Missing From a U.N. Meeting on Helping Refugees? The Refugees.

As global leaders gather at the United Nations to discuss strategies for aiding the Rohingya, a glaring absence has become apparent: the refugees themselves. The meeting, focused on addressing the plight of those residing in the world’s largest refugee settlement, is taking place without any representatives from the very community it aims to support.

The conference, which commenced on Wednesday, brings together high-ranking officials, diplomats, and experts to deliberate on the pressing issues faced by the Rohingya, who have been forced to flee their homes in Myanmar due to a brutal military crackdown. Despite the critical nature of the discussions, none of the refugees from the sprawling Cox’s Bazar camp in Bangladesh, where over 700,000 Rohingya have sought shelter, have been invited to participate.

This oversight has raised concerns among human rights advocates and refugee support groups, who argue that the refugees’ voices and perspectives are essential to developing effective solutions. “It’s unconscionable that the U.N. would hold a meeting about refugees without their input,” said a spokesperson for a leading refugee rights organization. “The Rohingya have been displaced, persecuted, and marginalized for far too long. It’s imperative that their stories, needs, and aspirations are taken into account when discussing their future.”

The U.N. has acknowledged the criticism, stating that logistical and security concerns made it difficult to facilitate the refugees’ attendance. However, many argue that this explanation rings hollow, given the organization’s commitment to promoting the rights and dignity of refugees.

As the meeting progresses, activists and advocates are urging the U.N. to rethink its approach and ensure that the refugees’ voices are heard. “The Rohingya are not just statistics or news headlines; they are individuals with hopes, fears, and dreams,” said a refugee support group leader. “Their participation in discussions about their own lives is not only a matter of basic human rights but also crucial to developing sustainable and meaningful solutions.”

The absence of Rohingya refugees from the U.N. meeting serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked role of those directly affected by humanitarian crises. As global leaders convene to discuss the fate of the Rohingya, the glaring question remains: who will speak for the refugees?