Serious Questions Over Forced Repatriation Project
by the Myanmar Junta and the Government of the Bangladesh
Rohingya Delegation Concludes Myanmar Not Ready for Safe Return of Refugees
Rohingya Refugee returns must be voluntary in safety and dignity
(May 6, 2023) The Rohingya Human Rights Center (RHRC) is deeply concerned about the forced repatriation being carried out by the government of Bangladesh in cooperation with the military regime in Myanmar. The return of Rohingya refugees should be done on a voluntary basis and with guaranteed safety and dignity. No refugee should be compelled to return against their will.
Rohingya refugees still face uncertainty and fear as they consider the possibility of returning to Myanmar. On May 5, 2023, a delegation of 17 Rohingya males and 3 females, led by the RRRC and accompanied by 7 Bangladesh officials, visited Maungdaw in north Rakhine to assess conditions for repatriation from Bangladesh. Despite assurances from the Myanmar junta, the delegation concluded that the conditions are not yet safe for the refugees to return home.
The Rohingya crisis has been ongoing for years, with hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar. The international community has called for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees, but until the conditions are met, their return remains uncertain. The UNHCR has stated that conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine state are not favorable for the safe return of the 1,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh whom Myanmar wants to repatriate under a China-mediated program.
The Rohingya refugees deserve the right to live with dignity and respect. The RHRC calls on the Myanmar junta to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the refugees and work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The RHRC also strongly urges the government of Bangladesh to prioritize their well-being and safety and work with the international community to find a solution to the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Finally, the RHRC stresses the significance of considering alternative solutions in case the primary option is not viable, including resettlement in third countries.
For more information:
Rohingya Human Rights Center
Email: rohingyahumanrightscenter@gmail.com