2-Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar --- I was not directly involved in the negotiation process, so the following is based on direct observation.

Apart from legal principles, there were non-technical considerations forwarded by UNHCR. One of which stated that repatriating the Rohingya (and the Hindu people) would strengthen the Tatmadaw’s propaganda that Rakhine was safe and further reinforce its message that nobody’s rights were being violated. This was in line with the BD government’s agenda to push their Myanmar counterpart to create a conducive environment for safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya. By saying ‘conducive environment’, the BD government implied in refined diplomatic language, that the Myanmar government must accede to the Rohingya’s demand as conditions for repatriation, particularly granting citizenship, providing compensation for lost properties and lives, and holding those involved in the military operations in Rakhine accountable.

The Myanmar government had accused UNHCR of its role in some failed repatriation in 2017-2018 as reported in the New Light of Myanmar; however, as we know today, the situation in Bangladesh has not changed much but in Myanmar.

Source author: Ivy Susanti ivysusanti@gmail.com