UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar today, reaffirming the international community’s commitment to supporting over one million displaced Rohingya.
During his visit, Grandi focused on strengthening assistance for the Bangladeshi government, enhancing protection and humanitarian aid, and exploring sustainable solutions to the protracted crisis. His presence highlighted the urgent need for continued global support as the Rohingya refugees remain in limbo, facing challenges such as dwindling funding, limited livelihood opportunities, and uncertain prospects for safe and voluntary return to Myanmar.
Among the refugees in the camps are those who fled Myanmar in 2017, escaping a brutal military crackdown that the UN and human rights organizations have described as genocide. The Myanmar military’s campaign of mass killings, sexual violence, and village burnings forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh in what became one of the world’s largest and most tragic refugee crises. To this day, justice and accountability for these crimes remain elusive.
Meanwhile, the situation in Rakhine State has significantly changed, with the Arakan Army (AA) and the United League of Arakan (ULA) now controlling large parts of the region. This shift in power has created new uncertainties for the Rohingya still in Myanmar and those seeking a potential return. Grandi’s visit comes at a crucial time, as discussions around repatriation must now consider these new political dynamics and the realities on the ground.
Bangladesh continues to host the world’s largest refugee settlement, providing shelter to the Rohingya who fled persecution in Myanmar. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has been working closely with the government and humanitarian partners to ensure essential services and protection for the displaced population.
Grandi’s visit underscores the critical need for durable solutions, including international efforts to secure conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya, while also advocating for improved living conditions in the camps.
His engagement with refugees and local authorities signals renewed efforts to keep the Rohingya crisis on the global agenda, urging the international community to step up humanitarian aid and diplomatic initiatives to resolve the crisis.
