We are disappointed but not surprised by the words of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the State Department Afreen Akhter, who on Tuesday said that the conditions in Myanmar are “not conducive to repatriation.”
The question we ask is when will the world ensure that conditions in Myanmar are conducive to repatriation? For as things stand, the international community has been woeful in getting anything done in this regard.
In the aftermath of the Rohingya crisis, voluntary repatriation is the most important topic. A durable solution to the refugee crisis is indispensable, and voluntary repatriation is the key to that solution. The role of the international community is pivotal in ensuring a safe, dignified, and sustainable return for the Rohingya refugees.
For the Rohingya refugees to consider returning to Myanmar, the security situation in their places of origin must be guaranteed. The international community, especially neighbouring countries and UN agencies, plays a crucial role in monitoring and facilitating this aspect. Without adequate security, voluntary repatriation remains a distant dream.
The Rohingya must also be assured that upon return, they will enjoy the same rights and privileges as other citizens of Myanmar. It is about time the international community exert pressure on the Myanmar government to enact policies that grant full citizenship and equal rights to the Rohingya community. The international community can also play a role in ensuring that reparations, compensation, and acknowledgment of the atrocities committed are part of the repatriation process.
The international community, as a collective force, has for years not been doing its part in ensuring that the Rohingya are able to return home. To achieve the most sustainable and dignified solution, it is time they step up.
