World must not fail Rohingya

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres's 'Ramadan Solidarity Iftar' with 100,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle to uphold the rights of these stateless people, especially at a time when global attention is constantly shifting away from one crisis to another. The Rohingya refugee crisis, a consequence of their forced displacement from Myanmar due to a brutal military crackdown and ethnic cleansing, remains one of the world's most protracted humanitarian emergencies. Today, 1.2 million refugees live in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar, Ukhiya and Teknaf. Despite repeated promises from international organisations such as the UN and global superpowers to facilitate their safe return, any of them could be repatriated since the mass influx in 2017. The crisis continues to worsen due to high birth rate in the camps, occasional arrivals of fresh refugees and a steady decline in international funding. Recently, the World Food Programme announced its plan to slash monthly rations to just $6.0 per person, down from $12.50, which will exacerbate the already dire conditions in the camps. The fight for the Rohingya, therefore, must be waged on two critical fronts: securing adequate funding for their survival and ensuring their safe repatriation to Myanmar - the ultimate solution to this humanitarian tragedy.

Speaking to the Rohingya at the Solidarity Iftar in their native language, Muhammad Yunus pledged to work collectively with the United Nations to ensure that they can celebrate Eid next year in their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Alluding to the issue of growing donor fatigue, the Chief Adviser was spot on when he encouraged the refugees to demonstrate to the world that they do not wish to be a burden on anyone. Instead, he said, these people will contribute to the world - if given the opportunity to return to their homeland and earn a livelihood through meaningful employment rather than being forced to languish in refugee camps. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also rightly stressed the international community's responsibility to restore peace in Myanmar, ensure the respect of Rohingya rights, and end the discrimination and persecution they have endured. He further urged donors to commit sufficient funds for improving living conditions within the camps.

The reality is that the world cannot forever foot the bill for their living expenses or that Bangladesh go on hosting them indefinitely. The Rohingya issue has been thrust upon Bangladesh as a humanitarian obligation, for which it was, and is, least prepared. Yet, it has been fulfilling that obligation steadfastly to the point where the country's economy and social stability are imperilled. If continues, the situation is bound to become even more complicated, as it is irrational and unsustainable to keep 1.2 million-and growing-people confined in camps year after year. Left unaddressed, this ticking time bomb could destabilise the entire region. Therefore, the sooner the repatriation process begins the better for all sides.

Both the Chief Adviser and the UN Secretary-General have reminded the world of the Rohingya's return home. The Rohingya themselves also wish to return to their ancestral land. The problem lies with the attitude and demographic policies of the Myanmar government. Unfortunately, Myanmar treats its own people as foreigners. That is the main impediment to a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue. But if the world - especially the powerful states - can take a collective stand in favour of justice, the issue could be resolved swiftly.