Eleven countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia, have reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh in hosting more than 13 lakh Rohingya refugees, while urging greater international action to address the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.

In a joint statement released on Sunday (25 August), the diplomatic missions stressed the need for “meaningful engagement and inclusive representation” of Rohingyas in decisions affecting their lives, enabling them to live with dignity, security and purpose during their stay in Bangladesh.

After eight years, the international community stands steadfast with the Rohingya and Bangladesh, committed to seeking long-term durable solutions to the crisis and addressing its root causes,” the statement read.

The joint declaration was signed by the missions of the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

The missions expressed “deep appreciation” for the generosity of Bangladesh’s interim government and its people, who continue to provide safety, shelter and humanitarian support to Rohingyas, including new arrivals.

The statement acknowledged that while the international community remains committed to supporting pathways for repatriation, conditions in Myanmar do not currently allow for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas.

“These conditions can only be met by addressing the root causes of their displacement, which requires a peaceful and stable Myanmar. A timeline for return cannot yet be established,” it said.

The 11 nations condemned escalating violence and widespread human rights violations in Myanmar, calling for an immediate end to attacks and for safe, unhindered humanitarian access. They also reiterated demands for the release of political prisoners and accountability for atrocities committed by the military regime and other armed actors.

With humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response shrinking, the missions called for strengthening self-reliance initiatives for refugees, preparing them for eventual return to Myanmar, and supporting Bangladeshi host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

They pledged continued cooperation with Bangladesh and the wider international community ahead of the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Crisis in September 2025, which will seek to mobilize stronger global action.