Rohingya Refugees Demand Safe Return Amid Continued Volatility

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees marked the seventh anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar, calling for safe return to their homeland. Gatherings in Bangladesh camp highlighted ongoing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, amidst renewed calls for international intervention and concern over worsening conditions for the displaced population.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees gathered in Bangladeshi camps on Sunday to mark the seventh anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar. They demanded safe returns to Myanmar's Rakhine state, bearing banners and festoons reading "Hope is Home" and "We Rohingya are the citizens of Myanmar". Despite heavy rain, the refugees observed what they call "Rohingya Genocide Day".

On August 25, 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled across the Myanmar border into Bangladesh following a brutal military crackdown. This crackdown, triggered by insurgent attacks on security posts, led to widespread accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide by the international community, including the United Nations. In response, Bangladesh's then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allowed the influx of over 700,000 refugees, who joined the 300,000 already displaced.

Efforts to repatriate the refugees have stalled amid worsening conditions in Myanmar. Increasing violence by the Arakan Army against Myanmar's military has exacerbated instability, forcing more Rohingya to flee. International organizations, including the UN and Refugees International, have raised alarms over targeted attacks on Rohingya civilians, particularly affecting children and families. Humanitarian access in Rakhine remains severely restricted.

(With inputs from agencies.)