UN Calls for Renewed Global Solidarity as Rohingya Forced Exodus Marks Eight Years

Published: 26 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Monday marks the eighth anniversary of the mass displacement of the Rohingya from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, prompting the United Nations to urge renewed international solidarity with the predominantly Muslim minority community. In the wake of a military crackdown triggered by armed attacks on Myanmar security forces in August 2017, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh. They joined thousands who had previously escaped waves of violence and systemic discrimination, now residing in refugee camps across the Cox’s Bazar district.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the worsening conditions faced by Rohingya both within Myanmar and in exile. “In Rakhine State, Rohingya and other civilians are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army and subjected to forced recruitment, human rights violations and other abuses,” he said.

Ongoing violence has forced further displacement, with Bangladesh now hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees. The situation has been compounded by Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, which ousted the democratically elected government and ignited widespread armed insurgencies, following harsh military crackdowns on civilian protests.

Mr. Dujarric further expressed concern over reports of pushbacks, removals, and deportations across the region, warning these actions may violate the principle of non-refoulement and reduce available asylum space. The crisis has been intensified by funding shortfalls, severely limiting access to education, food assistance, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and protection services for affected populations.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly called for the protection of all civilians in accordance with international law. During a visit to Cox’s Bazar, he witnessed firsthand the resilience of Rohingya communities and underscored the urgent need for strengthened international support. He emphasized that such solidarity must go hand-in-hand with a comprehensive political solution that meaningfully includes the Rohingya and addresses the root causes of their protracted displacement.

Looking ahead, Mr. Dujarric expressed hope that the high-level conference on Rohingya and other minorities, scheduled for 30 September in New York under the mandate of the United Nations General Assembly, would renew global focus on achieving durable solutions. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar continues to engage stakeholders with the goal of ending the civil conflict and supporting a viable, Myanmar-led political process. This, in turn, aims to facilitate the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya to their homeland.