The Rohingya refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time, marked by statelessness, persecution, and the desperate search for refuge. At the forefront of the crisis, the National Task Force (NTF) on forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) has recently urged the United Nations (UN) and the international community to secure adequate funding for humanitarian activities supporting both the Rohingya and their host communities in Bangladesh.
This urgent call was made during the NTF's 46th meeting held on December 24, where foreign secretary Md. Jasim Uddin emphasized the need for sustainable measures to resolve the crisis. "We call for effective measures from all stakeholders to resolve this crisis," he stated, underlining the long-term goal of the sustainable and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Attended by UN agency representatives, the World Bank, and various officials, the meeting made strong appeals for coordinated actions to facilitate the dignified return of Rohingyas to their homeland, ensuring their rights and safety. The grim realities faced by Rohingyas living in camps across Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char were also discussed, with major concerns raised about camp management, infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, and family planning services.
Further exacerbated by the socioeconomic challenges of the host communities, the NTF's discussions included possibilities for financing from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. With the prolonged presence of Rohingyas leading to significant socio-economic and security challenges, the need for enhanced security measures around the camps has become increasingly urgent.
Beyond Bangladesh, the plight of the Rohingya was exemplified by recent events in Sri Lanka, where over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers were rescued at sea after setting out from Myanmar. On December 19, 2024, their multi-day trawler reached the coast of Mullivaikkal, triggering significant humanitarian responses. Coordinated efforts involved the Sri Lankan Navy escorting the boat to Trincomalee, where authorities, NGOs, and community members provided much-needed assistance.
Despite these efforts, the situation has been overshadowed by concerns over the treatment of these asylum seekers. Following their landfall, the court proceedings directed 12 men who assisted the refugees to remand, sending the remaining 103 asylum seekers to the Mirihana Detention Centre. There were several discrepancies reported concerning their housing arrangements, and immigration issues led to delays and significant uncertainty for the refugees.
Heartbreaking accounts emerged from the survivors, shedding light on the dire conditions faced during their treacherous journeys. Tragically, six individuals, including four children, lost their lives during the desperate escape by sea, victims of hunger and the arduous conditions onboard.
The Rohingya people, who have faced systematic violence and targeted elimination, remain stateless and precariously vulnerable. Many have been living as refugees since 2017, yet efforts to repatriate them to Myanmar have proven extremely difficult due to persistent violence and repression. The international community, including the UNHCR, has acknowledged the crisis, highlighting the need for urgent resolutions to alleviate the suffering of displaced individuals.
To fortify their humanitarian response, 47 civil society organizations recently issued a letter to Sri Lanka's President urging the government to extend protections to these asylum seekers, ensuring their rights under international law. They advocated for the reopening of the UNHCR office to facilitate the protection and resettlement of refugees.
The Sri Lankan government has made notable strides historically by maintaining policies allowing the temporary stay of asylum seekers based on their commitments to international agreements; families from various backgrounds, including Ahmadis and Christians from Pakistan and Afghans, have found refuge there. The recent increase of Rohingya arrivals, particularly women and children, adds to the urgency for establishing clear refugee policies to promote integration and prevent discrimination.
Key recommendations for the Sri Lankan government were proposed, calling for adequate support, access to resources, dignified housing, and educational opportunities for incoming asylum seekers. Enhancing cooperation with international organizations to provide shelter and protection is deemed necessary, offering them ways to rebuild their lives away from despair.
Rohingya refugees have nourished hopes for safety and dignity amid their harrowing narratives marked by violence and loss. Educators and leaders are encouraged to raise awareness and inform local communities about the plight of refugees to encourage integration rather than marginalization.
We must not forget the shared history of dispossession and exile; Sri Lankans have also encountered similar experiences. This recognition emphasizes the moral obligation to develop policies aligned with international human rights standards and extend compassion to those seeking asylum and refuge.
