American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS), in conjunction with the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University, Washington D.C. held an international symposium on the Rohingya refugee crisis on May 4 and 5. The symposium titled Mitigating the Rohingya Crisis: Roles of the International Community was held at the Berkeley Center and participated by 25 experts representing various stakeholders. More than 1 million Rohingyas, members of the Muslim majority ethnic community of Myanmar, has taken shelter in Bangladesh since August 2017, facing genocide by the Myanmar Army. The community has been facing persecution inside Myanmar since 1980s. The symposium was organized to examine the current state of the refugees, discuss the responses of host community and international actors and explore sustainable solutions to the crisis.
The two-day seminar included a closed-door conversation of stakeholders following Chatham House rule, and an open session to share various perspectives. The opening day was organized into four sessions. The themes of these sessions were – current state of Rohingya refugees, role of the international actors, future challenges, and sustainable solutions. Each session aimed to delve into different facets of the Rohingya crisis and foster meaningful discussions among participants. Participants of the sessions shared their valuable insights and engaged in insightful exchanges. The symposium also looked into actionable strategies.
The event was inaugurated by Professor Ali Riaz, President of the AIBS, and Katherine Marshall, Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center.
Professor Ali Riaz of AIBS inaugurating the symposium.
The first panel entitled “The complex state of the current Rohingya crisis: Examining the factors underlying displacement, violence, and marginalization,” focused on understanding the underlying factors contributing to the crisis. Panelists, including Barrister Manzoor Hassan of BRAC University, Rohingya activist Razia Sultana, Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University, and Jon Hoisaeter of UNHCR, shed light on the current state of the crisis and its impact on the Rohingya refugees’ living conditions, education, healthcare, and livelihoods. They also delved into emerging issues within the refugee camps, progress in repatriation talks, and the evolving security situation in Rakhine State.
Panelist Manzoor Hasan speaking at the first session of Day 1.
The panel highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions, greater regional coordination involving ASEAN, and addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination in Myanmar. Concerns were raised about trafficking, abuse, and violence against women in the Rohingya community, with frustrations expressed over the lack of progress. The importance of broadening the funding base and involving Rohingya representation in decision-making processes were also emphasized.
Panelist Razia Sultana speaking at the first session of Day 1.
The open dialogue between the presenters and participants addressed various questions including alternative solutions to issues, such as food security, human trafficking, and the community engagements. Concerns were raised about partner legitimacy in repatriation efforts, and the complex dynamics of the conflict encompassing religious and ethnic dimensions. Participants stressed the significance of not repatriating Rohingya without ensuring suitable conditions for their return, promoting education in the camps, and empowering Rohingya civil society. Participants emphasized the need for comprehensive approaches, including a national integration plan, addressing social media’s role in perpetuating conflict, and allocating funds to various needs.
Panelist Shahab Enam Khan speaking at the first session of Day 1.
The first panel of the International Symposium on Mitigating the Rohingya Crisis highlighted the challenges faced and proposed potential solutions. The discussions called for increased regional coordination, sustainable funding, and addressing the root causes of the crisis. Participants underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety of Rohingya women, their representation in decision-making processes, and exploring long-term solutions. The session also emphasized the role of UNHCR and the global compact on refugees, while raising concerns about partner legitimacy, grassroots movements perpetuating conflict, and the influence of social media.
Panelist Jon Hoisaeter speaking at the first session of Day 1.
The second panel entitled “International actors’ role in the Rohingya crisis: Humanitarian assistance, protection, and sustainable solutions” shed lights on the role of international actors in addressing the Rohingya crisis and seeking justice and accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya population in Myanmar. Panelists, including M. Arsalan Suleman of Foley Hoag LLC, Kristi Ueda of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch, and Mariam Bamizai of USAID, explored the coordination among international organizations in providing education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and durable solutions for the Rohingya refugees.
Panelist M. Arsalan Suleman of Foley Hoag LLC speaking at the second session of Day 1.
