Between 12,000 and 13,000 Rohingyas have been resettled in the United States through Bangladesh and various Southeast Asian countries. While the United States has welcomed these refugees for humanitarian reasons, sending the Rohingya to third countries is not a long-term solution, said Mackenzie Rowe, the US regional coordinator for refugee affairs, at a press conference in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon.


The United States Embassy in Dhaka organized the press conference in observance of International Refugee Day on June 20. When asked about the number of Rohingyas sheltered in the United States, Rowe confirmed the resettlement figures and acknowledged the possibility of accepting more Rohingyas in the future. However, she emphasized that resettlement in a third country is not a sustainable solution.

Incidentally, although Bangladesh shelters a large number of Rohingya for humanitarian reasons, they are unable to return home due to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. Additionally, the worsening security situation in the Cox's Bazar camps has led to Rohingyas falling victim to human traffickers while attempting sea crossings. This crisis has become a significant concern for Bangladesh, as well as for India and Southeast Asian countries. To mitigate the risk, the Biden administration has announced the resettlement of Rohingyas in the United States, including them in the broader asylum process for refugees from around the world.

Addressing a question about the security situation in the Cox's Bazar refugee camp, Mackenzie Rowe said, "The United States is concerned about any activity that hinders humanitarian aid in the Rohingya camp. We are therefore working with partners to ensure that our support reaches those who need it most."

During a press conference, Mackenzie Rowe also emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable. "Ensuring accountability is the essential foundation of a democratic society characterized by the rule of law," he said, adding that the United States is committed to leading international efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.

Rowe highlighted that the United States is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to those affected by the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the region. Over 740,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh due to genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Since 2017, US aid for the Rohingya has totaled approximately $2.4 billion, with $190 million specifically allocated to help Rohingya and local communities in Bangladesh.