In 2017, the Myanmar military’s persecution of the #Rohingya forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes in search of safety. Since then, more than 900,00 Rohingya refugees have lived in dire conditions in Bangladesh, and about 600,000 Rohingya remain at risk in Myanmar.

Displaced Rohingya have faced growing insecurity, restrictions to their freedom, and limitations to accessing livelihoods and education. Those who were forced to leave their homes are unable to return safely, and those within Myanmar still face the threat of violence with the military that targeted them directly in charge since a coup in February 2021. And for the past five years, their demands for justice and accountability have not been met.

Until now.

In March of this year, the United States finally declared the crimes committed against the Rohingya what they are: #genocide.

This determination is a meaningful step toward justice for the Rohingya and shows solidarity with them and others that are at risk of persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military. This will help hold the military junta accountable and prevent future atrocities.

Fortify Rights and Refugees International asked what the U.S. genocide determination means to Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh. Watch the video to hear what they had to say.