Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh commemorated the seventh anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar, calling for a safe return to Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Despite the rain, refugees gathered at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar district, holding banners with messages such as “Hope is Home” and “We Rohingya are the citizens of Myanmar” on what is known as “Rohingya Genocide Day.”
The mass exodus began on August 25, 2017, when hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fled to Bangladesh on foot and by boats due to violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. A brutal crackdown initiated by Myanmar authorities following attacks by an insurgent group resulted in allegations of ethnic cleansing and genocide by the international community, including the United Nations.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed border guards to open the border, allowing over 700,000 refugees to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Since then, Bangladesh has made efforts to repatriate the refugees and has called upon the international community to pressure Myanmar to create a peaceful environment conducive to repatriation. However, the situation in Rakhine state has worsened with the emergence of the Arakan Army, leading to renewed chaos and more Rohingya fleeing towards Bangladesh.
As protests unfolded in the refugee camps, concerns were raised by the United Nations and human rights organizations about the escalating violence and insecurity in Myanmar. Refugees International highlighted the increased fighting and targeting of Rohingya by Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army, causing widespread displacement and challenging humanitarian access in Rakhine state. UNICEF also expressed alarm over reports of civilians, including children, being caught in the crossfire, resulting in deaths and severe injuries, and hampering humanitarian efforts in the region.
