OIC reaffirms support for Rohingya genocide case, seeks lasting solution

Diplomatic Desk: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has reaffirmed its support for the Rohingya genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), expressing hope that the ongoing legal proceedings will help secure justice for the persecuted community and pave the way for a lasting solution to the protracted crisis.The renewed commitment came at a meeting of the OIC Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations Against the Rohingya, held on the sidelines of the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, Iraq, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, who co-chaired the meeting, called on OIC member states to strengthen their unity and take more proactive steps to resolve the longstanding Rohingya crisis.Leading the Bangladesh delegation to the ministerial conference, Kobir stressed that justice and accountability through international legal mechanisms were essential to achieving a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis.He described the Rohingya crisis as one of the major challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and urged OIC member states to pursue a coordinated response to strengthen humanitarian assistance and support ongoing legal efforts.The state minister also emphasised the need for sustained international engagement to keep the plight of the Rohingya high on the global agenda, warning against allowing the crisis to fade from international attention.Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's five-point action plan presented at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Kobir called for urgent and decisive international action to address the crisis.He underscored the importance of translating international solidarity into concrete initiatives, particularly through established legal frameworks that can ensure accountability for human rights violations and help advance a durable solution.At the meeting, OIC member states reiterated their commitment to supporting the case before the ICJ and expressed optimism that the judicial process would contribute to resolving the crisis. Their renewed support underscored the importance of collective international efforts to establish accountability and uphold the rights of the Rohingya people.For Bangladesh, which continues to host around 1.4 million Rohingyas who fled persecution in Myanmar, the issue remains a major humanitarian and diplomatic challenge. The prolonged displacement has placed considerable pressure on host communities and resources, while the absence of a sustainable solution continues to leave the refugees uncertain about their future.Dhaka has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, alongside measures to ensure their rights and security.The OIC's renewed backing for the ICJ case offers an important avenue for maintaining international pressure for justice and accountability. However, resolving the crisis will require sustained diplomatic engagement, effective international cooperation and concrete action to address the conditions that forced the Rohingyas to flee their homeland.For Bangladesh, the ultimate objective remains a durable solution that enables the displaced population to return home safely and with their rights protected, while ensuring that those responsible for serious human rights violations are held accountable.