Kathmandu— Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees gathered in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar refugee settlement on Tuesday to protest deteriorating conditions within the overcrowded camps and demand justice for atrocities committed against them in Myanmar. The demonstration, organized by the United Council of Rohingya refugee group, aimed to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by more than 1.2 million refugees who have sought shelter in Bangladesh since a military crackdown in their homeland in 2017. Protesters are calling for increased international assistance, dignified living conditions, and ultimately, a safe return to Myanmar.

Deteriorating Conditions Fuel Protest

Conditions within the camps in Cox’s Bazar have worsened due to reduced funding and subsequent cuts to essential services and rations. Aid organizations like Oxfam have warned that these resource limitations threaten to reverse any progress made in improving the lives of refugees. Reporting from the scene, Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury said protesters were seeking global attention for their plight, specifically demanding justice, dignity, and a secure pathway back to their homes.

Growing Food Insecurity

The rights group Save the Children estimates that one in three Rohingya refugees will face “crisis” hunger levels or worse between September and December. This looming food insecurity adds another layer of urgency to the already dire situation within the camps, exacerbating existing challenges related to healthcare, sanitation, and shelter. The reduction in humanitarian resources is placing immense pressure on essential services.

Calls for Repatriation Blocked by Myanmar Conflict

Bangladeshi authorities have reiterated their call for the dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar but acknowledge they are already overstretched in providing support. However, a joint statement from 16 diplomatic missions – including those representing the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada – affirmed that current conditions within Myanmar do not permit safe repatriation. The statement cited escalating conflict in Rakhine state, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, and blockades on aid as factors worsening the humanitarian crisis.

International Appeals for Renewed Support

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged renewed global attention and action to address the Rohingya crisis. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stated that Rohingya people in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and throughout the region are facing increased insecurity and diminishing prospects for lasting solutions, compounded by cuts in funding for life-saving assistance. The 2017 crackdown in Myanmar, which involved widespread violence against Rohingya civilians and the burning of villages, is currently under investigation as a potential genocide at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The situation remains critical, with refugees facing ongoing hardship and limited prospects for repatriation without significant improvements in conditions within Myanmar and sustained international support.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.