UN, Civil Society Urge Action on Rohingya Rights in Myanmar

Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, addresses the high-level conference of the General Assembly on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.

On 30 September, the United Nations (UN) convened a high-level meeting on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, shortly after the conclusion of the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA80). The conference aimed to draw renewed global attention to the Rohingya refugee crisis through dialogue with UN officials, world representatives and civil society organisations.

Since the 2017 military crackdown on Rohingya rights and citizenship, more than one million refugees have fled to Bangladesh, most settling in Cox’s Bazar – now the world’s largest refugee camp. Despite repeated repatriation efforts by the Bangladeshi government, insecurity in Myanmar continues to prevent safe return, leaving refugees at risk of persecution and discrimination.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted that Rohingya Muslims and minorities face widespread insecurity, especially in Rakhine State. Delivering his statement, Chef de Cabinet Courtenay Rattray said:

“Minorities in Myanmar have endured decades of exclusion, abuse and violence. The Rohingya have been stripped of their right to citizenship, targeted by hate speech, terrorised with deadly force, confined to displacement camps, and denied freedom of movement, education and healthcare.”

He added that minorities are routinely subjected to forced displacement, conscription, aerial attacks and extrajudicial killings. Sexual and gender-based violence also remains pervasive, with women and girls facing heightened risks of trafficking, child marriage and exploitation.

With humanitarian aid budgets shrinking and conflict escalating, delegates discussed mechanisms to protect Rohingya refugees and minorities, as well as strategies to ensure a safe and dignified return. Many speakers stressed accountability measures to address the root causes of Myanmar’s insecurity and end the cycle of impunity.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said:

“To create a conducive environment for repatriation, first we must end this military dictatorship and its atrocities against civilians. Resolving the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities will only be possible if we address the root causes.”

Several representatives also warned of regional instability. EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis noted growing tensions between refugees and host communities, with minors joining armed groups. Nabhit Kapur of the Pan-African WSA said the crisis “is not only a Myanmar crisis” but a threat to regional stability, multilateralism and security.

Speakers underscored the urgent need for funding for food, protection and education. The World Food Programme warned that without additional support, monthly food rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh could fall to just USD 6 per person.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, stressed that his country “cannot bear this burden alone,” citing financial, social and environmental costs, as well as rising criminal activity linked to cross-border trafficking.

Civil society and state representatives further emphasised the need for a comprehensive political framework that guarantees minority rights, citizenship and inclusion, particularly for women and children.

However, despite the meeting’s focus on the Rohingya, few refugees were given the chance to speak. Unlike in previous years, none from the camps were present, as Bangladeshi officials cited security and clearance concerns.

“Peace in Myanmar rests on recognising the Rohingya as equal members of society,” said the Representative of the Independent Diplomat. “Yet they remain stateless and displaced, denied fundamental rights. The gap between our stated principles and our actions continues to enable atrocities.”