UNITED NATIONS, October 1 — The international community gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for a high-level conference dedicated to the pressing issue of the persecution faced by Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar. The meeting, which took place on September 30, aimed to galvanize political support and address the humanitarian challenges that persist in the region.
UN President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock emphasized the significance of the conference as a platform for listening to stakeholders, particularly civil society representatives who possess firsthand experience. “Rohingya need the support of the international community, not just in words but in action,” she asserted, underlining the urgent need for strengthened international solidarity and a concerted effort to achieve a political solution that includes the Rohingya’s participation.
The humanitarian crisis has escalated in urgency, with UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk stating, “The violence, the extreme deprivation, and the massive violations of human rights have fueled a crisis of grave international concern. The international community must honor its responsibilities and act. We stand in solidarity with the Rohingya and all the people of Myanmar in their hour of greatest need.”
Since over 750,000 Rohingyas fled persecution in 2017, the international community has confronted one of the most significant refugee crises in recent decades. Conference attendees discussed the root causes of this enduring crisis, which stem from systematic oppression and persecution by Myanmar’s authorities, particularly in the Rakhine State.
The situation deteriorated further following the military junta’s rise to power in 2021, which has exacerbated unrest and instability in Myanmar. The Rohingya communities still residing in Rakhine have been caught in the crossfire between the junta and militant groups, including the Arakan Army. Activists highlighted that the oppression faced by the Rohingya is not a new phenomenon. “This is a historic occasion for Myanmar. But it is long overdue. Our people have suffered enough. For ethnic minorities—from Kachin to Rohingya—the suffering has spanned decades,” remarked Wai Wai Nu, founder and executive director of the Women’s Peace Network.
Maung Sawyeddollah, founder of the Rohingya Student Network, raised a poignant question: “It has already been more than eight years since the Rohingya Genocide was exposed. Where is the justice for the Rohingyas?”
For the United Nations, the Rohingya refugee crisis highlights the severe impact of funding shortfalls on humanitarian operations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted during a visit to refugee camps in Bangladesh that “Cox’s Bazar is Ground Zero for the impact of budget cuts.” Funding cuts to agencies like UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) have hampered their ability to provide essential aid. WFP has warned that its food assistance in the refugee camps will deplete in two months unless further funding is secured. Currently, the 2025 Rohingya Refugee Response Plan, which requires USD 934.5 million, is only 38 percent funded.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, highlighted the chronic underfunding of humanitarian responses in Bangladesh, stressing the grim prospects for future funding. “Unless further resources are forthcoming, despite the needs, we will be forced to make more cuts while striving to minimize the risk of losing lives,” he warned, pointing to the dire consequences of malnutrition and perilous sea journeys undertaken by refugees.
Bangladesh, which has hosted over one million Rohingya refugees since 2017, continues to face its own development challenges, including high rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus pointed out the difficulties in supporting the refugee population, even with the assistance of aid organizations, and called for a renewed focus on facilitating the safe repatriation of Rohingyas.
“As funding declines, the only peaceful option is to begin their repatriation. This will entail far fewer resources than continuing their international protection. The Rohingya have consistently pronounced their desire to go back home,” Yunus stated, urging the global community to act swiftly.
The conference also underscored the role of regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in supporting the Rohingya population and fostering dialogue among stakeholders. Othman Hashim, the special envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, emphasized that peace in Myanmar remains unattainable without inclusive dialogue involving all parties. “Prolonged violence will only exacerbate the misery of the people of Myanmar, Rohingya and other minorities included,” he cautioned.
Indonesia’s foreign minister Sugiono echoed the need for sustained support for host countries and emphasized the importance of cooperation with UN agencies to address the crisis effectively.
Participants advocated for a holistic approach to supporting the Rohingya that extends beyond immediate humanitarian needs. This involves investing in education and employment opportunities, as well as creating resettlement policies to secure livelihoods for communities in the long term. Sawyeddollah, who shared his personal journey of pursuing higher education, highlighted the necessity of including Rohingya voices in decision-making processes. “Any initiative for the Rohingya without Rohingya in the camp, from decision making to nation-building, is unsustainable and unjust,” he asserted, calling for resources to empower the Rohingya community.
The conference concluded with a call for actionable measures that address key areas of concern in the Rohingya refugee situation, including increased funding for humanitarian aid and the pursuit of justice and accountability under international law. Türk and other UN officials reiterated that resolving political tensions and instability in Myanmar is critical for addressing the refugee crisis.
Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, placed the blame for the country’s turmoil squarely on the military junta, urging member states to withdraw support from it. “We can yield results only by acting together to end the military dictatorship, its unlawful coup, and its culture of impunity,” he implored, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to establish a federal democratic union grounded in human rights and justice principles.
