On the ninth anniversary of the Rohingya crisis, 16 diplomatic missions in Bangladesh have issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with the displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar. In the statement, they reaffirmed that Rohingya refugees have the right to return to their homes in Myanmar.

In the joint statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, the diplomatic missions said that, due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, conditions are currently not conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya.

Nine years after the mass displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar, nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh. The missions expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of Bangladesh for providing refuge to the Rohingya for almost a decade.

The statement noted that the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State is deteriorating further amid escalating conflict, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on humanitarian aid and commercial activities.

These developments are increasing the risk of further displacement in Bangladesh and across the region, as well as deaths resulting from dangerous sea journeys undertaken by vulnerable people.

The diplomatic missions called for long-term and coordinated efforts to create conditions conducive to the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingya. Such efforts, they said, should address the root causes of displacement, rebuild trust among different communities, and contribute to peace and stability in Myanmar.

The statement also emphasized the importance of providing Rohingya refugees with access to education and skills development so that they can eventually return to Rakhine State and rebuild their homes, livelihoods and communities.

The diplomatic missions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting both the Rohingya refugees and the local communities hosting them. They also called for the voices and views of the Rohingya to be taken into account in decisions concerning their future.

The joint statement was signed by the diplomatic missions of Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.