By: Camp Correspondent
June 13, 2025 | Rohingya Khobor
At an informal session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, the United States renewed its firm support for the Rohingya people amid the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Myanmar.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the U.S., Jonathan Shrier, Acting Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council, condemned continued atrocities by Myanmar’s military regime and raised alarm over worsening conditions in Rakhine State. The meeting featured a briefing by UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, who outlined the growing instability and the fragile prospects for peace in the region.
“We remain deeply concerned about reports of forced displacements and atrocities,” said Shrier, calling out both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) for endangering civilian lives. “The military continues to escape accountability for its atrocities against the Rohingya.”
Shrier strongly criticized ongoing airstrikes on civilian areas, forced conscription of Rohingya men and boys, and the targeting of schools and mosques in conflict zones. He also condemned the regime’s internet shutdowns in Rakhine State, warning that these digital blackouts allow military operations to continue in darkness—away from international scrutiny.
Call for Accountability and Inclusion
Beyond condemnation, the U.S. envoy called for real, inclusive dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis. “We must listen to the broadest possible range of Rohingya voices,” he said, “including those still inside Myanmar, those displaced in Bangladesh, and those who have been resettled elsewhere.”
Shrier stressed that meaningful participation of both Myanmar’s opposition forces and the Rohingya community is essential for any durable solution. He acknowledged the shifting political landscape—particularly the Arakan Army’s growing territorial control in Rakhine—and urged the international community to engage all relevant actors, not just the military regime.
“The Arakan Army now controls most of Rakhine. For any repatriation to be realistic, they must be part of the discussion,” he said.
Escalating Crisis, Shrinking Access
UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop echoed many of these concerns during her briefing, pointing to intensified fighting, restrictions on humanitarian access, and deteriorating living conditions for civilians. Despite several regional attempts at mediation, the prospects for large-scale Rohingya repatriation remain dim, especially in the absence of guarantees around safety, citizenship, and justice.
Shrier noted that the Myanmar military continues to obstruct the delivery of lifesaving aid and reiterated the U.S. position: that any return of the Rohingya must be safe, voluntary, and dignified.
A Pledge of Continued Support
Concluding his statement, Shrier reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to human rights, peacebuilding, and justice for the Rohingya. He called on fellow UN Member States to join in coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, urging accountability for crimes committed and meaningful dialogue for the future.
“We must act collectively and urgently,” he said. “The world cannot look away while the Rohingya continue to suffer.”
The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the crisis in Myanmar worsens and the Rohingya community—both inside the country and in refugee camps abroad—continues to face uncertainty, insecurity, and prolonged displacement.
