New York, September 30, 2025
Overview
The UN High-Level Conference convened to address the protracted and worsening crisis affecting Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Over a million Rohingya remain displaced in Bangladesh and within Myanmar, facing escalating violence, statelessness, and humanitarian deprivation. The conference aimed to galvanize international political will, humanitarian support, and legal accountability to advance protection, justice, and durable solutions.
Key Conference Outcomes and Highlights
- Reinforced urgent global commitment to protect Rohingya communities from violence and persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and refugee camps.
- Calls for safe, voluntary, dignified repatriation are linked to Myanmar’s restoration of citizenship rights and political reforms.
- Strong emphasis on deploying UN-mandated international civilian protection forces in Rakhine State to monitor human rights and ensure security.
- Pledges for increased humanitarian aid despite challenges of shrinking funding and restricted access, especially in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- Heightened focus on international judicial accountability through ongoing cases at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Endorsement of targeted sanctions and arms embargoes against Myanmar’s military and allied armed groups.
- Advocacy for sustained international cooperation, burden sharing, and support for host countries bearing humanitarian costs.
Statements and Pledges from Key Actors
ASEAN
- Underlined the importance of regional cooperation and called for stronger global support to countries hosting the Rohingya.
- Reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, emphasizing cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue in Myanmar.
- Raised concerns about trafficking and irregular migration risks linked to the crisis.
P5 Countries (US, UK, France, Russia, China)
- United States: Pledged $60 million in aid focusing on refugees in Bangladesh and emphasized human rights protection and accountability.
- United Kingdom: Committed $36 million for humanitarian and protection needs, including healthcare and livelihood support.
- France, Russia, China: Emphasized political solutions inside Myanmar, humanitarian access, and regional stability, with China stressing dialogue and peaceful resolution without sanctions.
India
- Highlighted the security implications of the crisis and expressed support for Bangladesh hosting refugees.
- Called for sustainable solutions based on political dialogue and cooperation with Myanmar.
- Urged balanced regional engagement to prevent destabilization.
Bangladesh
- Presented a seven-point plan prioritizing security, humanitarian aid, and pathways to repatriation with citizenship restoration.
- Called for urgent international support to sustain refugee-hosting capacities amid severe financial and social strain.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Turkiye, representing OIC, emphasized the protection of Rohingya Muslims’ rights and voiced strong condemnation of violence and discrimination.
- Called for immediate humanitarian assistance and political solutions respecting minority rights.
Turkey
- Highlighted their commitment to Rohingya welfare through humanitarian aid and advocacy at the international level.
- Supported calls for safe return and protection guarantees.
Gulf States
- Represented primarily by Kuwait and other GCC members, pledged assistance focusing on humanitarian relief to refugees, supporting education, healthcare, and shelter programs.
- Reiterated calls for international responsibility sharing and respect for human rights.
Office for the High Commissioner on Human Rights
- Volker Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the need for justice and accountability. He called upon the UN Security Council to refer the entire matter of Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.
- He emphasized the need for a cessation of violence, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and a serious response to human rights violations taking place in Myanmar.
ARNA’s Role
ARNA’s representative, Dr. Habib Ullah, attended the conference, reinforcing the Rohingya’s demands for justice, citizenship restoration, international protection, and a rights-based political solution aligned with the principles of the Dhaka Declaration. ARNA’s presence helped place Rohingya voices at the center of international discourse.
Conclusion
The UN High-Level Conference successfully drew renewed attention to the Rohingya crisis, solidifying international consensus around humanitarian action, accountability, and political reform inside Myanmar. While funding pledges by key countries offer hope for stabilizing refugee support, fundamental political solutions and protections remain critical to enabling safe and dignified return. Regional actors, including ASEAN, the OIC, and Gulf States, alongside global powers, are committed to cooperation, though challenges persist.
Sustained diplomatic pressure, combined with coordinated humanitarian and legal efforts, will be necessary to end this unprecedented crisis and secure lasting justice and peace for the Rohingya people.
