Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh called on the international community on Tuesday to ensure security in Myanmar’s Rakhine State as they continue to demand their safe return to their homeland.
The refugees on Tuesday marked the ninth anniversary of fleeing their homes to escape a brutal military crackdown against their group.
Since their exile from Rakhine, many civil society organisations commemorate the Rohingya’s struggle to escape torture and violence every August 25.
The first Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day was held in 2018, with groups and organisations conducting vigils and public prayers to honour the memory of Rohingya victims who died during the 2017 crackdown.
READ MORE: IOM, KSrelief sign deal to improve Rohingya response in Bangladesh
Annual remembrance day
The annual remembrance day also highlights the continuous violence against the Rohingyas despite repeated calls from the international community to ensure their safe return to Myanmar.
At present, almost 1.2 million Rohingya refugees live in poor conditions in Cox’s Bazar with no assurance of when they can return to their homeland.
Islamic Relief, a non-governmental organisation supporting Rohingyas in Bangladesh, also warned in its recent report that the Rohingyas risk being forgotten by the global community.
The group pointed out that more Rohingyas continue to flee to Bangladesh due to the Myanmar military’s ongoing attacks against the group.
More than 150,000 individuals sought shelter in Bangladesh over the past two years alone due to the continuous violence in Myanmar.
“This situation is not sustainable. Most Rohingya ultimately want to return home, but the situation in Myanmar does not allow for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return. We need the international community to step up efforts to ensure their safety and rights in Myanmar,” Islamic Relief’s programme manager for Cox’s Bazar Hossain Shahid said in a media statement.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: USAID closure and funding cuts leave Nepal facing looming social, health crises
Nations recall mass exodus
As the Rohingya crisis entered its tenth year this week, several countries renewed their call for the safe return of the refugees to Myanmar.
Sixteen diplomatic missions, including from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the European Union, marked the ninth anniversary of the mass exodus on Tuesday and called for a long-term approach to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
“Deepening insecurity, air strikes on civilian infrastructure and the Myanmar authorities’ blockades on aid and trade are worsening the humanitarian crisis,” the missions said in a joint statement cited by TRT World.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Canada appealed to their government to continue providing support to Rohingya refugees struggling in Bangladesh.
Canada provided $300 million from 2018 to 2021 to support the global response to the Rohingya crisis. It also provided $288 million for the 2021-2024 period.
However, the parliamentarians said that Canada must immediately renew its multi-year humanitarian funding since the country’s support for Rohingyas will end in 2027.
Global protests
In Australia, several groups and local Rohingya communities will be conducting protests and rallies on Friday to mark the Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.
The event will be hosted by the Refugee Action Coalition Sydney, the Australian Rohingya Community, the Australian Rohingya Women’s Development Organisation, and the Teachers for Refugees NSW.
Some speakers will also share their own personal experience and knowledge regarding the Rohingya crisis.
READ NEXT: Syria exits list of states sponsoring terrorism after nearly 50 years
James Mario Ajero 
Wendellyn Mateo 
Geoffrey H. Latayan