Nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh nine years after mass displacement from Myanmar, and conditions do not currently allow for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation, the EU and 15 countries said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The statement, published by the British High Commission in Bangladesh on X, was also signed by Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

It paid tribute to the resilience, courage and dignity of Rohingya communities and expressed gratitude to Bangladesh’s government and people for providing refuge for nearly a decade.

“Rohingya refugees have a right to return to their homes in Myanmar,” the group said. “Regrettably, conflict is escalating across Rakhine and humanitarian need is rising.”

The signatories said deepening insecurity, airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and the Myanmar authorities’ blockades on aid and trade were worsening the humanitarian crisis. The instability was driving further displacement into Bangladesh and the wider region and leading to loss of life through dangerous sea crossings.

Creating conditions for return will require a strategic, coordinated and long-term approach to address the root causes of displacement, build trust between communities and support greater peace and stability in Myanmar, the statement said.

Successful repatriation will also require equipping Rohingya with the education and skills needed to rebuild their homes, livelihoods and communities in Rakhine.

The group said it would continue to work with Bangladesh to find pathways towards building conditions for return and remained committed to supporting Rohingya and host communities, including by strengthening self-reliance. It also supported efforts to strengthen local leadership and increase the role of Bangladeshi and refugee-led actors in shaping and delivering assistance.

“Rohingya voices must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives and futures,” the statement said.

As the crisis enters its tenth year, the signatories said the Rohingya people must not be forgotten and pledged to continue amplifying the voices of Rohingya communities, pursuing justice and accountability, and working with Bangladesh and international partners to sustain global support.