A resolution has been adopted by the United Nations, calling for an urgent solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis that has affected Bangladesh adversely. In total, 132 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while 9 countries voted against it, and 31 countries abstained on 18 November 2020. The resolution “The Situation of Human Rights of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar”, co-tabled by the OIC and the EU received sponsorship from 104 member States, and demonstrated strong and unified support in favor of the persecuted Rohingya Muslims and other minorities, who continue to suffer from human rights violations in Myanmar. This year, the resolution has taken some new developments into account, such as the provisional order of the International Court of Justice, initiation of investigation by the International Criminal Court and the issue of continued disenfranchisement of the Rohingya and other minorities, who were barred from participating in the recent general elections in Myanmar.
The resolution also expressed deep appreciation towards the Government of Bangladesh, which has demonstrated exemplary humanitarian gesture by sheltering and protecting the Rohingyas. The efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in tackling the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the largest camp in the world were also recognized. The resolution called on the international community to support Bangladesh in its humanitarian endeavor. Even, in its 43rd session, UNHRC adopted the resolution on 22 June 2020 by a vote of 37 in favour, 2 against and 8 abstentions, calling upon Myanmar to ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees. Due to persecution, the Rohingya, an ethnic minority group in Myanmar crossed into neighboring Bangladesh over decades, laying uneven pressure on the scarce resources of Bangladesh. At present, Bangladesh is hosting around one million Rohingya refugees.
Mostly located in Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar areas, the refugee earmarked areas are adjacent to the local settlements, which has resulted in law and order situations. Security concern particularly non-conventional (human security), is another challenge that Bangladesh is already facing and it will intensify further in the future with the influx of more Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh government has been accredited for providing them with various facilities, including shelter, food and medical care despite many limitations. To address the risks of a potential outbreak of coronavirus in the camps, the Government of Bangladesh, together with UNHCR and partners, has ensured the inclusion of Rohingya refugees in its national response.
Bangladesh is making stringent efforts to harness regional and global power support to find an amicable solution ti this emerging crisis, despite the positions taken by of China and India on the side of Myanmar on Rohingya issue as both countries are having huge strategic and economic interests in Myanmar. Even Russia seems tilted towards Myanmar on this issue. . Though Myanmar holds no major importance in Russian policy – no geopolitical interests are at stake there, Moscow’s attitude to the issue in the UN could potentially upset its Muslim allies, for instance Iran.
The international community believe; only harmonious returns can break the decades-long cycle of displacement Rohingya community is experiencing. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018 between the Government of Myanmar, UNHCR and UNDP is intended to ensure that refugees receive information on the situation in their places of origin and this MoU keeps a provision allowing Rohingya refugees to visit their home villages and other areas where they may choose to return. Moreover, to help Myanmar create conditions favourable for the Rohingyas to return, the UNDP and UNHCR signed a tripartite deal with Myanmar in June 2018, nearly a year after 740,000 Rohingyas fled military atrocities in Rakhine, which was described as having “genocidal intent” by UN independent investigators.
The official visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to China in early July 2019 was productive as China assured its support to Bangladesh in the repatriation of the Rohingyas.China expressed its interest to help Bangladesh in resolving the Rohingya crisis by convincing the Myanmar government and its leaders through bilateral discussions. The second attempt to start repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar on 22 August 2019 turned out to be futile, as refugees showed unwillingness to go back . They have continuously demanded their citizenship with right to freedom of movement and access to all opportunities.
The British drafted resolution was in support of Bangladesh as it had warned that the 15-member Security Council could consider further steps, including sanctions, if there was not enough progress made by Myanmar for repatriation. Like past, Bangladesh government has continued its efforts to encourage other governments to stay engaged and continue to address the pressing needs of these refugees — that will only grow as long as this situation remains unresolved. South Asian countries must show solidarity with Bangladesh and to support Myanmar to start creating conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugee.
We urge upon the Government of Myanmar to take urgent action to address the root causes of the crisis which have persisted for decades, so that people are no longer forced to flee and the refugees can eventually return home with safety and dignity. The UN, at the same time must enforce the recommendation of Annan Commission by applying diplomatic pressure on Myanmar. The UN Security Council should initiate a visit to the Rohingya refugee camps to force the government of Myanmar for setting up “safe zones” for people of all backgrounds in conflict-torn parts of Myanmar as proposed by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam is an Associate Professor of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. He is the Visiting Scholar of Oxford and Cambridge. Prior to joining university, Dr. Islam was serving the United Nations for a period of seven years. As a popular development columnist in South Asia, Professor Islam writes for the LSE South Asia Blog, Cambridge Global Human Movement Blog, Oxford Department of International Development Blog, the Khabarhub, the Daily Star, the Daily Independent, the Financial Express, The Business Time, the Daily Jugantor and the South Asia Monitor regularly