UK, France, and nine other countries express support for Bangladesh on Rohingya crisis
Eleven countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Australia, have reiterated their support for Bangladesh in hosting more than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, while urging stronger international efforts to tackle the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday (25 August), the diplomatic missions emphasized the importance of “meaningful engagement and inclusive representation” of the Rohingya in decisions that affect their lives, so they can live with dignity, security, and purpose during their stay in Bangladesh.
“Eight years on, the international community continues to stand firmly with the Rohingya and with Bangladesh, committed to pursuing long-term, durable solutions to the crisis and addressing its underlying causes,” the statement said. The declaration was endorsed by the missions of the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
The missions expressed “deep gratitude” to Bangladesh’s interim government and its people for continuing to provide safety, shelter, and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya, including newly arrived refugees.
Acknowledging that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive to voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation, the statement stressed that such conditions can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of displacement, which requires a peaceful and stable Myanmar. “A timeline for return cannot yet be set,” it added.
The 11 countries also condemned escalating violence and systematic human rights abuses in Myanmar, urging an immediate halt to attacks and guaranteeing unhindered humanitarian access. They reiterated their demand for the release of political prisoners and accountability for atrocities committed by the military regime and armed groups.
With international funding for the Rohingya response dwindling, the missions underscored the need to enhance refugee self-reliance, support host communities in Cox’s Bazar, and prepare the Rohingya for eventual repatriation.
They pledged continued collaboration with Bangladesh and the wider global community in the run-up to the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Crisis, scheduled for September 2025, aimed at galvanizing stronger international action.