The panelists discussed the global governance aspect of addressing justice and accountability, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with community members, local NGOs, and faith-based organizations to understand and address the unique challenges faced by the Rohingya population. The panelists stressed the failure of the international community to respond adequately to the crisis and highlighted the ongoing impunity of the Myanmar military.
Panelist Mariam Bamizai of USAID speaking at the second session of Day 1.
In the discussion, participants raised concerns regarding Myanmar’s potential withdrawal from the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the consequences if Myanmar fails to file within the designated time frame. The difficulties in engaging with the Rohingya community, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were addressed, emphasizing the inclusion of community members in the delegation and ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement. The need for accountability and the potential application of a mechanism similar to Syria was discussed, along with concerns about the abuse of force by the armed police battalion of Bangladesh and the role of the international community in implementing sanctions and trade measures. Credibility of evidence in the ICJ case, the role of nonstate actors in Arakan, and the complexities surrounding the crisis, including the impact of Russia’s funding and India’s involvement, were also highlighted.
Panelist Kristi Ueda of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights speaking at the second session of Day 1.
Overall, the discussions emphasized the need for stronger collaboration and coordination among international actors, the pursuit of justice and accountability, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding the Rohingya crisis. The discussions highlighted the importance of engaging with local actors, holding armed battalion forces accountable, and mobilizing the international community to address the crisis effectively.
Panelist Shayna Bauchner of Human Rights Watch speaking at the second session of Day 1.
The third panel “Future challenges for the Rohingya: Navigating the unknown” focused on the future challenges faced by the Rohingya community. Panelists, including Geoffrey Macdonald of International Republican Institute (IRI), Katherine Southwick of U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Rohingya activist Lucky, explored ways to empower the Rohingya and enable them to shape their own future. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between the host country, international community, and Rohingya refugees to create sustainable solutions considering the social, economic, and political realities of the region. The session highlighted the crucial roles of governments, NGOs, civil society, and faith-based organizations in supporting the Rohingya community and advocating for their rights and protection.
Panelist Geoffrey Macdonald of International Republican Institute speaking at the third session of Day 1.
The panel discussion revolved around the uncertainties surrounding the Rohingya situation and the need for long-term planning to effectively address the crisis. Understanding Myanmar’s socio-political context and the prospects of its transition towards a pluralist society were highlighted. The panel emphasized the provision of aid to both the refugee camps and host communities, capacity building for the police force, improved government responsiveness, and the implementation of a sustainable camp policy. They stressed the importance of increased international assistance and active involvement of the Rohingya in decision-making processes.
Panelist Katherine Southwick of U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum speaking at the third session of Day 1.
Discussions explored three possible scenarios for addressing the Rohingya crisis. These included the need for regime change in Myanmar to facilitate repatriation efforts, the worsening situation without intervention leading to further deterioration, and the potential integration and resettlement of Rohingya refugees with support from the international community. Discussions also touched on the political situation in Bangladesh and the challenges faced by the host community. Recommendations were made for skill-development programs in the refugee camps, cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar authorities for repatriation efforts, strengthening law enforcement and security in the camps, and empowering the Rohingya through education and self-resilience. The role of donor countries and the importance of involving the voices of the Rohingya community in decision-making processes were also emphasized.
for addressing the Rohingya crisis. These included the need for regime change in Myanmar to facilitate repatriation efforts, the worsening situation without intervention leading to further deterioration, and the potential integration and resettlement of Rohingya refugees with support from the international community. Discussions also touched on the political situation in Bangladesh and the challenges faced by the host community. Recommendations were made for skill-development programs in the refugee camps, cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar authorities for repatriation efforts, strengthening law enforcement and security in the camps, and empowering the Rohingya through education and self-resilience. The role of donor countries and the importance of involving the voices of the Rohingya community in decision-making processes were also emphasized.
Panelist Lucky, a Rohingya feminist activist, speaking at the third session of Day 1.
