CA Yunus places 7-point roadmap for Rohingya repatriation as 11 countries reaffirm support

CA's Seven Proposals

• Ensure Rohingyas' safe, voluntary, speedy, sustainable return 
• Fill gaps in 2025–26 Joint Response Plan, secure long-term aid
• Stop attacks, protect Rohingyas, allow IDPs to return
• Create inclusive dialogue platform for reconciliation
• Foster peace, stability, combat cross-border crimes regionally, globally
• Oppose ethnic cleansing while managing relations with Myanmar
• Boost ICJ, ICC efforts for justice in genocide, crimes against humanity

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (25 August) proposed seven points calling for collective action to ensure the speedy, safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable return of Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine.

"We must move beyond rhetoric. The time for action is now," he said as the chief guest at the "Stakeholders' Dialogue: Takeaways to the High-Level Conference on Rohingya Situation" in Cox's Bazar, reports UNB.

Eleven countries, including the United Kingdom and France, reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh in hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas and urged steps to tackle the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.

"It is not only the responsibility of Bangladesh but also of the international community to share the burden of the Rohingya crisis, reflect on possible solutions, and play an active role in implementing them," Yunus told the dialogue.

He stressed that "the Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda" until they return home.

Seven proposals

The proposals advocate a comprehensive approach—first, Rohingyas must be ensured the right to speedy, safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation to Rakhine. Second, donors should fill gaps in the 2025–26 Joint Response Plan and guarantee long-term humanitarian funding.

Third, Myanmar authorities and the Arakan Army must end attacks, secure Rohingyas, prevent new outflows, and allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return home. Fourth, an inclusive dialogue platform should be established to reduce tensions, restore rights, and promote reconciliation.

Fifth, Asean, neighbouring countries, and the international community must actively foster peace and stability while combating cross-border crimes. Sixth, all stakeholders must firmly oppose ethnic cleansing while carefully managing relations with Myanmar and conflict parties.

Finally, accountability must be strengthened through ICJ and ICC processes, ensuring full implementation of ICJ measures and delivery of justice for genocide and crimes against humanity.

The special session of the three-day conference, which began on Sunday, started at 11am and called for joint efforts to ensure sustainable peace in Myanmar, the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas, and solutions to multiple challenges. 

A one-minute silence marked the 8th 'Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day,' followed by the screening of a documentary on the crisis.

11 countries reaffirm support

In a joint statement titled 'Rohingya crisis – eight years on' yesterday, diplomatic missions from UK, France, Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland stressed the need for meaningful engagement and inclusive representation of Rohingyas to enable them to make empowered decisions and live "safe, purposeful and dignified lives" in Bangladesh.

"After eight years, the international community stands steadfast with the Rohingya and Bangladesh, committed to seeking long-term, durable solutions to the crisis and addressing its root causes," the statement said, reflecting on the Myanmar military's actions that caused the mass displacement.

The missions also appreciated Bangladesh for providing shelter, safety, and life-saving humanitarian assistance, including to new arrivals.

Rohingyas want to return

The international community reaffirmed its commitment to pathways for Rohingya repatriation, noting that "cross-border displacement continues, many Rohingya in Rakhine remain internally displaced, and conditions in Myanmar do not currently allow for their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return."

"We therefore recognise that a timeline for the return of the Rohingya cannot yet be established and stress to all actors the urgent need to support efforts to create a conducive environment," the statement added.

The missions condemned escalating violence and human rights abuses by the military regime and other armed actors and urged the release of those unjustly detained.

The US also praised Bangladesh and other regional countries for providing refuge to forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar. 

US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas "Tommy" Pigott said the United States supports the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya and other ethnic groups affected by violence and displacement, and commended Bangladesh for continuing to shelter the displaced.

Rohingyas observe Genocide Day

On the 8th anniversary of the influx, Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya and Teknaf camps observed "Genocide Day," urging the global community to support their return to Myanmar with security, dignity, and citizenship rights.

Rohingya youth leader Mohammad Humayun said, "After eight years, we are still trapped in another country with decreasing assistance and no hope for the future. Despite Bangladesh's efforts for our repatriation, atrocities in Rakhine state continue. Many are still risking their lives to flee across the border. Only through the active role of the UN and the international community can we return home with our rights."

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman said, "The main message from the Rohingya is that the trials ongoing at the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court must be concluded. They are also seeking the support of the global community for their return."

Eight years after the Rohingya exodus, over 1.3 million remain in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, with about 32,000 babies born each year. No repatriation has occurred since 2017, while the Arakan Army's growing control in Rakhine has worsened conditions and driven another 150,000 into Bangladesh. Declining international aid has further strained food, health, and education services, heightening fears in the camps.