ABSTRACT
The epilogue discusses the regional dimension of the Rohingya crisis. It points out that in discussions on the Rohingya the regional dimension is the most neglected aspect, while commentators have noted the fluctuating attitudes and policies of great powers and regional powers. As Rohingya flee in large numbers to neighbouring Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Malaysia, and some even try to reach Australia, the regional dimension of the issue of statelessness becomes clearer. Perhaps part of the solution lies in regional policies for the protection of the stateless population groups. In case of several stateless groups who were rehabilitated and resettled in India (or Sri Lanka in case of Tamil plantation workers or protection of Afghan escapees in India, Pakistan and Iran), a bilateral framework and a spirit of regional understanding worked. The epilogue asks, why should this not be the case for Rohingya, and why should not states of South and Southeast Asia along with other Asia Pacific countries deliberate on the issue of the rights of the Rohingya, and see how the issue of statelessness can be resolved?
