The prolonged delay caused by Myanmar in repatriating Rohingya from Bangladesh

The prolonged delay caused by Myanmar in repatriating Rohingya from Bangladesh

23 December 2023

                                                            Source ozarab.media

 A humanitarian disaster that has persisted for years is the Rohingya issue, which is defined by massive displacement and persecution in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Since 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh, a neighbouring country. This migration has garnered international attention and prompted serious concerns about Myanmar's commitment to returning its displaced citizens home.

The Rohingya refugees are stranded in appalling conditions in Bangladesh as a result of Myanmar's activities, which have been marked by hesitations and delays, in spite of international pressure and agreements detailing the repatriation procedure.

There are several factors at play when it comes to Myanmar's hesitation to speed the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. They are the result of profoundly ingrained sociocultural, political, and historical problems in the nation.

The Rohingya people has lived in Rakhine State for centuries, but Myanmar has long denied them citizenship and basic rights, viewing them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. This is the core of the problem. Because of their denial of citizenship, the Rohingya are more susceptible to violence and systematic marginalisation, as well as a cycle of discrimination and statelessness.

The internal politics of Myanmar make the repatriation procedure even more difficult.

Progress is hampered by historical ethnic conflicts, the power dynamics between the military and civilian government, and the difficulties of carrying out repatriation agreements. The political climate in Myanmar is divided on how to handle the Rohingya, which makes it more difficult to move forward with repatriation plans.

Furthermore, the prerequisites for a respectable and secure return to Myanmar are still unmet. The international community and refugees alike are concerned about the lack of assurances for the safety, rights, and availability of essential services for the Rohingya in Rakhine State. The reasons why refugees are reluctant to return home include reports of continuous violence, limitations on their freedom of movement, and little opportunity for them to start over in their home countries.

Bangladesh has persistently pushed for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, where they are currently being housed in overcrowded camps. However, bilateral relations have been strained due to Myanmar's lack of significant progress and pledges addressing the rights and protection of returning refugees.

Diplomatic efforts and international pressure to force Myanmar to accelerate the repatriation process have not been entirely successful. There have been no noticeable results from the UN's and other international organisations' repeated requests that Myanmar establish safe conditions for the Rohingya refugees' return.

The lengthy wait for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar highlights the complex problems and enduring obstacles that keep progressing back. Coordinated efforts by Myanmar's government, including the military, to address the underlying causes of prejudice and statelessness experienced by the Rohingya people are necessary for any significant resolution to this humanitarian catastrophe.

It is essential to have a sincere commitment to providing citizenship, guaranteeing safety, respecting human rights, and encouraging inclusive reconciliation within Myanmar's society. In addition, persistent international engagement, pressure, and assistance are essential to creating the conditions necessary for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

The complicated situation involving Myanmar's belated return of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh is rooted in political intricacies, humanitarian issues, and historical grievances. A comprehensive and coordinated strategy is needed to resolve this issue, one that includes coordinated international measures to alleviate the Rohingya community's predicament as well as internal reforms within Myanmar.

Source ozarab.media