18th April 2026

UNHCR report that last year nearly 900 Rohingya refugees died or went missing in shipwrecks in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, ​making it the deadliest year on record for the route. The dangerous sea crossings ​have continued into 2026, with more than 2,800 Rohingya embarking on such journeys ⁠up until 13 April this year. Just last week, about 250 Rohingya and Bangladeshis, including children, went missing after their boat capsized in the Andaman Sea.  UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch told reporters in Geneva, "No one would put their family on a risky boat, knowing that the chances ⁠of survival are really low, if the sense of desperation is not there." The Rohingya, one of Myanmar's many ethnic minorities. Primarily Muslim they have been fleeing across the border into Bangladesh since 2017. They are denied citizenship by the Myanmar authorities.  Poor living conditions in Bangladesh however have also prompted some Rohingya to make precarious journeys on overcrowded vessels to Malaysia. According to UNHCR, over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers remain displaced across the region, including 1.2 million in ​Bangladesh. 

Loving God, we  come before you with our concerns for all who are displaced from their homes, oppressed and have npo hope but to make perilous journeys across dangerous waters. We pour out our hearts to you, in sadness, grief and disbelief at the devastating violence that forces so many from their homes in Myanmar that tares families apart,  creates fear and sadness.  We pray for the protection of those making dangerous  journeys. Travel with them, be their protection, and lead them to places of safety and security, where they will be welcomed, accepted and sheltered.  Bless the work of all seeking to provide humanitarian support and to  ensure there are safe routes for people to use.  Strengthen your church in Myanmar and around the world that it may be  of practical support and spiritual strength to people in need. Compassionate God, who loves all of humanity, instead of a world full of violence, oppression and fear we pray that your will shall be done as it is in heaven.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen. 

The World Bank Group has published a plan to help improve water security for one billion people by 2030, as part of a new global initiative launched with governments, financial institutions and aid organisations. Around 400 million people are expected to benefit from the programme, known as Water Forward. Additional financing from development banks, private investors and philanthropic partners intended to reach the remaining 600 million. Water Forward, will be supported by partners including the international NGO WaterAid, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and nations including the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Water is foundational to how economies function. When water systems work, farmers produce, businesses operate, and cities attract investment,” said Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group at the launch event in Washington DC. “Our task now is... to deliver reliable water services at scale.” Speaking at the Water Forward launch event, Tim Wainwright, the chief executive of WaterAid UK, said “Water underpins health, education, gender equality, economies and jobs,” Mr Wainwright said. “Progress has been too slow – and weather extremes are taking us backwards.... Water is the foundation of everything; none of us can live without it.” 

Heavenly Father, I bow before you

giving you praise

because of your unfailing love.

 All glory belongs to you.

I lift up my heart to you in love and adoration.

 You are the great and mighty King.

You are the creator of heaven and earth. 

All things belongs to you.

I am filled with awe when I think you.

You are my tower and my strength.

You shelter me under your wing.

All praise and glory be to you,

wonderful, mighty, life giving God. 

Amen.