11 western nations reaffirm support for Bangladesh amid Rohingya crisis

Marking eight years since the mass displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, eleven Western countries have jointly pledged continued support to Bangladesh in managing the prolonged refugee crisis.

In a joint statement released today by the French Embassy in Dhaka through its official social media channels, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, France, Switzerland, and Finland reaffirmed their solidarity with Bangladesh and the Rohingya community.

“Eight years on, we recall the actions of the Myanmar military that forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes,” the statement reads. “More than 1.1 million Rohingya currently reside in Bangladesh, with new arrivals still seeking refuge in camps.”

The countries commended the resilience of the Rohingya people, particularly in light of the worsening security and humanitarian conditions in Rakhine State.

“We applaud the strength and perseverance of the Rohingya, who continue to endure hardship and displacement,” the statement said.

The coalition expressed deep gratitude to the Bangladeshi government and its people for their ongoing hospitality and humanitarian efforts, especially in accommodating newly arrived refugees.

Acknowledging that most Rohingya wish to return home, the statement emphasized the international community's commitment to finding viable and sustainable solutions for repatriation. However, it noted that current conditions in Myanmar remain unsuitable for a safe, voluntary, and dignified return.

“To make repatriation possible, the root causes of displacement must be addressed. A peaceful and stable Myanmar is essential,” the statement added. “At present, it is not feasible to set a definitive timeline for return.”

The countries strongly condemned ongoing violence and human rights violations by the Myanmar military and armed groups, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid. They also reiterated demands for the release of all unjustly detained individuals and pledged continued support for international accountability mechanisms.

The joint statement highlighted the need for long-term, sustainable solutions, including enhancing the self-reliance of the Rohingya community and supporting local host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

“As humanitarian funding declines, it is critical to prepare for future repatriation and to support both refugees and the Bangladeshi communities hosting them,” the statement said.

Finally, the 11 countries underscored the importance of ensuring meaningful participation and inclusive representation for Rohingya in decision-making processes, enabling them to lead safe, dignified, and constructive lives during their stay in Bangladesh.

“Eight years on, the international community remains steadfast in its commitment to the Rohingya people and to Bangladesh. We are dedicated to addressing the root causes of this crisis and working toward long-term solutions,” the statement concluded.