High-Level Conference on the Situation of the Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar

“High-Level Conference on the Situation of the Rohingya Muslims 

and Other Minorities in Myanmar”

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Statement by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Excellencies,

This High-Level Conference provides a vital opportunity to address the immense suffering endured by the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities of Myanmar. The Rohingya have endured decades of persecution: they have been denied citizenship, restricted by discriminatory laws, and deprived of basic human rights. Since the violence in 2017 that forced over 700,000 Rohingya into exile — most of them to Bangladesh — their situation has remained one of statelessness and insecurity.

The military junta continues its campaign of human rights violations to perpetuate the exclusion of the Rohingya people: weaponizing discriminatory laws, administrative practices and violence to erase their identity and render them stateless. The 2021 military coup halted democratic aspirations of Myanmar’s people and the Rohingya’s hopes to participate in shaping Myanmar’s future.

Thus, for International IDEA, the Rohingya crisis is not only a humanitarian and human rights crisis; it is a crisis of democracy and inclusion. A federal democratic framework, with guarantees for minority rights, equal citizenship, and participation of women and youth, is essential for lasting peace.  Without inclusion, there can be no reconciliation; without democracy, there can be no justice.

We commend the efforts of Myanmar’s pro-democracy actors to create an inclusive Myanmar under the Federal Democracy Charter, and the interim government institutions’ commitment to citizenship for the Rohingya.

The path forward must be guided by democracy, equality and human rights. That means:
•    Ending all violations of international law and ensuring full human rights protection for Rohingya Muslims and other minorities;
•    Addressing the root causes of the crisis through reform of discriminatory laws, policies and administrative practice;
•    Ensuring accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya; 
•    Guaranteeing safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Rakhine State; and
•    Including Rohingya communities in shaping Myanmar’s future.

Excellencies,

This conference is a call to action. Myanmar is a neglected crisis, and the Rohingya its forgotten people. Humanitarian support must continue. Diplomatic pressure must intensify. The international community must support democratic actors committed to rights-based solutions for the Rohingya.

International IDEA stands with the Rohingya, with Myanmar’s minorities, and with all who seek a future of equality, dignity, and democracy. The rights of the Rohingya are not negotiable. Their recognition is essential for justice — and for Myanmar’s democratic transformation.

Thank you.