Protection Consortium Policy Dialogue on The Rohingya Crisis

Protection Consortium Policy Dialogue on The Rohingya Crisis: Present Situation and the Way Forward

 1.     Background

The Rohingya crisis is one of the most pressing humanitarian and human rights challenges in recent history. It remains one of the most protracted and complex displacement situations in the contemporary world. Bangladesh currently hosts more than 1.2 million Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), the majority of whom reside in the densely populated camps of Cox’s Bazar. While Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable humanitarian commitment, the prolonged nature of the crisis has placed mounting social, economic, environmental, and security pressures on both refugee and host communities.

Over time, the crisis has been shaped by a convergence of adverse dynamics. International attention has gradually diminished, humanitarian funding has declined, and meaningful progress toward voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation remains elusive. At the regional level, ASEAN’s response has been constrained, while ongoing political instability and armed conflict inside Myanmar have further undermined prospects for return. Further displacement of the Rohingyas and entry to Bangladesh is also continuing due to the ongoing civil war on the other side of the border. At the same time, climate-related risks, restrictions on movement, limited access to education and livelihoods, and growing protection concerns continue to exacerbate vulnerabilities among the Rohingya population, particularly women, children, and youth. The Rohingyas’ safe, voluntary, and sustainable return to Rakhine has to be ensured by ending violence in Rakhine, fostering dialogue among Myanmar’s ethnic groups, and strengthening ASEAN and global peace efforts. This must be supported by sustained donor assistance, robust action against trafficking, arms smuggling, and cross-border crime, and strengthened international accountability to ensure justice, end impunity, and prevent crimes against humanity.

A practical roadmap for safe and dignified Rohingya repatriation requires stabilising Rakhine through sustained pressure on Myanmar and the Arakan Army to end violence, initiating phased returns starting with recent arrivals and internally displaced persons, deploying an international civilian monitoring presence, and advancing confidence-building measures for Rohingya integration into local society and governance. In this context, the Rohingya crisis can no longer be approached solely as a humanitarian emergency. It has evolved into a multidimensional challenge that intersects with regional security, development, diplomacy, and global responsibility-sharing. Addressing it requires renewed political attention, policy innovation, and coordinated action among national, regional, and international stakeholders. There is therefore an urgent need for an inclusive and forward-looking policy dialogue that moves beyond diagnosis and focuses on practical pathways toward protection, resilience, and durable solutions.

2.    Rationale of the Roundtable Discussion

Despite sustained humanitarian efforts, existing responses to the Rohingya crisis have struggled to keep pace with its evolving realities. Policy fragmentation, limited regional cooperation, and the absence of a clearly articulated long-term roadmap have constrained the effectiveness of international engagement. For Bangladesh, the challenge lies not only in maintaining humanitarian support but also in safeguarding national interests, social cohesion, and long-term stability.

Against this backdrop, a high-level policy dialogue offers a timely opportunity to bring together policymakers, diplomats, academics, humanitarian practitioners, development partners, private sector actors, and Rohingya representatives to engage in candid and solution-oriented discussions. Such a platform can help bridge gaps between policy, practice, and lived experience, while fostering shared understanding of emerging risks and opportunities.

By encouraging cross-sectoral and inter-disciplinary exchange, the roundtable seeks to resurface the Rohingya crisis within broader discussions on regional diplomacy, international responsibility-sharing, localisation, and resilience-building. Importantly, it also aims to ensure that Rohingya voices are meaningfully included in shaping the discourse on their future.

3.    Objectives

Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and International Rescue Committee (IRC) will jointly host a roundtable discussion on 20 January 2026, titled “The Rohingya Crisis: Present Situation and the Way Forward”.  The discussion is expected to generate meaningful dialogue on:

• v  Reflect on the evolving dynamics of the Rohingya crisis in light of regional and global developments.

  v  Identify key policy priorities, gaps, and opportunities for coordinated and collaborative action among stakeholders.

  v  Build consensus around an inclusive and pragmatic roadmap for protection, resilience, and sustainable solutions.

  v  Contribute to the formulation of an Action Plan to guide policymakers, donors, and partners in the short and medium term.

  4.    Outcomes

Following the event, BIISS will prepare a policy brief or summary report capturing key discussions, policy calls with supporting rationale, core messages, and actionable recommendations. A draft plan of action will also be shared for validation and follow-up, with the aim of sustaining momentum beyond the dialogue.