UN chief’s Rohingya refugee camp visit a call to action

The visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh last week has brought renewed attention to one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises. Guterres, deeply moved by the suffering of the Rohingya, called for their return to Myanmar at the earliest opportunity.

For Bangladesh, which has shouldered the immense burden of hosting nearly a million refugees, this declaration marks a significant diplomatic victory. But how will this be received in Myanmar, particularly by the Arakan Army, which now controls much of Rakhine State?

The Arakan Army, having consolidated power over 11 of Rakhine’s 18 townships, is a force that can no longer be ignored. However, its policies toward the Rohingya remain deeply troubling. It has outlawed the use of the term “Rohingya,” dismissing the community’s distinct identity and reinforcing the discriminatory practices of past regimes. Despite its aspirations for international recognition, the Arakan Army’s refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya’s identity undermines its credibility as a legitimate governing authority.

Guterres’ remarks were a clear signal. The world’s top diplomat unequivocally stated the conditions the Arakan Army and other Myanmar authorities must meet to gain global legitimacy. The voluntary, safe and dignified return of the Rohingya, with full recognition of their rights and identity, must be a nonnegotiable benchmark.

This message resonates deeply with Bangladesh, where frustrations over the stalled repatriation process have grown. Despite repeated bilateral agreements with Myanmar, no meaningful progress has been made. The failure of the previous repatriation attempts in 2018 and 2019 was a sobering reminder that, without guarantees of safety and citizenship, the Rohingya would remain at risk. Guterres’ clear call for repatriation underlines the need for a new approach — one that involves regional cooperation and greater international accountability.

Past repatriation attempts have failed, largely due to Myanmar’s unwillingness to provide assurances of safety and citizenship

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

For Bangladesh, the secretary-general’s stance offers renewed diplomatic leverage. Dhaka has long argued that repatriation remains the only sustainable solution. However, past attempts have failed, largely due to Myanmar’s unwillingness to provide assurances of safety and citizenship to the returning refugees. Now, with the Arakan Army in control, Bangladesh has an opportunity to recalibrate its approach. Engaging with the group, alongside the national unity government, could prove more effective than relying solely on the junta-controlled administration.

The Arakan Army itself is at a crossroads. If it truly aspires to establish itself as a credible governing authority, it cannot ignore the Rohingya issue. Guterres’ visit has made it clear that recognition and legitimacy on the world stage will only come if the group commits to protecting all communities within Rakhine, including the Rohingya. The international community will be watching closely to see whether the Arakan Army takes steps to dismantle discriminatory policies, restore Rohingya citizenship and ensure their safe return.

At the same time, the international community must step up. Mere statements of support are insufficient. Sanctions, diplomatic isolation and targeted pressure on the Arakan Army could compel them to adopt more inclusive policies. Additionally, humanitarian assistance must be expanded, both within Rakhine and in the refugee camps of Bangladesh, to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations and neighboring countries like India and China also have a role to play. While their engagement with Myanmar has often been guided by economic and strategic interests, the moral imperative to address the Rohingya crisis cannot be overlooked. Multilateral pressure, coupled with incentives for inclusive governance, could push the Arakan Army toward constructive engagement on the Rohingya issue.

Multilateral pressure could push the Arakan Army toward constructive engagement on the Rohingya issue

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

Furthermore, the plight of the Rohingya must remain a priority on the global humanitarian agenda. The camps in Bangladesh, where overcrowding and malnutrition are rampant and education opportunities are rare, represent a ticking time bomb. Without hope of a better future, despair and radicalization could take root. Guterres’ visit was a timely reminder that the status quo is unsustainable.

For the Rohingya themselves, the secretary-general’s advocacy offers a glimmer of hope. After years of being silenced and marginalized, hearing the world’s top diplomat reaffirm their right to return with dignity is a powerful acknowledgment of their struggle. However, words must be translated into action. The Rohingya deserve to see tangible progress toward their safe repatriation and the restoration of their rights.

Bangladesh, too, must continue to advocate for international accountability. The pursuit of justice for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya cannot be sidelined. The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court remain vital avenues for holding perpetrators accountable and deterring further abuses.

In the end, Guterres’ visit was not just a diplomatic gesture, it was a call to action. The Arakan Army faces a pivotal choice: continue down the path of exclusion and repression or embrace the principles of justice and inclusion. The world is watching and so are the Rohingya, who deserve nothing less than a future of dignity and peace. The responsibility lies with the Arakan Army, the national unity government and the broader international community to ensure that Guterres’ words are not forgotten. Only through a genuine commitment to the rights and recognition of the Rohingya can lasting peace be achieved in Rakhine State.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim