The recently adopted UN resolution on the Rohingya crisis is an important step toward justice for the oppressed minority. The resolution will also be a diplomatic instrument for Bangladesh in resolving the refugee situation here.
The resolution called upon Myanmar to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis, fulfil its obligations under the bilateral agreements with Bangladesh, and cooperate fully with the special envoy of the secretary-general on Myanmar and all the human rights mechanisms of the UN, among others.
Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Rabab Fatima said that the resolution demonstrated the international community’s strong resolve to end this crisis. The ambassador also, commendably, reemphasized the need for the “voluntary, safe, and sustainable return of the Rohingya.”
While a UN resolution is a strong instrument, it can be as effective or ineffective as the diplomatic powers supporting its enforcement. The Palestine-related resolutions are probably the most notable example of how these can be flouted.
This is nevertheless a victory for the Rohingya population, who have been at the receiving end of Myanmar’s brutal crackdown on them, resulting in ethnic cleansing and genocide.
But to achieve meaningful resolution, the world must create pressure on Myanmar and ensure accountability for the crimes committed against the Rohingya people.