25th August 2024 Marks Seven Years of the Rohingya Crisis: How are Rohingyas Faring and What Progress has been Made Towards Sustainable Repatriation?

On 25th August 2024, the world will mark the seventh year since the mass exodus of over 700,000 Rohingyas from Myanmar's Rakhine State into Bangladesh following a brutal military crackdown in 2017. This tragic event triggered one of the most significant humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with over a million Rohingyas currently living in refugee camps in Bangladesh. As we reflect on these seven years, the question remains: how are the Rohingyas faring, and what progress has been made towards the sustainable repatriation of these refugees?

The Present Situation in the Camps

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char camps continue to live in dire conditions. The camps in Cox’s Bazar, originally intended as temporary shelters, have become overcrowded and increasingly difficult to manage. According to recent reports, nearly 989,585 Rohingyas are residing in these camps, with limited access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and employment. Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts, the situation remains precarious due to shrinking global funding and rising tensions between the refugees and the host community.

The confinement of Rohingyas within these camps has deprived them of their fundamental rights to freedom of movement and livelihood opportunities. Frustrations among the refugees are growing as they remain stuck in limbo, unable to rebuild their lives. The growing humanitarian challenges are further exacerbated by the declining global support. International donors have scaled back contributions, creating significant gaps in critical services like food distribution, healthcare, and educational programs. With fewer resources available, the living conditions within the camps have deteriorated, leading to increased tensions both within the camps and with the surrounding host communities.

The Situation in Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar

Meanwhile, in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where most of the Rohingyas once lived, the situation remains far from conducive to a safe return. The political landscape continues to be marred by instability, with little progress made toward ensuring the rights and safety of returning Rohingyas. The region remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts and human rights abuses still being reported. Myanmar’s refusal to grant the Rohingyas citizenship and guarantee their safety remains the key barrier to their repatriation.

Despite repeated efforts by Bangladesh and the international community to initiate the repatriation process, the conditions in Arakan State have not improved sufficiently to support the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of the Rohingyas. The lack of concrete steps from Myanmar to address these issues raises serious concerns about the feasibility of repatriation without significant international intervention.

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Why Repatriation is the Sustainable Solution for Rohingya Refugees

The prolonged stay of Rohingyas in Bangladesh’s camps is neither sustainable nor humane. Keeping such a large population confined in overcrowded camps has created a host of social and economic challenges. The lack of freedom of movement and livelihood opportunities has trapped the Rohingyas in a cycle of dependency, with little hope for a better future. This situation has not only deepened the despair within the camps but has also led to rising tensions between the refugees and the host communities. Competition over limited resources, aid, and job opportunities has strained relations, leading to conflicts and growing resentment.

The reduction in global funding poses an additional challenge. As international attention shifts and donor fatigue sets in, critical humanitarian assistance is dwindling. With less funding available, the ability to provide adequate food, healthcare, and education is severely compromised, putting even more pressure on an already fragile situation.

Given these realities, the only sustainable solution lies in the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine State. However, this repatriation must be underpinned by guarantees of citizenship, freedom of movement, and access to livelihoods. Without these rights, any repatriation effort will merely perpetuate the cycle of displacement and suffering. A truly sustainable solution requires coordinated global efforts to pressure Myanmar into creating the necessary conditions for a safe return, while also addressing the root causes of the crisis.

The Way Forward for Sustainable Repatriation

For repatriation to become a reality, several key actions must be prioritized:

1. Intensifying Diplomatic Pressure on Myanmar: The international community, including ASEAN and regional powers, must take a more assertive stance in pressuring Myanmar to create a safe and conducive environment for the Rohingyas’ return. This includes applying sanctions and holding Myanmar accountable for its commitments to human rights and safety.
2. International Monitoring of Human Rights Conditions: Active international monitoring is crucial to ensure that the Rohingyas are not subjected to further persecution upon their return. Establishing independent monitoring mechanisms can help assess conditions in Rakhine State and build confidence among the refugees that their safety and rights will be protected.
3. Supporting Capacity Building and Skill Development: Preparing the Rohingyas for reintegration into Myanmar involves equipping them with the skills and education needed to rebuild their lives. Vocational training and community development programs should be implemented in the camps to enhance their employability and readiness for return.
4. Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Cooperation: Bangladesh must continue to engage with regional powers such as India, China, and Japan to facilitate dialogue with Myanmar. These countries hold significant influence over Myanmar and can play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and secure Rakhine State, conducive to the Rohingyas’ return.

Conclusion

As we mark seven years since the onset of the Rohingya crisis, it is clear that the status quo cannot continue. The international community must act with urgency and determination to break the cycle of displacement and dependency that the Rohingyas have been trapped in. The solution lies in a unified global effort that prioritizes human rights, justice, and a lasting resolution. The Rohingyas deserve the right to return to their homeland and live with dignity, free from fear and persecution. Sustainable repatriation is not just a moral obligation—it is the only viable path toward a future of peace and stability for both the Rohingyas and the region.

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