By Hafizur Rahman, August 22, 2025
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday and praised the country’s continued leadership in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis.
Recognition of Bangladesh’s Role
In a press release, Andrews lauded the Chief Adviser for keeping the plight of the Rohingya high on the international agenda. He recalled Yunus’s initiative to convene the upcoming UN International Conference on the Rohingyas, scheduled for September 30 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
“The world is grateful to Bangladesh for its generosity to host and support the Rohingyas, and to you for keeping the hope of a lasting solution alive,” Andrews said.
Concerns Over Declining Aid
During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus expressed hope that the New York conference would generate concrete steps toward resolving the crisis. He voiced concern over the recent cut in international funding, which has already disrupted essential services in the camps, including healthcare and education.
He urged Andrews to continue mobilizing international partners to secure sustainable humanitarian support for the refugees, warning that prolonged aid shortages could further destabilize the camps.
Challenges in International Efforts
Andrews praised Bangladesh’s constructive engagement with the international community but noted setbacks in broader UN initiatives. He expressed disappointment that the UN Secretary-General’s plan to establish a humanitarian channel for Rakhine State had collapsed, blaming “malicious propaganda” for undermining the effort.
Despite these obstacles, he voiced optimism that sustained diplomatic and humanitarian engagement could still lead to a durable solution. He encouraged Bangladesh to maintain its leadership role.
Looking Ahead
The Special Rapporteur is currently in Bangladesh to take part in a stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya issue scheduled for August 28 in Cox’s Bazar, where global and regional actors will assess the crisis.
For Rohingya refugees, the meeting between Andrews and Yunus underscores both the urgency of international support and the fragile nature of current aid flows. With a major UN conference only weeks away, hopes are rising that Bangladesh’s efforts will translate into concrete commitments for justice, safety, and the long-awaited right of return.
