Begun seven years ago, Rohingya crisis shows 'no sign of resolution'

By Ozair Islam* 

The Rohingya crisis, which began seven years ago, shows no signs of resolution. In 2017, over a million Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, escaping systematic ethnic cleansing by their government. This ongoing situation is marked by severe human rights violations, with the violent crackdown in 2017 resulting in approximately 9,000 deaths and extensive destruction. 

Despite the protracted nature of this crisis, there is an urgent appeal for continued international support to safeguard the nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to seek long-term solutions to their plight. 

The Rohingya, an ethnic group in Myanmar, have faced sustained persecution since the 1970s. The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 exacerbated their vulnerability, with the military's actions alongside the Arakan Army further endangering their lives. As of July 2024, more than 100,000 Rohingya refugees have sought shelter in Malaysia, with many others in Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, indicating a dire and ongoing situation. 

One of the stark failures of the international community was its sluggish response during the peak of the genocide in 2017. Critiques have emerged highlighting the lack of emergency intake, repatriation, or resettlement programs that could have provided relief during that critical period. The Rohingya crisis illustrates the devastating consequences of prolonged and organized persecution. 

Previous attempts at repatriation, initiated by Bangladesh and Myanmar through bilateral negotiations, have yielded no results, with not a single Rohingya able to return home. Institutional responses from the UN Security Council, ASEAN, and countries including China, India, the United States, and the United Kingdom have been disappointingly inadequate. 

Long-term solutions remain elusive, and many Rohingya find themselves in precarious positions, unable to rebuild their lives or integrate into host communities due to a lack of effective resettlement and socio-economic inclusion initiatives. 

Dr. Muhammad Yunus (photo), Chief Advisor to Bangladesh's Interim Government, has rightly urged the global community to offer unwavering support aimed at ensuring "eventual repatriation to Myanmar with safety, dignity, and full rights." He emphasized the need to recognize Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts during a time of national transition. 

The path forward for addressing the Rohingya issue requires concerted efforts from various nations and international organizations. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has criticized Myanmar's government for its lack of urgency in repatriating displaced individuals. Current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing crisis. 

Yanghee Lee, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, has stated that all major countries need to engage actively in finding a resolution. In December 2019, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution condemning human rights abuses perpetrated by the Myanmar government against the Rohingya and other religious minorities, urging the nation to stop inciting hatred. 

However, the international community must move beyond mere statements and take decisive action. Creating conditions for safe and sustainable reintegration into Myanmar remains essential for resolving this crisis, underscoring the urgent need for political will on the part of the global community. 

Voluntary return is crucial for resolving the refugee crisis. Before Rohingya refugees can consider returning to Myanmar, assurance of their safety is paramount. Monitoring by international bodies, particularly UN agencies, is vital in facilitating this aspect. Without adequate security measures, the prospect of voluntary repatriation remains a distant dream. 

It is essential that upon their return, the Rohingya enjoy equal rights and privileges as Myanmar citizens. The international community must pressure the Myanmar government to enact laws granting full citizenship and equal rights to the Rohingya.

Furthermore, any repatriation process should ensure reparations, compensation, and acknowledgment of past atrocities. The international community has largely failed to support the Rohingya's return to their homeland; it is time for significant action to achieve a dignified and lasting resolution. 

China and India must prioritize the broader regional implications of the Rohingya crisis over their narrow strategic interests. This issue extends beyond Bangladesh and has the potential for regional destabilization. A collaborative international response is needed, with pressure placed on the Myanmar government to facilitate the safe return of the Rohingya to Rakhine State. 

The past seven years have seen varying degrees of international involvement in the Rohingya issue, mostly sparked by Bangladesh's efforts to politicize the matter on the global stage. As attention shifts to other global crises, the severity of the Rohingya situation must not be overlooked. 

Despite claims from the international community that Rohingyas refuse to return due to the unwelcoming environment in Rakhine State, the Rohingya believe that without guarantees of citizenship, recognition of their ethnic identity, land rights, and justice for genocide, returning may expose them to renewed military persecution. 

The international community must persist in pressuring Myanmar to create conducive conditions for the Rohingya’s return, while Bangladesh continues to seek solutions in collaboration with global sentiment. This concerted effort to address the Rohingya crisis is justified, even as Bangladesh faces its own economic and developmental hurdles. 

Although international assistance has dwindled in recent years, recent commitments such as South Korea's $10 million humanitarian aid demonstrate the potential for support. To effectively host Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh needs enhanced international aid and renewed commitments to assistance. The primary goal must remain the safe repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. .

On this seventh anniversary of the crisis, the international community must urgently and seriously engage in resolving this issue.

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*Freelance writer based in Dhaka