World Must Help Create Safe Conditions for Rohingya Return: Bangladesh Tells UN Council

Arakan Now | 5 July 2025

The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on 4 July 2025 titled "The Situation of Human Rights of the Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar". The resolution was passed by consensus during the Council’s 59th session in Geneva.

Speaking at the adoption of the resolution, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, said the international community must work together to create safe and fair conditions for Rohingya people to return to Rakhine State in Myanmar.

He said Bangladesh is ready to work with all partners to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis through voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya to their homes in Rakhine.

Ambassador Ariful Islam also raised serious concerns about the actions of the Myanmar military and armed groups such as the Arakan Army. He said these groups are continuing violence, blocking humanitarian aid, and making life worse for the Rohingya people.

He told the Council that around 118,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh since November 2023 to escape killings, violence, and persecution in Rakhine.

Bangladesh also highlighted the importance of a major conference on the Rohingya crisis that will take place in New York this September. The country called for the meeting to produce real, practical results within a clear timeframe.

The resolution, which was led by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expresses strong concern about the shrinking support and aid for Rohingya people. It urges the international community to share the burden and help Bangladesh, which is currently sheltering nearly one million Rohingya refugees.

The resolution also calls for full humanitarian access to Rakhine State for the United Nations and other aid groups, and demands accountability for past crimes to end the culture of impunity.

Finally, it stresses the need for inclusive governance in Rakhine State, with meaningful participation of Rohingya Muslims in all levels of decision-making.

Source: Statement by Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva; UN Human Rights Council, OIC-led Resolution (4 July 2025).