Western nations and EU demand safe conditions for Rohingya repatriation as crisis reaches nine-year mark
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A coalition of 15 nations and the European Union has issued a joint statement asserting that while Rohingya refugees maintain the right to return to their homes in Myanmar, conditions on the ground remain insufficient for a voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation.
The declaration, released Tuesday by the French Embassy in Dhaka, coincides with the ninth anniversary of the mass displacement of the Rohingya people. The signatory countries include Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
In their statement, the international partners recognized the resilience of the approximately 1.2 million Rohingya currently sheltering in Bangladesh and expressed gratitude toward the Bangladeshi government and its people for their continued hospitality over the past decade.
The coalition expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, citing escalating conflict, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and intensifying insecurity. The statement highlighted that civilian infrastructure is frequently targeted by airstrikes, while local authorities continue to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and commercial operations, further exacerbating the suffering of the displaced population.
These volatile conditions have fueled an increase in dangerous sea crossings, resulting in tragic loss of life, according to the signatories. To facilitate eventual repatriation, the coalition called for a strategic, long-term, and coordinated effort to address the root causes of displacement, foster trust among communities, and restore peace and stability within Myanmar.
The statement emphasized that, until conditions improve, the international community remains committed to supporting the Rohingya in Bangladesh. This includes enhancing their self-reliance through education and skills training, which the coalition believes will be vital for the refugees to rebuild their livelihoods and communities upon their eventual return.
The group pledged to continue working alongside the Bangladeshi government to identify pathways for a sustainable return. Furthermore, the partners committed to strengthening local leadership and increasing the involvement of Bangladeshi and Rohingya-led organizations in the implementation of aid programs.
The coalition stressed that the voices of the Rohingya must remain at the center of all decisions regarding their future. As the crisis enters its tenth year, the signatory nations vowed to maintain global attention on the plight of the refugees, while continuing their pursuit of justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against them.
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