A year ago, Myanmar’s Army launched attacks on Rohingya villages. It followed attacks by Rohingya militants on border posts, in which dozens were killed, including security forces. In the aftermath, thousands of Rohingya were killed, and nearly a million fled into Bangladesh. Many marched through refugee camps to mark the anniversary. 

CGTN’s Chuck Tinte has more.

Rohingya refugees marched through a refugee camp, waving banners, shouting slogans — all calling for justice.

It’s been one year since a Myanmar military crackdown sparked a mass exodus to Bangladesh.

As the crisis enters a second year, refugees face greater uncertainty.

Rashida Begum, a Rohingya refugee said “I am now anxious about what my son’s future will be like. Where will he get the education? If we are sent back to Myanmar, what will happen there? We are afraid. There is no education here and no hope of education there also. ”

The government of Myanmar says it is ready to take back the Rohingya, but the continued outflow of refugees underscores the lack of progress in resolving the crisis.

“It is very difficult for us to put a timeframe on it by ourselves, unilaterally, because we have to work with Bangladesh in order to do that.” said Aung San Suu Kyi, a Myanmar leader. “So a timeframe can be decided only by our two countries working together. The IDP (Internally Displaced People) have to be sent back by Bangladesh, the returnees have to be sent back by Bangladesh. We can only welcome them at the border, that is part of our agreement.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one million Rohingya refugees still remain vulnerable. Most of them suffer from injuries, malnutrition, and deadly diseases.

The organization said although the mortality rate is lower than expected, health facilities cannot tend to everyone’s needs.

The WHO is seeking $16.5 million to continue supporting the Rohingya response.