The year 2022 was one of the deadliest years in the region since the Andaman Sea Crisis in 2015. In 2022, more than 3,600 Rohingya refugees were adrift in the sea, with over 340 dead or missing.
Every year, after a lull during the monsoon months, the traffic picks up again in September and October. During the dry season, the departure of boats continues through May. Bangladesh's tightening of security has led smugglers and traffickers to move people overland into Myanmar before setting sail.
At the 8th Ministerial Conference, Ministers agreed to remain appraised of the matter of the recent irregular maritime movements in the Andaman Sea. Co-Chair Ministers tasked the Senior Officials Co-Chairs to reactivate the Consultation Mechanism, to explore options for Bali Process engagement and support.