UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for renewed international attention and stronger action to address the worsening plight of the Rohingya, warning that refugees and displaced communities across Myanmar and the wider region are facing growing insecurity and shrinking prospects for a lasting solution.
Nearly a decade after the 2017 crisis that drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya into Bangladesh, the UN chief said the situation remains critical, with humanitarian funding cuts further threatening life-saving assistance.
“Rohingya people in Myanmar, Bangladesh and across the region face deepening insecurity, shrinking protection space and diminishing prospects for durable solutions,” Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement Monday.
In Myanmar, Rohingya and other communities remain trapped in conflict and displacement, with the UN citing grave human rights violations and abuses allegedly committed by both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. Civilians continue to face killings, restrictions on movement and humanitarian access, as well as forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and sexual violence.
According to Anadolu Ajansı, Guterres has also expressed concern over the growing number of Rohingya dying at sea and called for stronger regional cooperation on search and rescue, safe disembarkation and efforts to combat human trafficking.
The UN secretary-general praised Bangladesh and other countries hosting refugees from Myanmar and urged states across the region to continue providing protection to people fleeing violence and persecution.
He also voiced alarm over rising misinformation, disinformation and hate speech targeting Rohingya in Myanmar and other countries, saying such trends could further deepen tensions and insecurity.
Guterres urged the international community to strengthen collective efforts toward an inclusive and comprehensive political solution to Myanmar’s crisis, addressing its underlying causes and creating conditions for lasting peace.
His Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, continues to engage with stakeholders to push for an end to violence and promote an inclusive, Myanmar-led political process, Dujarric said.
Until conditions are created for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable Rohingya returns, Guterres called on the international community to maintain humanitarian assistance while expanding livelihood opportunities and self-reliance support for refugees.
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