UN must stay consistent on its stance over Rohingya crisis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Bangladesh for a four-day visit. As part of this tour, he visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and shared Iftar with the Rohingya community on Friday. During his visit, he pledged, “I have come to Cox’s Bazar during this holy month of Ramadan with a message of solidarity—solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi community, who have so generously hosted them. I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight of the Rohingya people, while also highlighting their potential. The Rohingya refugees sheltering here need the world’s support.”

In 2018, the UN Secretary-General visited Bangladesh and inspected the Rohingya camps, making similar commitments. However, the Rohingya crisis remains unresolved; instead, it has worsened. Instability in Myanmar's Rakhine State has increased, leading to a significant rise in the number of Rohingya entering Bangladesh. Currently, over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are stranded in Bangladesh. According to Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 30,000 new children are born each year in the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees are at extreme risk due to reduced humanitarian aid from various countries. There is also a looming threat of further cuts to their food rations. Addressing these concerns, António Guterres stated, "We do not anticipate such a disaster, as it will lead to immense human suffering and potential loss of lives." While the UN Secretary-General's message and efforts may lead to a temporary increase in humanitarian assistance, the question remains: Will the Rohingya crisis be permanently resolved?

The only solution is their safe return to their homeland; however, this is impossible unless the instability in Myanmar's Rakhine State is resolved. On this matter, the UN Secretary-General has not made any explicit statements. However, sitting beside António Guterres, Interim Government Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "We are committed to working jointly with the United Nations to ensure that the Rohingya can return to their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine State by next year and celebrate Eid in their own land."

The extent to which the Chief Advisor's commitment will be implemented remains to be seen. The Rohingya issue must no longer be viewed solely as a national problem but rather as an international crisis. By any means necessary, pressure must be exerted on the international community to ensure the safe repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland. We are aware that many of the UN Secretary-General's appeals often fall on deaf ears among powerful nations. Nevertheless, his recent commitment is highly encouraging. He stated, "As long as the international community does not stand by their side, I will continue to speak out on this issue."

"We will make every possible effort. The people of Bangladesh must be credited for sacrificing their land, forests, and resources for the Rohingya." Until the Rohingya can return to their homeland, the international community must also become more vocal in increasing humanitarian support for them. We urge that the United Nations' message on the Rohingya crisis remains consistent and unwavering.