Blog post by Abdul Mannan *
Seven years have passed since the Rohingya crisis escalated into one of the world’s most protracted refugee situations. In August 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya people fled Myanmar following a brutal military crackdown. Bangladesh, displaying remarkable humanity, opened its borders to provide refuge to over one million displaced Rohingyas. As we reflect on this period, the question remains: how far have we progressed towards a sustainable solution through repatriation?
The Current Reality
The Rohingya population in Bangladesh continues to live in dire conditions, primarily within the overcrowded camps of Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts, these camps face severe limitations. According to recent reports, nearly 989,585 Rohingyas are currently residing in Bangladesh. While efforts to provide education, healthcare, and basic services are ongoing, the situation remains critical, with rising concerns over the declining funding needed to sustain these initiatives.
Why Repatriation is the Sustainable Solution for Rohingya Refugees
Keeping displaced Rohingyas in the camps of Bangladesh is increasingly unsustainable due to multiple significant challenges, including restrictions on their freedom of movement, limited work opportunities, and escalating tensions with the host community. The Rohingyas are confined to overcrowded camps where access to education, employment, and self-reliance is minimal, leading to growing frustration and unrest. This environment has contributed to increasing conflicts between the Rohingya and the host community in Cox’s Bazar. The prolonged presence of such a large refugee population has strained local resources, heightened competition for jobs and services, and fuelled social tensions.
Compounding this issue is the reduction in global funding that threatens the provision of adequate humanitarian support and services in the camps (JRP, IOM). As international donors scale back contributions, critical services such as food, healthcare, and education are at risk of severe disruption. This funding shortfall has led to deteriorating living conditions, further escalating frustrations and increasing the risk of instability within the camps and in surrounding communities.
Given these challenges, it is imperative for the international community to take decisive action. The current situation is neither sustainable nor humane. The global community must recognize that the only viable long-term solution is the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State, Myanmar. However, repatriation should not come at the cost of their rights. It is crucial that any return is accompanied by guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement, and access to livelihoods. Without these protections, the cycle of displacement, marginalization, and suffering will continue unabated.
The Repatriation Dilemma
Repatriation has been widely recognized as the most viable long-term solution. However, the conditions in Myanmar remain far from conducive to a safe, voluntary, and dignified return. Repeated attempts at initiating the repatriation process have stalled due to Myanmar’s political instability and the lack of guarantees for the Rohingyas’ safety and citizenship rights.
The humanitarian community, alongside Bangladesh and international partners, has emphasized the need for Myanmar to ensure the protection and rights of the Rohingyas in Rakhine State. Until these guarantees are met, any repatriation efforts remain symbolic rather than substantial.
The International Community’s Role
Bangladesh has been vocal about the international community’s responsibility in addressing the root causes of the crisis and supporting the repatriation process. As one of the primary contributors to the humanitarian operation, Bangladesh spends billions annually to maintain the camps despite its own economic challenges. The global response, however, has been inconsistent, with pledges of support often falling short of actual needs. There is growing concern that prolonged delays in repatriation could normalize the refugee situation, making a return to Myanmar increasingly unlikely.
Pathways to Progress
For meaningful progress toward repatriation, Bangladesh must explore several regional and global diplomatic avenues to facilitate the return of the Rohingya refugees. Key strategies include leveraging international alliances, engaging regional organizations, strengthening bilateral relations, and utilizing global institutions to create pressure on Myanmar and secure a sustainable, dignified solution for the crisis. Several steps should be prioritized:
- Diplomatic Pressure on Myanmar: The international community, including ASEAN and regional powers, must intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure Myanmar commits to creating a safe and conducive environment for the return of the Rohingyas. This involves applying consistent pressure on Myanmar to honor commitments and take meaningful actions.
- Human Rights Monitoring: Active international monitoring of human rights conditions in Rakhine State is crucial to ensure any repatriation is safe, dignified, and sustainable. An independent and robust monitoring mechanism can help assess conditions and ensure that returning refugees are not subjected to further persecution or marginalization.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: Preparing the Rohingyas for eventual reintegration into Myanmar involves equipping them with skills and education that align with opportunities available in Rakhine State. This includes vocational training and education programs focused on enhancing employability and community reintegration.
Beyond these broader strategies, strengthening bilateral relations remains a critical component in advancing the repatriation process:
- India: Given its influence in Myanmar and strategic interests in the region, Bangladesh should engage in high-level discussions with India, encouraging a more assertive role in facilitating dialogue with Myanmar. Highlighting the benefits of a stable and secure Rakhine State for regional security can align India’s interests with Bangladesh’s goals.
- China: As a key economic and strategic partner of Myanmar, China plays a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts. Bangladesh can emphasize that resolving the Rohingya crisis would enhance regional stability and support China’s Belt and Road Initiative, encouraging China to cooperate in pressuring Myanmar.
- Japan: As a significant development partner for Myanmar, Japan could act as an influential mediator. Bangladesh should leverage Japan’s diplomatic channels to urge Myanmar to create safe conditions for the Rohingya’s return, with offers of assistance in rebuilding infrastructure in Rakhine State.
In summary, Bangladesh’s approach to Rohingya repatriation must involve a multi-pronged diplomatic strategy combining regional and global efforts. By leveraging relationships with key regional powers, international institutions, and global alliances, Bangladesh can build a comprehensive diplomatic framework aimed at ensuring a safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees. Success in these efforts will require sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic alliances, and consistent international pressure on Myanmar to address the root causes of the crisis.
Conclusion
Seven years into this crisis, Bangladesh continues to bear an immense burden. Despite the challenges, aspirations for repatriation remain high. The international community must act decisively to ensure this crisis does not become indefinitely protracted. The Rohingyas deserve a safe and dignified return to their homeland, and the world has a moral obligation to make that happen. The path forward lies in a unified and determined global effort that prioritizes human rights, justice, and a lasting solution for the Rohingya people.
* Abdul Mannan is a humanitarian professional with over 18 years of experience in the non-profit and humanitarian sector. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Director of Program Development, MEAL, and External Relations at SHED in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where he leads initiatives focused on food security, livelihoods, skills development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.
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