Experts call for stronger documentation, genocide recognition and meaningful Rohingya participation
By Arakan Journal Staff – September 27, 2026
COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – A research-policy dialogue and book launch focusing on the Rohingya genocide, justice and international recognition was held on Sunday at the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Conference Hall in Cox’s Bazar.
The event, titled “Genocide Diplomacy and the Rohingya: Justice, Recognition and the Politics of International Response,” brought together academics, policymakers, humanitarian actors and a Rohingya representative to discuss genocide recognition, documentation, accountability and the future of the Rohingya refugee population.
The programme also featured the launch of the book Politics of Denial and Non-Recognition of Genocide: The Case of the Rohingya, edited by Professor Nasir Uddin, Dr. Palash Kamruzzaman and Dr. Bayes Ahmed and published by Palgrave Macmillan.
According to the event’s organizers, the book examines the politics surrounding the recognition and non-recognition of the Rohingya genocide, including questions of international law, diplomacy, survivor testimony, and accountability.
Proposal for a Rohingya Genocide Cell
One of the key proposals at the dialogue came from international relations scholar Professor Imtiaz Ahmed, who called for the establishment of a “Rohingya Genocide Cell” inside the refugee camps.
The proposed mechanism would document survivors’ memories, experiences and evidence relating to atrocities against the Rohingya.
Professor Ahmed also emphasized the importance of the Rohingya community’s own role in seeking international recognition of the genocide and preserving Rohingya identity and culture.
The proposal reflects a broader concern among researchers and advocates that testimonies and other evidence documenting decades of persecution need to be systematically preserved.
Bringing research and policymaking
Professor Nasir Uddin, an anthropology professor at the University of Chittagong and one of the book’s editors, highlighted the gap between research and policymaking.
He said research findings are not always adequately reflected in policy, while some policy initiatives are developed without sufficient consultation with researchers.
The observation comes as Bangladesh and the international community continue to debate practical solutions to the prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis and the conditions necessary for a safe, voluntary, and dignified return.
Political rights and dignity
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, cautioned against treating the Rohingya crisis solely as a humanitarian issue.
While humanitarian assistance remains essential for refugees, she emphasized the importance of considering the Rohingya people’s Political rights and dignity.
The discussion therefore extended beyond immediate humanitarian needs to questions concerning identity, rights, justice, and the political dimensions of the crisis.
Repatriation and the search for solutions
Additional RRRC Commissioner Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan called for further research into the obstacles preventing Rohingya repatriation.
Meanwhile, Nirjhar Adhikari, Director of the Myanmar Wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referred to Bangladesh’s previous experiences with Rohingya repatriation in 1978 and 1992, saying those experiences should be considered when examining approaches to the current crisis.
The comments highlighted the continuing complexity of efforts to resolve one of the world’s largest protracted refugee situations.
Rohingya perspective
A Rohingya representative, Anamul Hasan, told participants that persecution of the Rohingya did not begin with the large-scale displacement of 2026-17.
He pointed to a much longer history of discrimination, restrictions on movement, arrests, torture, and efforts to suppress or erase Rohingya identity.
The inclusion of a Rohingya voice in the dialogue provided a direct perspective on the historical and continuing consequences of persecution and displacement.
New book examines genocide recognition
The newly launched volume, Political Denial and Non-Recognition of Genocide: The Case of the Rohingya, brings together academic research examining the Rohingya genocide and the international response to it.
The book addresses issues including genocide denial and non-recognition, survivor testimony, international criminal justice, displacement, gender-based violence and international accountability.
A continuing call for documentation
The Cox’s Bazar dialogue highlighted the importance of preserving evidence and survivor testimony while strengthening communication between researchers, policymakers, and the Rohingya community.
For the Rohingya, documentation is connected to the preservation of historical memory and identity. For researchers and accountability mechanisms, such documentation can also contribute to understanding patterns of persecution and the consequences of mass displacement.
The proposal for a Rohingya Genocide Cell, if pursued, could provide one possible institutional mechanism for preserving testimonies and evidence within the refugee community.
The discussions at the RRRC Conference Hall underscored that the Rohingya crisis is not only a humanitarian emergency but also a matter involving history, identity, rights, justice, accountability, and the future of a displaced people.
Source: Daily Star & the Refugee and Migration Lab.
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