UN Urges Swift Action for the 1 Million Displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh
The UN has called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis of the 1 million Rohingya people who remain displaced in Bangladesh. In a statement marking the sixth anniversary of the Rohingya exodus from Myanmar, the UN emphasized the need for voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the refugees.
The UN’s associate spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Florencia Soto Nino, acknowledged the plight of the Rohingya people who are currently uprooted within their own country as well as those living abroad, including the approximately 1 million Rohingya in Bangladesh. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of comprehensive and inclusive solutions to address the root causes of discrimination and violence in Myanmar.
While applauding Bangladesh for its humanitarian efforts and generosity, the UN statement also emphasized the need for more support to prevent a broader humanitarian crisis. It called for increased assistance to the Joint Response Plan and highlighted the urgency of strengthening refugee protection efforts in the region to aid those fleeing persecution and violence.
The Rohingya people have faced severe persecution and have been described by the UN as the world’s most persecuted population. In 2017, a crackdown by Myanmar’s forces led to over 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mainly women and children, fleeing to Bangladesh. This pushed the total number of persecuted Rohingya people seeking refuge in Bangladesh to over 1.2 million.
Disturbing reports from the Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA) reveal the extent of the atrocities suffered by the Rohingya people. Since August 25, 2017, nearly 24,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed by Myanmar’s state forces, with a further 34,000 thrown into fires and over 114,000 beaten. The OIDA report, titled Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience, also states that approximately 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmar’s army and police. In addition, over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down, while 113,000 others were vandalized.
The situation demands urgent attention from the international community to alleviate the suffering of the Rohingya people and find sustainable solutions to the root causes of the crisis. The UN’s call for swift action underscores the need for immediate assistance, protection, and support for the displaced Rohingya population, both within Bangladesh and in international forums. Only through a concerted, coordinated effort can we hope to bring about meaningful change and a brighter future for the Rohingya people.
