Dhaka: As the Rohingya crisis enters its 10th year, the international community on Tuesday emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Rohingya people are not forgotten. Creating the conditions for their return requires a strategic, coordinated, and long-term approach to address the root causes of displacement, build trust between communities, and support greater peace and stability in Myanmar, according to diplomatic missions in a joint statement.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the diplomatic missions in Dhaka representing Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom issued the joint statement to mark the anniversary. Nine years after the mass displacement of the Rohingya from Myanmar, nearly 1.3 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh.
"On this anniversary, we pay tribute to the resilience, courage, and dignity of Rohingya communities in the face of ongoing displacement and hardship. We also express our gratitude to the Government and people of Bangladesh for their generosity in providing refuge for nearly a decade," the missions stated in their joint statement. Rohingya refugees have a right to return to their homes in Myanmar.
Unfortunately, conflict is escalating across Rakhine and humanitarian needs are rising. Deepening insecurity, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, and the Myanmar authorities' blockades on aid and trade are worsening the humanitarian crisis. "This instability is driving further displacement into Bangladesh and across the region, leading to tragic loss of life through dangerous sea crossings. These conditions do not currently allow for voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation," the statement reads.
Successful repatriation will also require equipping the Rohingya with the education and skills they will need to rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and communities in Rakhine. The partner countries stated they will continue to work with Bangladesh to find pathways towards building the conditions for repatriation. "Until then, we remain committed to supporting Rohingya in Bangladesh and the communities who host them, including through strengthening their self-reliance," they said.
The future of the Rohingya response depends not only on sustaining humanitarian assistance but on improving how it is delivered. "We support efforts to strengthen local leadership and increase the role of Bangladeshi and refugee-led actors in shaping and delivering assistance. Rohingya voices must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives and futures," declared the diplomatic missions.