Rethinking Humanitarian Diplomacy for Myanmar's Rohingya Crisis Resolution: A Critical Analysis

The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, driven by systemic exclusion and intensified by the 2021 military coup, has defied conventional conflict resolution using peacebuilding approaches. This article argues for a shift toward an integrated Humanitarian–Development–Peace nexus, operationalized through Track II diplomacy and humanitarian diplomacy, to bridge immediate protection needs with long-term and sustainable conflict transformation. Using a qualitative, interpretive design and comparative analysis of the Oslo and Aceh peace processes, the study identifies transferable mechanisms for Myanmar's multi-actor context. It proposes a pragmatic model linking informal dialogue, localized “access compacts,” and incremental confidence-building measures to verifiable humanitarian outcomes. The model assigns complementary roles to ASEAN (regional facilitation), Canada (technical and legal leverage), and Qatar (mediation and convening), while embedding grassroots and faith-based actors for legitimacy and authenticity. By reframing peace intervention as a continuum, the article offers a roadmap for inclusive, adaptive strategies that advance humanitarian access and lay foundations for sustainable peace, where, like the Rohingyas, all displaced persons can return with safety and dignity.