On World Refugee Day, attention is once again drawn to the Rohingya refugee crisis. Nearly nine years after fleeing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, more than 1.2 million Rohingyas remain in uncertainty, as ongoing conflict, insecurity, and slow progress in repatriation have left their return home unresolved.
Meanwhile, the prolonged presence of such a large refugee population has raised growing concerns among locals over pressure on the local economy, social security, and law and order.
On 25 August 2017, following a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas fled and took shelter in Bangladesh. Later, further waves of violence and conflict pushed more people across the border.
At present, the world’s largest refugee population is living in 33 camps in Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar. However, in nearly nine years, not a single Rohingya has been sustainably repatriated to Myanmar.
Rohingya leaders say the ongoing conflict and political instability in Rakhine remain the main obstacles to repatriation. They argue that if a safe environment is ensured under the supervision of the United Nations and the international community, Rohingyas are ready to return voluntarily to their homeland.
Master Zubair, chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH), said, “If a safe zone is established in Rakhine under the supervision of the United Nations and the international community, and if citizenship rights and security are guaranteed, we are ready to return to our country. Repatriation will only be possible when a safe and dignified return environment is created.”
Meanwhile, reduced international assistance has created new crises in food, health and education services in the camps. Limited employment opportunities and an uncertain future have reportedly pushed some Rohingyas towards involvement in criminal activities.
Local representatives say the situation has become a major long-term challenge for the social and economic stability of the Cox’s Bazar region.
Advocate M Abdul Mannan, president of the Cox’s Bazar District Bar Association, said: “The longer repatriation is delayed, the greater the pressure on local economy and social security. The government must take effective diplomatic initiatives in coordination with the Myanmar government, the Arakan Army and the international community.”
However, the government says diplomatic efforts to advance the repatriation process are continuing.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said: “Although there has not yet been any significant progress in repatriation, the government is working with the international community to ensure the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas.”
An international conference on the Rohingya issue held in Cox’s Bazar last year was attended by representatives from around 40 countries, including the United Nations. However, no tangible progress has yet been achieved on repatriation. As a result, while the Rohingyas’ desire to return home has grown stronger on World Refugee Day, uncertainty and concern surrounding repatriation have deepened further.
