Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh marked the seventh anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar with rallies in Cox’s Bazar camps. The refugees, from children to the elderly, held placards, chanted slogans, and demanded an end to violence while expressing hope for their safe return to Myanmar. The Rohingya have faced discrimination and violence in Myanmar for years, and in 2017, over 750,000 fled to Bangladesh during a military crackdown now under a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Recent fighting in Rakhine state has led to thousands more Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, with many suffering conflict-related injuries. International organizations like Doctors without Borders and UNICEF have raised alarm over the deteriorating situation, especially for children caught in the crossfire. Despite the ongoing crisis, many Rohingya refugees continue to hope for a safe return to Myanmar with their rights protected.
Bangladesh has called on neighboring countries like India to do more to help the Rohingya while urging international pressure to stop attacks by the Arakan Army in Rakhine state. The need to protect civilians caught in the conflict and ensure access to vital medical care has been emphasized by organizations like MSF. As the Rohingya mark another year of displacement, the call for action to end the violence and secure their rights grows louder.
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