This chapter examines Canada’s response to the Rohingya crisis since the 2017 forced displacement of close to a million people who took refuge across the Naf River in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Canada’s instant reaction to news of the massacre of Rohingya by the Myanmar army was one of shock and dismay, but it responded quickly, condemning the brutal genocide and crimes against humanity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately appointed Bob Rae as Canada’s Special Envoy to assess the Rohingya situation, clearly suggesting Canada’s interest in and commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis. This chapter examines Bob Rae’s work and recommendations, and how Canada gradually drifted away from its commitment in 2018–2021 due to crises in Syria and Ukraine, and subsequent floods of refugees to Canada. After several years of inaction, in 2023 Canada announced new funding for Rohingya humanitarian assistance. However, human rights experts and the Rohingya diaspora organizations are calling for a more proactive role from Canada in resolving the crisis. Despite its claims to have remained committed to the Rohingya cause, it seems Canada is only talking the talk.

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Canada’s Response to the Rohingya Crisis

  • Mustafa Chowdhury

摘要

This chapter examines Canada’s response to the Rohingya crisis since the 2017 forced displacement of close to a million people who took refuge across the Naf River in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Canada’s instant reaction to news of the massacre of Rohingya by the Myanmar army was one of shock and dismay, but it responded quickly, condemning the brutal genocide and crimes against humanity. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately appointed Bob Rae as Canada’s Special Envoy to assess the Rohingya situation, clearly suggesting Canada’s interest in and commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis. This chapter examines Bob Rae’s work and recommendations, and how Canada gradually drifted away from its commitment in 2018–2021 due to crises in Syria and Ukraine, and subsequent floods of refugees to Canada. After several years of inaction, in 2023 Canada announced new funding for Rohingya humanitarian assistance. However, human rights experts and the Rohingya diaspora organizations are calling for a more proactive role from Canada in resolving the crisis. Despite its claims to have remained committed to the Rohingya cause, it seems Canada is only talking the talk.