An Alternative Approach to the Rohingya Situation : Shared by Tom McDermott

 

Displacement, Democracy and Development: An Alternative Approach to the Rohingya Refugee Situation
United Against Inhumanity (UAI) and United Nations Association–UK (UNA-UK)
Published September 2025
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Summary

This report, prepared by UAI and UNA-UK, presents the findings of a multi-stakeholder workshop held in September 2025 and submitted to the UN high-level conference on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. It critiques the current “relief and repatriation” strategy as inadequate, unsustainable, and harmful to both refugees and host communities. The paper proposes a broader, long-term approach that integrates political, security, developmental, and intercommunal dimensions, with emphasis on inclusive dialogue, safe and voluntary repatriation, improved conditions in Bangladesh, medium-term development strategies, and recognition of Rohingya refugees beyond Bangladesh.

Quotes

“An essential precondition for the resolution of the Rohingya crisis is the establishment of an inclusive dialogue between all communities in Rakhine State and amongst other relevant stakeholders in the region and beyond.”

“Rohingya refugees are generally determined to return to their homes in Myanmar, but only if they can do so safely, in a voluntary manner and having received firm guarantees relating to their citizenship and rights in Myanmar.”

"There can be no hope of resolving their plight unless the issue of Rohingya citizenship in Myanmar is definitively addressed.”

“The situation of the Rohingya in Bangladesh requires a medium-term approach that allows refugees and local communities alike to develop their human and social capital.”

“Large numbers of Rohingya refugees have fled to Asian states other than Bangladesh, most notably India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan, where they live in precarious circumstances. The capacities and aspirations of these refugees and the wider Rohingya diaspora need to be recognized.