Rohingya crisis: UK, France, 9 other countries reaffirm support for Bangladesh

Eleven countries, including the United Kingdom and France, have reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh in hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees while urging efforts to address the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.

In a joint statement today (25 August), diplomatic missions from UK, France, Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland stressed the importance of ensuring meaningful engagement and inclusive representation of Rohingyas to make empowered decisions and enable them to live safe, purposeful and dignified lives when they are 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 Missions said in the statement.

High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh, Australian High Commission, British High Commission, Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Ambasciata d'Italia a Dhaka, The Embassy of France in Bangladesh, Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, Embassy of Finland in New Delhi and Suomen suurlähetystö New Delhi issued the statement titled 'Rohingya crisis - eight years on'.

They reflect on the Myanmar military's actions causing the mass displacement of Rohingya.

"Today, over 1.1 million Rohingya remain displaced in Bangladesh and new arrivals continue to seek refuge in the camps.

"We acknowledge the resilience of Rohingya in the face of their ongoing hardship and displacement, amid the current deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Rakhine State," the joint statement said.

The Missions expressed their deep appreciation for the ongoing generosity of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh, who are providing shelter and safety to the Rohingya, including new arrivals, hosting them and supporting the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Rohingyas Want to Return

The international community remains committed to finding pathways towards repatriation, the statement said, adding, "However, 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."

These conditions can only be met by addressing the root causes of their displacement, which requires a peaceful and stable Myanmar.

"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.

They condemned the escalating violence and human rights abuses committed by the military regime and other armed actors and reiterated call for an immediate end to all acts of violence and for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.

They also reiterated their call for the military regime to release those unjustly detained. "We remain firmly committed to supporting international efforts for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and other grave human rights abuses."

The Missions said they will continue to work with the government of Bangladesh and the international community to focus attention on the situation in Myanmar and the related humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, including at the upcoming High-Level Conference in September 2025.

They advocated for more durable solutions for Rohingya refugees, such as enhancing self-reliance for Rohingya, especially in light of reduced humanitarian funding to the Rohingya response, while also preparing and equipping refugees for their eventual return to Myanmar.

"We will also continue to support Bangladeshi communities in Cox's Bazar who are generously hosting the refugee population," the statement said.