ROHINGYA GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY
NINE YEARS ON, JUSTICE CANNOT WAIT
25 AUGUST 2026
On 25 August 2026, Rohingya Action Ireland remembers the victims and survivors of the genocidal atrocities committed against the Rohingya in Burma. We honour those who lost their lives, those who endured violence and sexual violence, those separated from their families, and the generations who continue to live with the consequences of persecution, displacement and statelessness.
For us, remembrance is not only about looking back. It is a responsibility to confront the continuing crisis and demand justice, protection and a durable political solution.
A CRISIS ROOTED IN DECADES OF PERSECUTION
The Rohingya crisis did not begin in 2017. It is rooted in decades of persecution, exclusion and repeated displacement:
1942 — Mass violence and displacement
1978 — Major forced exodus
1991–92 — Another large-scale displacement
2012 — Widespread violence and displacement
2016 — Military operations and renewed atrocities
2017 — Genocidal violence and mass expulsion
2024–2026 — Renewed conflict, displacement and continuing persecution
This history reflects a persistent pattern of persecution and denial of fundamental rights.
Nine years after the atrocities of 2017, the crisis remains unresolved.
THE CRISIS TODAY
More than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, while civilians who remain in Burma continue to face grave insecurity, displacement, restrictions and serious human-rights violations. Since the escalation of conflict in Rakhine State in 2024, approximately 150,000 additional people have fled to Bangladesh.
The humanitarian situation is also becoming increasingly severe. Funding shortages are placing essential food assistance, healthcare, education, shelter and protection services under growing pressure.
After years of displacement, refugee families should not be expected to survive indefinitely without a meaningful pathway towards security and self-reliance. Children deserve education and opportunity. Families deserve safety and dignity. Communities deserve the chance to build a future.
The continuing loss of lives during dangerous sea journeys is a tragic consequence of prolonged persecution, statelessness, conflict and the absence of a durable solution.
The protection of civilians must remain paramount. Abuses against Rohingya people must be condemned regardless of who commits them, and accountability must apply to all perpetrators of serious violations of international law.
ROHINGYA ACTION IRELAND’S POSITION
Rohingya Action Ireland urges all authorities in Burma exercising control in Rakhine State to protect civilians, end persecution and discrimination, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access, and comply with international human-rights and humanitarian law.
We urge the Government of Ireland and the European Union to strengthen diplomatic pressure, support international accountability, expand humanitarian assistance and maintain the Rohingya crisis as a priority in international policy.
We urge UN Member States and international justice mechanisms to pursue accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Those responsible for serious violations must not be permitted to evade justice.
Donor governments must provide sustainable funding for humanitarian operations in Bangladesh while supporting education, healthcare, livelihoods and protection for refugees and host communities.
Rohingya refugees must also be protected from forced recruitment, abduction, trafficking, exploitation, arbitrary detention and other abuses, wherever they occur.
RETURN MUST BE SAFE, VOLUNTARY AND DIGNIFIED
Rohingya Action Ireland rejects any forced, coerced or premature return to Burma.
A future return can only take place when conditions are genuinely safe and when people can make an informed and voluntary decision to return without fear or coercion.
Any return must be safe, voluntary, dignified, informed and sustainable, supported by credible guarantees of citizenship, equality before the law, security, freedom of movement, access to essential services and fundamental rights.
Returning home must mean more than crossing a border.
It must mean returning with rights, security, dignity and a future.
JUSTICE IS THE PATH TO A DURABLE FUTURE
Humanitarian assistance is vital, but it cannot by itself resolve this crisis. A lasting solution requires accountability, citizenship, equality, security, dignity and the restoration of fundamental rights.
The Rohingya people have waited long enough.
NINE YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH.
Rohingya Action Ireland will continue to stand with survivors, raise awareness in Ireland, advocate for human rights and press for meaningful international action.
