partners in Gaza provided food assistance to 255,000 people, distributing two food parcels per household. “One month into the ceasefire, our partners working on food security are distributing about 160,000 bread bundles each day, produced by 19 UN-supported bakeries, nine in northern Gaza,” said Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Lending initiative boosts vulnerable food producers’ access
A UN-backed lending initiative aims to assist small-scale farmers in the Sahara and beyond, who face challenges securing business loans. Announced Tuesday, the FAO explained that these farmers encounter funding barriers due to perceived risks from climate shocks and price volatility. Thanks to the European Union’s guarantees of 109.5 million euros, the Italian public development bank CDP will provide credit to approved lenders in Africa and Türkiye. The FAO will offer technical expertise in food, agriculture, and finance to local lenders. “Knowledge is the best de-risking instrument,” said FAO’s chief, Qu Dongyu.
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