Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh recently marked the seventh anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar with rallies in the Cox’s Bazar camps. The refugees, from children to the elderly, held placards and chanted slogans demanding an end to the violence and their safe return to Myanmar. Ribbons bearing the words “Rohingya Genocide Remembrance” were also worn by many at the rallies.
The Rohingya have faced discrimination and violence in Myanmar for years, with a military crackdown in 2017 leading to the displacement of at least 750,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. Reports indicate that recent fighting in Rakhine state has caused even more Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with Doctors Without Borders treating numerous people for conflict-related injuries.
UNICEF has expressed concern about the worsening situation in Rakhine, particularly for children caught in the crossfire. Many Rohingya refugees are calling for the United Nations to ensure their rights and peaceful coexistence with other ethnic communities in Myanmar. Bangladesh’s interim foreign minister has urged neighbouring countries to do more to help the Rohingya, as well as calling for international pressure on the Arakan Army to stop attacking the Rohingya in Rakhine state.
MSF has called for the immediate protection of civilians in Myanmar, ensuring they have access to medical care and can evacuate to safer areas if needed. With half a million Rohingya refugee children growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp, the situation remains dire for the Rohingya seeking to return home.
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