“The Challenges of Implementing Safe, Voluntary, and Dignified Repatriation of Rohingya Refugees under International Law”

Abstract

The Rohingya refugee crisis, one of the world’s most prolonged and complex humanitarian challenges, continues to test the effectiveness of international law and global refugee protection mechanisms. Since 2017, over a million Rohingya have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh, escaping persecution, violence, and statelessness. Despite several bilateral and international efforts, the repatriation of these refugees has failed to ensure the core principles of safety, voluntariness, and dignity. This paper examines the legal and practical challenges of implementing a rights-based repatriation process for the Rohingya under international law. Drawing upon the principles of non-refoulement, voluntary return, and human rights protection, the study identifies key obstacles such as the denial of citizenship, lack of security in Rakhine State, absence of accountability, and insufficient international cooperation. It concludes that without genuine political will, justice for past atrocities, and international monitoring, repatriation efforts risk violating international legal norms and perpetuating human suffering. Sustainable repatriation must therefore be grounded in human rights, legal recognition, and long term regional engagement.