The United Nations and human rights groups have referred to the atrocities against the Rohingya population as ethnic cleansing. Human Rights Watch and other groups have called the widespread abuses crimes against humanity. Rohingya refugees absolutely have the right to return to their homes, but all returns must be voluntary and safe, with full respect for human rights. Moreover, Bangladesh has obligations under international human rights law to ensure refugees’ rights to freedom of movement, livelihood, food, and education. The fact that some might also have personal or economic reasons for going to Bangladesh does not forfeit their need for protection and other rights as refugees.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 24, 2017 06:56 UTC