Rohingya issue in the UN

Two significant incidents have taken place in a short span of time in the international arena, particularly in the United Nations, regarding Myanmar. There is, however, no sign that this will expedite the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh back to their homes in Myanmar. 

The significant developments are that investigations against Myanmar are to officially commence following a verdict of the pre-trial tribunal of the International Criminal Court, and the UN investigating mission’s report has made progress in favour of placing Myanmar on trial for genocide. But Bangladesh remains in a dilemma.
Bangladesh wants the accused generals of Myanmar to be placed on trial for their crimes against humanity. At the same time, Myanmar being its closest neighbour, Bangladesh wants to continue with its joint operations to resolve common problems along the border. It is also not possible for Bangladesh to delay much longer in sending the 700,000 Rohingyas back to Rakhine. Yet it does not seem that Bangladesh is making much of an effort to clarify their predicament and their limitations to the international community.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is joining the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. Bangladesh permanent mission to the UN in New York on Friday told a press briefing that Bangladesh will highlight the Rohingya issue again and this would feature prominently in the prime minister’s speech. How far such an official event can be used to effectively melt the ice and deliver results, is a matter of debate. Our permanent representative Masud bin Momen has said, Bangladesh will use the opportunity of the prime minister’s presence to try and garner international support in resolving the Rohingya crisis.
This is routine diplomacy and we hope Bangladesh does all it can to win international support. We also believe that Bangladesh’s diplomacy has had indirect contribution towards the two significant developments. At the same time we have to keep in mind that Bangladesh has its limitations. It is simply not possible for Bangladesh to maintain control over the Rohingyas for an extended period of time.
There has been a noticeable increase in crime among the Rohingyas. There have been been killings and clashes with the local populace. At the same time, despite relief from the international community, many Rohingyas are living in inhuman conditions. Like many developed countries, Bangladesh will not provide employment to the refugees and is not in a position even to ensure minimum civic amenities.
The prime minister is to receive two recognitions for her leadership in dealing with the Rohingya crisis. This will increase expectations of the international community in Bangladesh to resolve the issue. Bangladesh must show its people that it is making tangible efforts repatriate the Rohingyas. Diplomatic moves are required outside of the norms to accelerate the process. It is clear now that routine diplomacy won’t do the job. It does not bode wall that even after the passage of a year, the repatriation process has not begun.