August 25 marked the 5th year anniversary of the Rohingya crisis. On August 25, 2017, the Myanmar Military launched its inhumane “Clearance Operation” against the Rohingya with an intention of ethnic cleansing. The Junta destroyed villages, inflicted torture, raped women and killed many. The operation was so brutal that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights described it as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” and many later findings confirmed that Myanmar has committed crimes against humanity, genocide and atrocities. As the fear of persecution grew, the Rohingya were forced to exodus to neighboring Bangladesh. 745,000 Rohingya came to Cox’s Bazaar as Bangladesh opened its border on humanitarian grounds. Since then, 5 years have passed without any viable solution to the crisis. On this fifth anniversary, let’s take a look at the current scenario and concerns of the crisis.
During the last five years, international attention on this matter decreased drastically. The conflicts around the world have diverted the priorities and funding. Declining funds also put pressure on the host, Bangladesh, as it had to increase allocations in its national budget also. Regional and global politics are also responsible for the decreasing attention. Since the exodus, great powers did not play a proactive role because of their geopolitical calculations. They even failed to implement the UNSC resolution.
The declining international attention is also protracting the crisis. The Rohingya are well-aware of it and their recent “Go-Home” campaign also addressed it. Through the “Go Home” campaign, the Rohingya have demonstrated their declining trust upon the international community and called for reinforcing it.
The camp situation is also deteriorating as the Rohingya are becoming frustrated without any viable solution and uncertainty. The youth are becoming victims of gang rivalries and transnational crimes such as extremism and drug and arms peddling. Frustrated and aimless Rohingya will be more vulnerable and may become a threat to regional stability. Quick repatriation is very crucial in this regard.
Safe and dignified repatriation is the prime concern in the crisis. Even though Bangladesh signed bilateral agreements with Myanmar back in 2017, the repatriation process is still lingering. The February coup of last year halted the process indefinitely. It has been established that Myanmar is not willing to repatriate them. The repatriation process requires strong pressure on Myanmar from the international community.
The only positive development that took place for the Rohingya are the legal processes. The legal processes are also showing symptoms of ensuring justice for this persecuted community. The latest ICJ ruling paved the path for further prosecution against Myanmar. Perhaps it is the most significant development of this year.
The ICC is also building its case against the individual perpetrators. An Argentine court has also agreed to investigate the matter under universal jurisdiction. However, the effectiveness of these cases is also dependent upon the efforts of the the international community as the enforcement mechanism is weak.
The US stance on genocide has also changed positively as it has acknowledged the Rohingya genocide recently.
Furthermore, acceptance of the Rohingya is also increasing in Myanmar. Since the coup the pro-democracy front, the National Unity Government (NUG) is fighting against the Junta. The NUG has acknowledged the Rohingya as nationals of Myanmar and pledged to provide legal status to them. Another stakeholder of Rakhine state, the Arakan Army, has also acknowledged Rohingya rights. Hence, the acceptance is also increasing in Myanmar.
As the crisis is already passing into its fifth year, the time for international community to take a stand is decreasing. Without practical effort, there is a high chance that the crisis will be forgotten and protracted which is the last thing the Rohingya want. There is still time for the international community to renew its efforts to end the crisis before it is too late. The priority should be on two things: a safe and dignified repatriation and the assurance of justice for the unspeakable crimes committed against the most persecuted community of our time.
It is the duty of the world community for their fellow Rohingya, and the call must be heard.
*The writer is a retired government official of Bangladesh.
August 30, 2022
The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of Aequitas Review.
