Cox’s Bazar, September 27 (Border News Agency) –
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh camps marked the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a direct appeal to the international community: take decisive action to end their decades-long suffering.
In a joint statement, the refugees outlined five urgent demands, calling for international protection, justice, and a path toward safe and dignified return.
1. Safe zones under R2P:
The refugees urged the UN to invoke the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle by establishing internationally guaranteed safe zones in northern Rakhine State. These zones, they said, must be under direct international supervision to prevent another wave of genocide and to secure their ancestral land rights.
2. Dignified repatriation:
They demanded a clear, time-bound roadmap for repatriation under international protection, ensuring returns are voluntary, dignified, and secure. The statement emphasized distrust of both the Myanmar military—responsible for genocidal campaigns—and the Arakan Army (AA), which they likened to Nazi forces.
3. Right to self-determination:
The Rohingya called for meaningful autonomy, including the right to self-determination in their homeland and full participation in all levels of governance and political representation.
4. Justice and accountability:
They urged international prosecution of Myanmar military leaders, Arakan Army commanders, and collaborators for crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity. They further demanded mechanisms for truth, restitution, and reparations for destroyed lives, lands, and property.
5. Reconstruction and equal citizenship:
Finally, they appealed for international support to rebuild their communities—villages, schools, farmland, and essential infrastructure—so that Rohingya can live with dignity, equality, and peace as recognized citizens of Myanmar.
This collective call comes as the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, putting renewed pressure on world leaders to act decisively on the unresolved Rohingya crisis.
