Justice for the Rohingya: How Bangladesh and the International Community Can Uphold Human Rights

Marta Chiusi

Issue & Policy Briefs January, 2025

The Rohingya crisis stands out as one of the most severe humanitarian emergencies of recent times. Since Myanmar’s military crackdown in 2017, over 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, escaping violence that meets the criteria for genocide and ethnic cleansing under international law. This issue brief delves into the historical and political roots of Rohingya persecution, including the impact of Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law, which left them stateless and excluded from basic rights. It also highlights the limitations of international legal frameworks like the UN Genocide Convention and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which have struggled to ensure accountability or address mass displacement. Bangladesh has faced significant environmental and social challenges due to the influx of refugees, while the international community has largely failed to provide effective solutions. Addressing this crisis requires accountability for Myanmar’s actions and durable measures to uphold Rohingya rights and dignity.

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