Sixteen diplomatic missions in Bangladesh have pledged to keep the Rohingya crisis on the global agenda as the displacement crisis enters its 10th year, reaffirming their commitment to justice, accountability and sustained international support.

The missions, including those of the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada and Japan, made the commitment in a joint statement on Tuesday marking nine years since the mass displacement of Rohingyas from Myanmar.

“As this crisis enters its tenth year, we must ensure that the Rohingya people are not forgotten,” the missions said.

They pledged to continue amplifying the voices of Rohingya communities, pursuing justice and accountability, and working with Bangladesh and international partners to maintain global support for the refugees.

According to the joint statement, nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, nine years after fleeing widespread violence and persecution in Myanmar.

The diplomatic missions paid tribute to the resilience, courage and dignity of Rohingya communities living in prolonged displacement and hardship.

They also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Bangladesh for providing refuge to the Rohingyas for nearly a decade.

Rohingya repatriation not yet possible

The missions reaffirmed the Rohingyas’ right to return to their homes in Myanmar but said the current situation in Rakhine State remains unsuitable for repatriation.

“Regrettably, conflict is escalating across Rakhine and humanitarian need is rising,” they said.

The statement highlighted growing insecurity, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian aid and trade imposed by Myanmar authorities as factors worsening the humanitarian crisis.

The deteriorating security situation is also driving further displacement into Bangladesh and other parts of the region, while dangerous sea crossings are resulting in tragic loss of life, the missions said.

“These conditions do not currently allow for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation,” they said.

The diplomatic missions stressed that creating conditions for a sustainable return would require a strategic, coordinated and long-term approach addressing the root causes of displacement, building trust between communities and promoting peace and stability in Myanmar.

They also said successful Rohingya repatriation would require providing refugees with the education and skills necessary to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and communities in Rakhine.

Continued support for Rohingyas in Bangladesh

The missions pledged to continue working with Bangladesh to identify pathways towards creating conditions conducive to repatriation.

Until such conditions emerge, they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the communities hosting them, including through measures aimed at strengthening refugees’ self-reliance.

The statement also said the future of the Rohingya response depends not only on sustaining humanitarian assistance but also on improving how that assistance is delivered.