The Legacy of Refugee Repatriation: Lessons from History for the Rohingya Crisis

The current plight of Rohingya refugees seeking refuge in Bangladesh and their eventual repatriation is a pressing matter that requires attention and action. At its core, a refugee is someone who has been forcibly displaced from their country or habitual residence and compelled to migrate to another country. One of the earliest documented examples of a refugee crisis occurred during the late 8th century BC when the Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, an event also known as the Assyrian captivity.

It is important to note, however, that the concept of refugees as we understand it today did not exist until much later, as there were no fixed and closed state frontiers at the time. The right to asylum was commonly recognized and honoured prior to the 19th century, but the emergence of these borders ultimately led to the modern refugee problem. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol outlines the legal status of refugees and the obligations of states to protect them, providing certain rights and protections under international law. Understanding the history and definition of refugees is crucial in developing effective strategies to address the ongoing challenges faced by displaced individuals and communities.

Throughout history, there have been numerous significant refugee crises, with some of the largest being:

• World War I (1914-1918): the war led to the displacement of 7-15 million people, primarily in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
• World War II (1939-1945): resulting in the displacement of approximately 60 million people.
• Partition of India (1947): an estimated 10-20 million people were displaced.
• Palestinian Refugee Crisis (1948-Present): over 5.7 million Palestinian refugees worldwide.
• Afghan Refugee Crisis (1979-Present): ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2.7 million Afghan refugees worldwide.
• Syrian Refugee Crisis (2011-Present): over 6.7 million people have been displaced as a result of the Syrian conflict, both within Syria and to neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.
• South Sudanese Refugee Crisis (2013-Present): over 2.2 million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, both internally and to neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
• Rohingya Refugee Crisis (2017-Present): over 900,000 Rohingya refugees have been displaced due to persecution and violence by the Myanmar government and the Buddhist majority, primarily to neighbouring Bangladesh.
• Ukrainian Refugee Crisis (2022-Present): so far over 6.5 million Ukrainians have fled the country due to the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and are seeking safety in neighbouring countries. This conflict is ongoing, and thus the number is increasing every day.

Like the refugee crisis, refugee repatriation has a long history dating back to ancient times. The history of refugee repatriation is a testament to the resilience and determination of refugees to rebuild their lives after displacement. One of the earliest recorded instances of refugee repatriation occurred in 538 BC when the Jews were allowed to return to their homeland in Israel following their captivity in Babylon. Since then, there have been numerous instances of refugee repatriation, with one of the most notable being the return of refugees after World War II.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has played a significant role in facilitating the repatriation of refugees in many countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, East Timor, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. These efforts have been essential in helping refugees return to their homes and rebuild their lives after displacement.

Examples of refugee repatriation include the Ethiopian returnees from Djibouti in 1983, the 1989 Namibian repatriation exercise, the return migration to Somalia from Kenya in 1993-94, and the major Mozambican repatriation of 1994. In all these cases, repatriation was made possible through the collaboration of various organizations, including governments, humanitarian agencies, and international bodies like the UNHCR.

One of the most recent examples of refugee repatriation occurred in Angola, where refugees were able to return to their homeland in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This voluntary repatriation process was carried out with the support of the UNHCR and other international organizations, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to address the global refugee crisis.

While refugee repatriation has been a recurring theme throughout history, there are several additional pieces of information that are important to consider when discussing this topic.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that not all refugees are able or willing to return to their home countries. Some refugees may have lost their homes or may face persecution or violence if they return, while others may have established new lives and communities in their host countries. For this reason, repatriation must always be a voluntary process that is carried out with the consent of refugees themselves.

Secondly, it is crucial to acknowledge that repatriation efforts must be accompanied by measures to address the root causes of displacement. In many cases, refugees flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence. To prevent further displacement and ensure sustainable repatriation, it is necessary to address these underlying issues and promote peace and stability in the affected regions.

Thirdly, repatriation efforts must also take into account the needs of refugees and the communities they are returning to. This may involve providing assistance to help refugees rebuild their homes and livelihoods, as well as support for the communities receiving them. It is also important to ensure that refugees have access to basic services like healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Finally, effective repatriation efforts require close collaboration among governments, humanitarian agencies, and international bodies like the UNHCR. This includes ensuring that refugees are able to return safely and with dignity, as well as providing them with the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives.

Overall, while refugee repatriation can be a complex and challenging process, by considering these additional factors, we can ensure that repatriation efforts are carried out effectively and with the needs of refugees and their communities in mind. The repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is a complex issue that must be approached with caution and careful consideration. Several factors must be taken into account to ensure the feasibility of repatriation efforts.

Firstly, the safety and security of Rohingya refugees must be ensured before they are repatriated. It is essential to recognize that Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar due to violence and persecution, and many of them continue to face significant risks if they return. Therefore, any repatriation process must be voluntary and carried out with the informed consent of the refugees.

Secondly, the root causes of the Rohingya crisis must be addressed to prevent further displacement and ensure sustainable repatriation. This includes addressing issues related to discrimination, human rights violations, and lack of citizenship rights. The international community must work with the Myanmar government to create conditions for safe and dignified repatriation.

Thirdly, repatriation efforts must include comprehensive support for refugees, including access to basic services like healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. It is also important to ensure that refugees have the resources they need to rebuild their homes and livelihoods, as well as support for the communities receiving them.

Fourthly, the repatriation process must be carried out with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the Myanmar government, the Bangladesh government, humanitarian agencies, and international bodies like the UNHCR. This includes ensuring that the repatriation process is transparent and accountable and that all parties are held responsible for their actions.

Overall, while the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar is a challenging task, it is an essential step towards addressing the global refugee crisis and promoting peace and stability in the region. To ensure the feasibility of repatriation efforts, the international community must work together to address the root causes of displacement and provide comprehensive support to refugees.