The Rohingya crisis has reached a critical juncture, with the world’s largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh now home to 1.3 million individuals, including an alarming 30,000 newborns each year. Despite international agreements aimed at facilitating repatriation, the reality remains stark: not a single Rohingya has returned to Myanmar in recent years. This newspaper on Tuesday reported that this stagnation not only highlights the ineffectiveness of diplomatic efforts but also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and humane response to this ongoing humanitarian disaster.
The plight of the Rohingya people, who fled Myanmar in the wake of military crackdowns described by the United Nations as “ethnic cleansing,” is compounded by the dire conditions within the refugee camps. With 52 per cent of the population being children, the long-term implications of this crisis are profound. The lack of resources, coupled with rising criminal activities within the camps, poses a significant threat not only to the refugees but also to the stability of the region.
Recent discussions among experts and officials have shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by the Rohingya. The prevalence of gender-based violence forced child marriages, and the economic hardships that compel refugees to engage in informal labour are alarming indicators of the deteriorating situation.
The failure of past repatriation efforts raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar and the tripartite arrangement involving China. It is clear that without a concerted international effort to address the root causes of the crisis, the cycle of violence and displacement will persist.
As Bangladesh continues to shoulder the burden of hosting these refugees, the call for a sustainable and dignified repatriation process becomes ever more urgent. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Rohingya people.
We collectively advocate for the rights of the Rohingya people, ensure their safety, and work towards a resolution that allows them to return home with dignity. The Rohingya crisis is not just a regional issue; it is a global humanitarian challenge that demands immediate global attention and response. The international community must act decisively to address these issues, including establishing a peacekeeping mission to facilitate safe repatriation.
