The Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Rethinking Solutions and Accountability

Abstract

An estimated one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar reside in a mega-camp outside Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Several hundred thousand internally displaced ethnic Rohingya remain in Myanmar. Durable solutions are not forthcoming. This paper reviews the situation in Myanmar and the regional, political and operational limitations including within the United Nations to assert voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya from Bangladesh will remain evasive. While the humanitarian situation on the ground is evolving, and justice and accountability measures are progressing at the same time political and diplomatic efforts continue to push for resolution of the crisis, there is a need to explore other solutions and mitigation measures available under international law and practice, and in doing so ensure the voices of the Rohingya are heard.