Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, has visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, to assess the ongoing humanitarian crisis and listen to the concerns of the displaced Rohingya community. On Monday, she toured various sites in Camp-4 and Camp-18, engaging with Rohingya men, women, and children who have endured years of persecution and forced displacement from Myanmar.

Rohingya Call for a Dignified Repatriation

During her visit, the oppressed Rohingya community expressed their urgent demand for an effective UN-led initiative to ensure their safe, dignified, and voluntary return to their ancestral homeland in Arakan (Rakhine State, Myanmar). Many refugees voiced their frustration over the prolonged displacement and uncertain future, calling for international intervention to restore their rights, citizenship, and security.

The refugees also shared their daily struggles in the overcrowded camps, where restrictions on movement, lack of educational opportunities, and declining humanitarian aid have made life increasingly difficult. With limited job opportunities and growing concerns about security in the camps, many Rohingya see repatriation as the only viable solution provided it is done under international guarantees for their safety and rights.

UN’s Continued Efforts on the Rohingya Crisis

Following her visit, Special Envoy Julie Bishop reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis. She stated that the UN is actively working to support refugees and is in ongoing discussions with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the crisis.

However, the complex political situation in Myanmar, coupled with the lack of concrete action from the international community, has left Rohingya refugees in a state of limbo. While diplomatic discussions continue, no clear pathway for safe and voluntary repatriation has been established.

Delegation Departs for Dhaka

After completing her tour of the camps and hearing firsthand accounts from Rohingya refugees, Julie Bishop and her delegation departed from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka. It is expected that she will hold further discussions with Bangladeshi officials and humanitarian agencies to explore potential solutions and strengthen international cooperation on the Rohingya issue.

A Crisis That Requires Urgent Action

The Rohingya refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in the world today. With over a million Rohingya living in refugee camps in Bangladesh since the 2017 mass exodus, the need for a long-term, rights-based solution has never been more critical. The international community must take concrete steps to ensure justice, accountability, and the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees with full citizenship rights and protection.

The world must not forget the suffering of the Rohingya people. The time for action is now.