Stumbling blocks in Rohingya repatriation

A second attempt to repatriate the Rohingya refugees has failed as none of them agreed to go back to their homeland in Rakhine state of Myanmar.

If Myanmar grants citizenship to the Rohingyas, they will have less to fear regarding their safety and would automatically go back to Myanmar. The repatriation process will not be effective until citizenship guarantee has been ensured from the Myanmar government. The Rohingya leaders have now demanded dialogue with Myanmar before the matter of repatriation is settled.

The Rohingya have been living in dismal conditions and while frustration grows among them, having to survive only on the bare minimum—they are not willing to go back unless these demands are met: guarantee of citizenship, assurance of safety and freedom of movement. Amnesty International and other human rights bodies have also strongly recommended the United Nations to ensure citizenship and security for Rohingya refugees before they are sent back to Myanmar.

The Myanmar government has so far remained quiet about their demands and unless enough pressure is put on the Myanmar government by international bodies for meeting those, the future looks bleak for these refugees.