Stakeholders' Dialogue: Rohingya Survivors, Diplomats Push for Justice and End to Impunity

Arakan Now | 30 August 2025

From August 24–26, the Bangladesh government hosted a significant Stakeholders’ Dialogue: Takeaway to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation held in Cox’s Bazar. The conference brought together global diplomats, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, and — for the first time — a large number of Rohingya representatives from around the world and refugee camps. The historic gathering offered Rohingya genocide survivors an unprecedented platform to share their experiences and call for concrete international action on justice, protection, and safe repatriation to their homeland in Arakan.

Chief Adviser Yunus, addressing the conference, delivered a powerful seven-point roadmap for a lasting resolution. "We must not be held hostage to mere rhetoric. The time for action is now," he warned, urging an urgent shift towards implementation and accountability.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman emphasised that "a solution can’t be achieved by leaving out any important actor," underpinning the necessity for inclusive negotiations ahead of the UN's high-level conference on September 30. Global support for Bangladesh's efforts was reaffirmed, with 11 countries asserting they “stand steadfast with the Rohingya and Bangladesh,” while calling for sustainable, long-term solutions.

When Arakan Now contacted Tun Khin, Chairperson of the Arakan Rohingya National Council (ARNC), regarding the outcome of the conference, he replied:

"This stakeholders’ conference is historic for the Rohingya — for the first time in eight years, our voices, including youth and women from the camps, were heard alongside international diplomats and Bangladesh’s leadership. I want to thank the Bangladesh government for its leadership and for hosting us. As genocide survivors, we were able to share our history and speak directly about what 1.3 million Rohingya are demanding from the international community. It is very historic — we have never seen anything like this before.

The harsh reality is that the situation in Arakan continues to deteriorate daily. Both the Arakan Army and the military are still committing crimes such as abductions, disappearances, and killings, while attempting to force out the remaining Rohingya. Immediate action is needed to end these crimes and ensure accountability for the perpetrators. We already have an arrest warrant issued by Argentina against the junta, and we are now working to file a similar case against the Arakan Army. Like the military, the AA currently enjoys impunity, but they must be held accountable. Additionally, the ICC must expand its investigation to include crimes committed by the Arakan Army against the Rohingya.

Moving forward, our demand is clear: Rohingya must be able to return home to Arakan with full security, international protection, and political rights. Without this, repatriation is meaningless. Urgent humanitarian aid must also reach Rohingya genocide survivors — both in Bangladesh camps and those starving under military and AA blockades in Arakan.

This conference must not end as mere words. It must lead to real action — stopping ongoing crimes, delivering justice and accountability, and securing the safe and dignified return of our people. The Rohingya cannot endure another lost decade."