THE Rohingya refugee crisis remains one of the most protracted humanitarian emergencies in modern history. They have been living in Bangladesh, particularly in Cox鈥檚 Bazar, for nearly four decades. Even before the latest major influx that occurred in late 2017, I visited them in 2015 in Ukhiya鈥檚 Kutupalong registered camp. Since the mass exodus in 2017, more than one million Rohingya have been residing in Cox鈥檚 Bazar in perilous conditions. The Rohingyas are becoming increasingly vulnerable as a consequence of a shift of the world鈥檚 attention following the initial surge in international attention. Recent events, including the absence of a viable repatriation plan, the sharp reduction in food aid, and the escalation of security threats, have exacerbated their already precarious circumstances. I have been working on the Rohingya crisis since 2015, and I have observed the Rohingyas鈥� diminishing aspirations for an existence as well as dignified repatriation.
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Initial wave of support and global attention听
IN RESPONSE to the 2017 Rohingya influx, local and international organisations promptly mobilised to provide emergency relief. The Rohingyas were visited daily by Bangladeshi citizens from a variety of regions since their arrival in Cox鈥檚 Bazar. These visitors brought food, clothing, and financial assistance. A series of high-profile visits from global leaders, religious figures, and celebrities, who further increased international awareness of the crisis, further bolstered the humanitarian response.听听
Just within a few months of the 2017 influx, Pope Francis, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were some of the first high-profile visitors to the Cox鈥檚 Bazar camps in 2018. Their presence served as a reminder of the gravity of Myanmar鈥檚 crimes and the pressing need for international action. Among others, three famous female Nobel Peace laureates, Mairead Maguire of Northern Ireland, Tawakkol Karman of Yemen, and Shirin Ebadi of Iran, visited the Rohingya settlements in 2018 and strongly denounced Myanmar鈥檚 actions while demanding justice. The camps were also visited by numerous state officials from around the globe. Priyanka Chopra and Angelina Jolie were among the celebrities who visited the camps, garnering international media coverage and boosting public compassion for the world鈥檚 most persecuted population.听听
However, the number of these world-recognised VIP visits and the degree of international engagement decreased by 2019 as the crisis continued without a definitive resolution. The initial surge of international attention did not result in a sustainable, long-term solution. It decreased further during the Covid pandemic. International funding decreased, repatriation efforts stalled, and diplomatic pressure on Myanmar decreased. With conditions in overcrowded camps getting worse, with no possibility of integration into the community or returning to Rakhine in dignity, the Rohingya were left in limbo.听
Food rations had been drastically reduced from $12 to $6 per person. This was at a time when the Arakan Army had taken over Rakhine and insecurity within the camps was on the rise. The visit of the UN chief Antonio Guterres has briefly rekindled international concern, but the Rohingyas are still stateless and face an uncertain and dismal future in the absence of tangible commitments.
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Food aid reduction
THE food aid reduction 鈥� from $12 per person per month to just $6 鈥� has hit the community hard. Families in the camps have been forced to ration what little they have as a result of this severe reduction, particularly by the US cut. Many Rohingyas now have to face the harsh reality of starvation on top of their already limited opportunities for livelihood. Funding shortages are the main cause of the cuts, according to the UN鈥檚 World Food Programme. But for many, the cut in aid is an existential threat rather than merely a logistical setback. Older refugees fear malnutrition, mothers worry about providing for their children, and young men, who are fighting for their lives, are more susceptible to exploitation and illegal activities. The Rohingyas may engage in some illegal activities to survive, which could lead to dire circumstances not only inside the camps but also in the surrounding areas.
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Security challenges in the camps
BEYOND the food crisis, security concerns within the refugee camps have reached alarming levels. Armed groups, gang violence, and human trafficking networks have made the camps more dangerous. These unofficial power structures flourish in the absence of effective law enforcement, further upsetting an already precarious environment. Some Rohingyas are thinking about going back to Myanmar 鈥� not voluntarily, but out of extreme desperation. But with continuous fighting between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, the situation in the Rakhine State is still unstable. Those who try to return run the risk of being persecuted, subjected to violence, or compelled to join armed groups.听
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The statelessness dilemma
AT ITS core, the Rohingya crisis is a statelessness crisis. The Rohingyas are not legally recognised in their own country after Myanmar revoked their citizenship in 1982. Bangladesh has made it clear that local integration is not an option, even though it was kind enough to host them. The Rohingyas are trapped in a terrible limbo because they have no legal status, no right to work, and no way to become citizens anywhere. People without a country, a community without a home, and a populace without a future are what they are.
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The geopolitical stalemate
THE Rohingya鈥檚 return to Myanmar has stalled because Myanmar has refused to ensure their rights and safety. Although China has mediated negotiations, no real headway has been achieved. Western countries, meanwhile, have mostly fallen short in offering adequate funding or resettlement opportunities, despite issuing statements of concern. China, India, and ASEAN are among the regional players who have been hesitant to put significant pressure on Myanmar. Bangladesh, which is suffering the most from the crisis, has called for international help on numerous occasions but is receiving less and less of it.
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A call for action
THE world must not abandon the Rohingyas. Restoring and increasing food aid, improving camp security, and pursuing a long-term political solution all require immediate action.
Ensuring sufficient funding for humanitarian relief is a responsibility of the international community, especially donor countries. The most persecuted minority in the world shouldn鈥檛 have to endure starvation.
The government of Bangladesh and its foreign allies need to take action to improve the rapidly worsening security situation. Community-led safety projects, stronger policing, and dispute resolution procedures are crucial.
Myanmar needs to answer for its deeds. Rohingya citizenship, safe repatriation, and justice for the crimes against them should be the top priorities of global diplomatic efforts.
Although repatriation is still the best option, if possible, vulnerable people and families may want to consider resettlement in third countries that are willing to do so.
The Rohingya issue is still very much alive. It is actually moving into a riskier stage, where deprivation and hopelessness may cause more instability.
As the Rohingyas are dealing with worsening humanitarian conditions, a rise in insecurity, and a reduction in food aid, the visit of UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has rekindled hope. When the Rohingyas have shown unbelievable resilience, the world must ensure that they get justice and a dignified life in their birthplace.
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Dr Ala Uddin is professor of anthropology at the University of Chittagong.
