Pakistan, July 16 -- More than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying refugees reportedly sink off Myanmar's coast, according to preliminary information released by the United Nations on Thursday. The tragedy highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing Rohingya refugees, many of whom continue to undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and better living conditions.

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee (UNHCR) said the two boats departed Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, carrying mostly Rohingya refugees. Some passengers were also believed to have come from refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Accordi...