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Seven years have passed since the Myanmar military launched a brutal campaign of violence against the Rohingya population, a Muslim minority in Rakhine State. The world watched in horror as villages were razed, thousands were killed and nearly a million people fled to neighboring Bangladesh in search of safety. On this grim anniversary, which was marked on Aug. 24, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement condemning the atrocities and reaffirming America’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable. However, the question remains: has US policy evolved enough over the last seven years to make a difference? And with the recent appointment of Mohammed Yunus as prime minister in Bangladesh, can we expect any significant changes in the region?

The US’ response to the Rohingya crisis has evolved under different administrations and secretaries of state, each with their own approach to the ongoing tragedy.

Under the Obama administration, the initial response was cautious. The US focused on supporting Myanmar’s transition to democracy, which led to a somewhat muted response to the Rohingya crisis. Although the Obama administration condemned the violence and provided humanitarian aid to the refugees, it stopped short of labeling the atrocities as genocide or taking significant punitive action against Myanmar’s military leaders.

This approach began to shift under the Trump administration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, after visiting the region in 2017, called the violence against the Rohingya “ethnic cleansing” but stopped short of declaring it genocide. The US imposed targeted sanctions on some of Myanmar’s military leaders but continued to prioritize its strategic interests in the region, particularly regarding China’s influence in Southeast Asia. Later, under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US took a stronger stance, officially labeling the atrocities as genocide in 2021, marking a significant policy shift. However, the administration’s focus remained on punitive measures rather than on addressing the root causes of the crisis or providing a pathway to justice for the Rohingya.

The Biden administration, with Blinken as secretary of state, has continued to emphasize accountability and support for the Rohingya. Blinken’s recent statement on the anniversary of the genocide reaffirmed the US’ commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, including through continued sanctions and support for international justice mechanisms. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that the US needs to take a more proactive role in resolving the crisis, particularly by addressing the political and humanitarian needs of the Rohingya both in Myanmar and in the refugee camps in Bangladesh.

The Biden administration has continued to emphasize accountability and support for the Rohingya

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

Bangladesh has borne the brunt of the Rohingya crisis, hosting nearly a million refugees in what has become one of the largest and most densely populated refugee camps in the world. The country’s previous government, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, struggled to balance the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya with domestic political pressures and the growing burden on Bangladesh’s resources. Despite international praise for its initial response, Bangladesh has faced criticism for its treatment of the Rohingya in recent years, including reports of forced relocations and restrictions on their rights within the camps.

The recent appointment of Yunus as prime minister has introduced new dynamics into the region’s political landscape. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work in microfinance and social entrepreneurship, brings a different perspective to the crisis. However, it remains to be seen whether he can or will shift Bangladesh’s policy in a meaningful way. While Yunus has expressed sympathy for the Rohingya, his government will likely face the same pressures as its predecessor: balancing humanitarian obligations with the economic and social challenges of hosting such a large refugee population.

Moreover, Yunus’ relationship with the US could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Rohingya crisis. As someone who has long been admired in the West, Yunus may have more leverage in negotiating with international partners, including the US, to secure more support for Bangladesh’s efforts to manage the refugee situation. However, it is unclear whether this will translate into tangible improvements for the Rohingya or if the focus will remain on managing the crisis rather than resolving it.

If the US is serious about resolving the Rohingya crisis, it needs to move beyond statements and sanctions. First, it must increase its humanitarian aid to Bangladesh, not just to support the refugees but to help the country manage the broader economic and social impacts of the crisis. This aid should be tied to efforts to improve the living conditions and rights of the Rohingya within the camps, including access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

Yunus’ relationship with the US could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Rohingya crisis

Dr. Azeem Ibrahim

Second, the US should lead diplomatic efforts to pressure Myanmar to allow the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to their homeland. This will require a concerted international effort, including cooperation with China and India, which have significant influence in the region. The US should also support efforts to hold Myanmar’s military leaders accountable through international justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court.

Finally, the US must recognize that the Rohingya crisis is not just a humanitarian issue but also a political one. It must work with Bangladesh, Myanmar and other regional partners to address the underlying causes of the crisis, including the long-standing discrimination and statelessness faced by the Rohingya. This will require sustained diplomatic engagement and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the limits of American influence in the region.

Seven years on from the start of the Rohingya genocide, the US has an opportunity to reflect on its past policies and take bold steps toward a more just and lasting solution. The world is watching, and the Rohingya cannot afford another seven years of inaction.

• Dr. Azeem Ibrahim is the director of special initiatives at the Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, DC. X: @AzeemIbrahim