Voluntary Rohingya repatriation in short term looks more challenging: UN

GBNEWS24 DESK//

Noting that recent developments in Myanmar make the prospects of voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar in the short term more challenging, the United Nations has urged the international community to step up and share responsibility.

“The responsibility for the current Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh rests with Myanmar, and that’s where the solution lies,” said the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, at the conclusion of its two senior officials’ four-day visit to Bangladesh, reports UNB.

UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and for Operations — Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou — wrapped up their visit on Wednesday and called for international support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh.

UNHCR called on the international community, including through the recently launched 2021 Joint Response Plan, to continue to support the government of Bangladesh who have taken on a huge responsibility in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world. “This must not become a forgotten crisis.”

“While Bangladesh has shown humanity and solidarity, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, the international community must step up and give practical effect to the obligation to share responsibility, and to protect refugees and support the host Bangladeshi Government,” said Triggs.

Throughout the visit, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners reiterated their sincere appreciation to the government and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian spirit and generous hospitality towards Rohingya refugees as they sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar over decades.

This includes, notably, the recent influx of more than 740,0000 Rohingya refugees since August 2017.

They also reiterated the urgent need to continue working towards comprehensive solutions, including the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

The protection, wellbeing, and concerns of refugees, as well as renewed efforts towards solutions should be at the forefront of the response, said the UNHCR.

The visit included tours of the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar where the vast majority of Rohingya refugees reside, and the island of Bhasan Char, as well as meetings with senior government officials.