15 countries, EU urge sustained support for Rohingya refugees

Diplomatic missions of 15 countries and the European Union in Bangladesh have called for sustained international support for the Rohingya refugees as the crisis enters its tenth year.

In a joint statement today marking nine years since the mass displacement of Rohingya people from Myanmar, the missions said “nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh” and praised the country and its people for providing refuge for nearly a decade.

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They said escalating conflict in Rakhine, growing humanitarian needs, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on aid and trade were worsening the crisis and driving further displacement into Bangladesh and across the region.

According to them, current conditions do not “allow for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation.”

The missions stressed that the Rohingya have a right to return to their homes in Myanmar, but said repatriation would require addressing the root causes of displacement, building trust between communities and improving peace and stability in Myanmar.

They also called for greater involvement of Bangladeshi and refugee-led actors in delivering humanitarian assistance, saying Rohingya voices must be central to decisions affecting their lives and futures.

The missions pledged to continue working with Bangladesh to create conditions for repatriation while supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities and pursuing justice and accountability.