The Rohingya crisis continues unabated as one of the worst crimes against humanity in history -- a crisis that has witnessed over a million of Rohingya flee persecution at the hands of a murderous regime in their homeland Myanmar.
It has been known for a long time that the only workable end to this crisis has been the safe and voluntary repatriation of the refugees, something that can only be achieved through coordinated pressure from the international community -- especially nations which have formal trade relations with Myanmar.
While repatriation remains the ultimate goal, given the sheer scope of the crisis and the number of refugees currently in Bangladesh, the United States’ recent commitment towards the resettlement of the refugees to a third state will help take some of the pressure off Bangladesh and help make life just a bit better for the refugees who remain.
However, resettlement alone is not a solution. The long-term goal has always been repatriation, which is only possible by getting Myanmar to recognize its persecution for what it is: Ethnic cleansing. Nations such as the US have expressed its support many times when it comes to the cause of repatriation, tet, over the years, all we have observed are empty promises.
Unless and until the international community decides to put its foot down and gets Myanmar to ensure the safe return of the Rohingya along with their rights as citizens, this crisis will keep lingering.
The Rohingya crisis is a global crisis, and it needs to be dealt with as such.
