The Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) has called for stronger international engagement to address the Rohingya crisis as it enters its 10th year, warning that insecurity, shrinking protection space and dwindling humanitarian funding are worsening the situation.
In a statement marking the 9th anniversary of the mass displacement of Rohingyas and other communities from Myanmar, the RRRC Office said the international community must “step up, rather than step back” from its collective responsibility towards the Rohingyas and their host communities.
The statement referred to remarks issued by UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on August 24 and welcomed the UN chief’s renewed call to protect civilians, uphold international law, strengthen regional cooperation on search and rescue, and combat human trafficking, misinformation, disinformation and hate speech targeting the Rohingyas.
“After nine years of protracted displacement, the burden has grown increasingly onerous,” the statement said, stressing that Bangladesh continues to shoulder its humanitarian responsibility with “remarkable generosity and steadfastness”.
The RRRC Office also called for sustained international engagement toward an inclusive and comprehensive political solution that addresses the root causes of the crisis.
It said humanitarian assistance, livelihood opportunities and self-reliance support must continue without interruption until conditions are created for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The office said it remains committed to working with the Bangladesh government, the United Nations, humanitarian partners and the international community to uphold the dignity and aspirations of the Rohingyas while advancing conditions conducive to their safe and sustainable return.
“The world must not look away from the Rohingya crisis; it must step up, stand firm and see through a durable solution,” the statement said.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
