Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Manila, Philippines, for a major Southeast Asian summit where the worsening Rohingya refugee crisis is expected to feature prominently in discussions with regional leaders.
The crisis has left nearly one million Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after fleeing persecution and violence in Myanmar. Despite years of international attention and humanitarian assistance, conditions remain difficult, with many refugees uncertain about when they will be able to return home safely.
Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, says the federal government remains committed to supporting the displaced population.
Sarai recently visited Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, home to the world’s largest Rohingya refugee settlement. During his visit, he met children who were born in the camps and have spent almost their entire lives in displacement.
He said Canada had not abandoned the Rohingya people and wanted refugees to know that international support remained available.
A crisis that continues to worsen
The mass displacement began in 2017 when Myanmar’s military launched a campaign against the Rohingya minority, forcing approximately 700,000 people to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh.
Human rights organizations have accused Myanmar’s military of committing widespread killings, sexual violence and the destruction of entire villages. Allegations of genocide have also been brought before the International Court of Justice, although Myanmar’s authorities deny the accusations.
The situation deteriorated further after Myanmar’s military seized power in 2021, intensifying violence across the country.
According to figures cited by Amnesty International in October, between 150 and 700 new Rohingya refugees have been arriving in Bangladesh each week.
The International Court of Justice is expected to deliver an important ruling in the case concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar later this month.
Canada faces questions over declining support
Former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae, who previously served as Canada’s special envoy to Myanmar, has warned that the crisis is receiving less international attention as governments focus on other conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran.
Rae said Canada’s financial support for Rohingya programs has declined since the crisis began in 2017. Ottawa also allowed its dedicated Rohingya response plan to expire in early 2024, incorporating related programs into broader international development assistance.
He believes Canada must maintain the issue as a priority if it wants to strengthen its credibility as a partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rae has also argued that international pressure on Myanmar will require stronger financial commitments and greater involvement from influential countries, particularly China and India.
ASEAN urged to take greater responsibility
The refugee crisis is expected to be an important issue at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which brings together leaders from 11 member countries, including Myanmar.
In 2021, ASEAN introduced a five-point consensus intended to address Myanmar’s political and humanitarian crisis. The plan included an end to violence, dialogue among conflicting parties, humanitarian assistance and the appointment of a special envoy.
However, progress has remained limited, with the proposed ceasefire failing to materialize.
Sarai has urged Southeast Asian governments to use their regional influence to pressure Myanmar to create conditions that would allow refugees to return safely.
The crisis has also spread beyond Bangladesh, with Rohingya refugees and other displaced people seeking safety in neighbouring countries. Malaysia, for example, is home to approximately 126,000 undocumented Rohingya migrants.
The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has emphasized that the ultimate goal must be the voluntary return of refugees to Myanmar under safe and dignified conditions.
As Carney prepares to engage with Southeast Asian leaders, the discussions will test Canada’s ability to balance its growing trade ambitions with humanitarian concerns in the region.
Swifteradio.com
