World Refugee Day Observation – 20 June 2025.
On this World Refugee Day, 20 June 2025, the plight of the Rohingya people remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. For over
three decades, registered Rohingya refugees have endured statelessness,
systemic discrimination and forced displacement. Since 1991–92, they have
faced indescribable hardships. The crisis deepened further after the 2017
military crackdown in Myanmar, which forced more than a million Rohingya to
seek refuge in Bangladesh—primarily in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s
Bazar.
Enduring Hardships in Refugee Camps
Life in the camps is marked by multiple severe challenges:
• Food Insecurity:
Due to recent funding shortfalls, the UN World Food Programme now provides
monthly food rations of only $12.50 per person—equivalent to around 1,400 to
1,500 Bangladeshi Taka. This tiny amount is insufficient to sustain an
individual for an entire month, leading to worsening malnutrition in the world’s
largest refugee settlement.
• Healthcare Deficiencies:
Medical services remain inadequate. Many refugees lack access to essential
treatment. The reduction in aid has further strained healthcare facilities,
putting vulnerable populations—especially the elderly—at grave risk. Sadly,
some refugees die from chronic and critical illnesses or diseases due to lack
of timely care and adequately.
• Educational Barriers:
Access to formal, accredited education remains absent. While NGOs and
INGOs operate some learning centers, these facilities often lack resources
and trained educators. As a result, the educational development of Rohingya
children remains severely stunted. The formal education is a burning question
in the camps nowadays. It’s too late. Offer formal education to Refugees kids
who are passing lazy times with mobile phones and committing unnecessary
tasks and involve in crimes around.
Ongoing Persecution in Myanmar
The conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continue to deteriorate:
• Arakan Army Atrocities:
The Arakan Army (AA) has been accused of committing grave human rights
abuses against the Rohingya, including extortion, arbitrary detention, and
violent attacks. Reports have emerged of Rohingya civilians being killed and
forcibly displaced, worsening the already dire situation. And still continues.
• Forced Displacements:
Military operations have led to the destruction of villages, further
displacement, and mass exoduses. Thousands have fled to neighboring
countries or embarked on dangerous sea journeys to places like Thailand,
Malaysia, and Indonesia in search of safety and security of better lives.
Calls for Justice and Repatriation
The Rohingya community continues to advocate for:
• Safe and Dignified Repatriation:
A return to their homeland with full rights, safety, and recognized citizenship.
• Accountability:
International legal action against those responsible for crimes against
humanity, war crimes including Myanmar’s military leaders.
• Inclusive Governance:
Recognition of the Rohingya as equal stakeholders in Rakhine State, with a
voice in political processes and future governance. It’s ever lasting process of
durable solution which is lies in the shared shoulder of Myanmar.
International Response and Solidarity
Global leaders and humanitarian organizations have voiced concern:
• UN Involvement:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for increased humanitarian
aid and sustained dialogue with all parties to ensure the protection of
Rohingya rights.
• Humanitarian Appeals:
There is a growing call for renewed international support to bridge funding
gaps that threaten essential services in the refugee camps.
On this World Refugee Day, the international community must reaffirm its
commitment to the Rohingya people. Their rights must be respected, their
voices heard, and their suffering acknowledged. Only through justice,
inclusion, and sustained global solidarity can we hope to achieve lasting
peace, security and regional stability at large.
The writer is Md. Rahim Ullah
LL.B (Hons) & LL.M
International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC)
You can reach @ rahimiiuc2014@yahoo.com.