The need for long-term planning, sustainable solutions, and increased support from the international community to address the future challenges faced by the Rohingya community was underscored in the discussion. Participants underscored the importance of collaboration, dialogue, and understanding among stakeholders, as well as addressing the trauma and long-term effects of the crisis. Participants called for accountability from donors and prioritized the perspectives and needs of the Rohingya in decision-making processes.
Discussant Farooq Sobhan of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute speaking at the third session of Day 1.
The final session of the day 1 entitled “Beyond ad-hoc solutions: Sustainable recommendations for addressing the Rohingya crisis” discussed sustainable recommendations for ending the crisis. The panel consisted of Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch, Rohingya activist Wai Wai Nu, and Palash Kamruzzaman of University of South Wales explored various scenarios and trajectories of the crisis. Participants emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement, including Rohingya refugees, host communities, NGOs, civil society, and faith-based organizations, in developing and implementing sustainable solutions. The challenges to achieve a sustainable resolution and on how to draw lessons from past refugee crises to guide efforts in addressing the Rohingya crisis was discussed.
Panelist Gregory Stanton of Genocide Watch speaking at the fourth and the final session of Day 1.
Participants provided diverse perspectives on the Rohingya crisis and offered recommendations. One participant expressed skepticism about the outcome of the legal case against Myanmar due to jurisdictional challenges. The participants suggested exploring alternative legal avenues to hold nations implicated in the crisis accountable. Non-violent approaches and the recognition of shared humanity were highlighted as important considerations. Another participant drew attention to the worsening conditions in the refugee camps and called for urgent action regarding the boat crisis. They emphasized the need for involving all stakeholders, particularly the Rohingya community, in finding solutions. Conditions for repatriation, including safety, voluntariness, dignity, restoration of equal citizenship rights, and returning to places of origin, were outlined.
Panelist and Rohingya activist Wai Wai Nu of Women’s Peace Network speaking at the fourth and the final session of Day 1.
The panel also discussed the political nature of the Rohingya crisis and advocated for increased international support and comprehensive approaches. They stressed the significance of religious dimensions and suggested engaging with religious networks to address the issue. Participants underscored the importance of developing civil society and leadership within the Rohingya community. The overall discussion emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions, non-violent approaches, and recognition of shared humanity to effectively address the crisis.
Panelist Palash Kamruzzaman of the University of South Wales Business School speaking at the fourth and the final session of Day 1.
The panelists provided recommendations for addressing the Rohingya crisis, highlighting the importance of stakeholder involvement, alternative legal avenues, non-violent approaches, and recognition of shared humanity. They called for the establishment of conditions necessary for safe and dignified repatriation, involvement of all stakeholders, and increased international support. The panel also emphasized the significance of addressing the political nature of the crisis, engaging with religious networks, and nurturing civil society and leadership within the Rohingya community.
Professor Ali Riaz of AIBS speaking (on the podium) in Day 2 public panel. Sitting clockwise from the left, Dina Siddiki, Wai Wai Nu, Katherine Marshall, Razia Sultana, and M. Arsalan Suleman.
The day 2 of the symposium featured a public forum on policy interventions for the Rohingya crisis. The forum aimed to explore strategies for ensuring accountability, long-term engagement, and support for both the Rohingya and host communities. Dina Siddiqi from New York University, Rohingya activist Wai Wai Nu and Razia Sultana, and M. Arsalan Suleman of Foley Hoag LLC were among the panelists who shared their perspectives and engaged in discussions covering issues such as economic development, social inclusion, and sustainable peace and stability in the region.
Professor Katherine Marshall of Georgetown University speaking in the Day 2 public panel.
During the wrap up session following the public forum discussions, the organizers and participants expressed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and their determination to work towards finding sustainable and just solutions for the Rohingya crisis. Katherine Marshall of Georgetown University and Professor Ali Riaz of AIBS then concluded the symposium with participants committing to a shared sense of responsibility and a renewed dedication to alleviating the suffering of the Rohingya community and promoting long-lasting peace and stability in the region.
All panelists and participants of the two-day symposium in the concluding ceremony