Stateless population. Global powers remain unable to protect the victims of genocide

Stateless population. Global powers remain unable to protect the victims of genocide | Photo: Anh Nguyen

The Rohingya crisis epitomises the intersection of statelessness, conflict, and environmental vulnerability, directly undermining the SDGs. In Myanmar, approximately 630,000 Rohingya live under apartheid-like conditions, denied citizenship under the 1982 Citizenship Law, which restricts their access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Since November 2023, escalating violence between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has displaced 45,000 Rohingya, with nearly 200 killed in a single attack in Maungdaw in August 2024. In Bangladesh, over one million Rohingya reside in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, where 95% of households depend on humanitarian aid.

Funding shortfalls, with the 2025–26 Joint Response Plan only 33% funded, have slashed food rations to $6 per person monthly, exacerbating malnutrition, particularly among children. UNICEF reported a 27% rise in acute malnutrition cases among Rohingya children in February 2025.

The crisis also highlights the impact of climate change (SDG 13). Monsoon floods and landslides, intensified by environmental degradation, endanger Cox’s Bazar camps, where inadequate shelter and sanitation heighten risks of disease and displacement. In Myanmar, a military blockade since November 2023 has caused severe food insecurity, with no aid reaching northern Rakhine, further compounding vulnerabilities.

The Rohingya’s statelessness, rooted in discriminatory laws, perpetuates cycles of poverty (SDG 1) and exclusion, making them one of the world’s most persecuted minorities.

Statelessness: The root of exclusion

The 1982 Citizenship Law in Myanmar, which excludes the Rohingya from recognised ethnic groups, renders them the world’s largest stateless population. This legal disenfranchisement denies them basic rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, forced labour, and sexual violence. In Bangladesh, their lack of refugee status restricts access to formal education and employment, with over 300,000 children enrolled in informal classes using the Myanmar curriculum but no clear path to recognised qualifications. This educational gap risks creating a “lost generation,” undermining SDG 4 (quality education).

Statelessness also fuels social tensions. In Bangladesh, competition for resources strains relations with host communities, while in Myanmar, the Arakan Army’s use of the term “Bengali” to delegitimise the Rohingya deepens ethnic divides. Addressing statelessness through legal reforms, as advocated by UNHCR, is critical to ensuring equal access to rights and fostering social cohesion, aligning with SDG 10’s aim to reduce inequalities.

Humanitarian and justice efforts: Progress and gaps

International responses have sought to address the crisis, but challenges persist. UNHCR, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières provide essential services in Cox’s Bazar, including water, healthcare, and nutrition, yet funding shortages threaten these efforts. A $590 million World Bank grant supports health and education for refugees and host communities, but the 2025–26 Joint Response Plan’s $852.4 million requirement remains critically underfunded. Legal accountability is advancing, with Argentina issuing arrest warrants against Myanmar junta leaders in February 2025 and the International Court of Justice scheduling hearings on Gambia’s genocide case. These efforts align with SDG 16’s focus on justice and strong institutions but require sustained global pressure to hold perpetrators accountable.

Repatriation remains a contentious issue. Attempts in 2018 and 2019 failed due to unsafe conditions in Myanmar and the absence of citizenship guarantees. Refugees demand voluntary, safe returns with legal recognition, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions that prioritise human rights. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning refugees to unsafe conditions, must guide these efforts to ensure compliance with international law.

The Rohingya crisis demands a multifaceted approach rooted in sustainability and global cooperation. First, addressing statelessness requires Myanmar to reform the 1982 Citizenship Law to grant Rohingya full citizenship, supported by international advocacy for legislative change. Second, increased funding for humanitarian aid is essential to meet basic needs in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, where 30,000 refugees languish in inadequate conditions. Third, integrating climate resilience into camp infrastructure, such as flood-resistant shelters and improved sanitation, can mitigate environmental risks, aligning with SDG 13. Finally, expanding access to education and livelihoods, particularly for youth, can empower Rohingya communities and reduce dependency, supporting SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).

Global responsibility

The Rohingya crisis is a test of the world’s commitment to the SDGs and a sustainable global society. Governments, NGOs, and individuals must act decisively to address statelessness, fund humanitarian efforts, and pursue justice.

For further insights, explore UNHCR’s Rohingya Emergency page and the UN’s SDG framework to understand how global goals can drive solutions. By amplifying Rohingya voices and investing in their future, the international community can uphold the principles of equity, dignity, and peace that define a sustainable world.