Myanmar's military-backed government confirms it will accept the return of 308,797 verified Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.
Myanmar’s military-backed government announced that it will accept the return of 308,797 verified Rohingya refugees who previously resided in western Rakhine state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these refugees will be welcomed back once security conditions in the region improve. This decision follows a nine-year crisis where over 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in 2017 after a military crackdown. While the international community has accused the military of ethnic cleansing and genocide, Myanmar refers to the Rohingya as Bengalis, implying they are illegally settled. The government verified 426,545 refugees on a list provided by Bangladesh, finding that 308,797 were former residents of Rakhine. Additionally, the ministry rejected claims that over 1 million people were displaced, stating that 540,000 crossed into Bangladesh while 200,000 remained in northern Rakhine. Repatriation plans have been hindered by security issues following a 2021 army takeover and ongoing fighting between the Arakan Army and the military. Due to poor camp conditions and reduced foreign aid, many refugees are now attempting dangerous ocean crossings to Malaysia and Indonesia.