UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Friday, where he met with Rohingya children, women, and community leaders.

His visit, which included stops at a learning center and the Rohingya Cultural Centre in Camp 18, underscored the resilience of the Rohingya people and the urgent need for sustained international support.

During his discussions with Rohingya women, Guterres listened to their stories of survival and suffering, acknowledging the deep scars left by the brutal military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017.

That year, more than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee their homes in what the UN has described as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing and possible genocide.

The Myanmar military’s campaign of violence included mass killings, sexual violence, and the burning of entire villages, leaving survivors with no choice but to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Now, nearly seven years later, close to one million Rohingya remain in overcrowded refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, struggling with deteriorating living conditions, food shortages, and limited access to education and livelihoods.

The situation has worsened due to dwindling international aid, rising security threats, and growing uncertainty about their future.

Speaking to the media at Camp 18, Guterres reiterated the UN’s commitment to justice for the Rohingya and called for continued humanitarian assistance.

He stressed that safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation remains the ultimate goal but acknowledged the ongoing challenges in Myanmar, where military rule has further complicated prospects for a peaceful resolution.

“The world must not forget the Rohingya,” Guterres stated, urging the international community to uphold their responsibilities in ensuring accountability for past crimes and providing long-term solutions for the refugees.

Despite their hardships, the Rohingya community continues to preserve its cultural identity and heritage, as seen in the Rohingya Cultural Centre in Camp 18, which Guterres visited. His engagement with children at the learning center also highlighted the importance of education in shaping a hopeful future for the next generation.

As the crisis enters its seventh year, the Rohingya remain in limbo, stateless, displaced, and facing an uncertain future.

The Secretary-General’s visit serves as a reminder that their plight is far from over and that global efforts must continue to seek justice, protection, and sustainable solutions for the Rohingya people.