Safe Zone in Arakan Will Resolve Rohingya Crisis

Rohingya leaders are urging the establishment of a UN-supervised safe zone in Arakan instead of a proposed humanitarian corridor, emphasizing that a safe zone would more effectively address the ongoing Rohingya crisis. They highlight the continuous persecution from Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army, a rebel group currently displacing the Rohingya from their lands.

The push for a humanitarian corridor to deliver aid into Myanmar’s Arakan state has raised significant concerns among the Rohingya leaders in Cox’s Bazar. They argue that the safe zone, under UN supervision, is crucial for the safety and well-being of the Rohingya before any corridor is put in place. They stress that any discussions about a corridor should involve proper Rohingya representation to ensure their rights are safeguarded.

The leaders point out that both Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army have contributed to the suffering of the Rohingya, and a humanitarian corridor would not address the root causes of displacement. Instead, a safe zone in Arakan could provide a secure space for the Rohingya to live and begin the process of repatriation and peace-building.

In addition, civil society representatives in Cox’s Bazar have voiced skepticism about the sudden introduction of a humanitarian corridor without addressing the longstanding Rohingya issue or making progress on repatriation. They argue that before any aid delivery mechanism is established, the more fundamental issue of creating safe conditions for the Rohingya in Arakan must be addressed.

The situation in Arakan is increasingly complex due to the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar junta. As a result, the United Nations has warned of the potential for famine in the region in the coming months, further complicating the humanitarian crisis. The UN has called on Bangladesh to allow a corridor for humanitarian aid to reach Arakan, which has added to the tensions surrounding the proposal.

Discussions regarding the humanitarian corridor have sparked debates within the Rohingya community and local residents, especially with contradictory statements from the Bangladeshi government. On April 27, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed the government’s policy decision regarding the corridor. However, within a week, National Security Adviser Khondker Golam Mohammad Khalilur Rahman stated that no agreements had been made with concerned parties about the corridor or any other initiative, causing confusion and criticism.

As the debate continues, Rohingya leaders stress the need for international intervention and a solution that addresses their security and rights before any aid is delivered to Arakan. They remain steadfast in their call for a safe zone to protect the Rohingya people and lay the groundwork for a sustainable and just resolution to the crisis.

Rohingya Vision News