'Bangladesh has reached its limits': Yunus says repatriation of Rohingyas 'only solution'
- In Reports
- 09:32 PM, Sep 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, emphasised the urgent need for the repatriation of Rohingyas during a high-level meeting at an event on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24.
During the high-level UN event in New York addressing the Rohingya crisis, Yunus highlighted the significant challenges Bangladesh faces due to the presence of over 1.2 million displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar.
Yunus noted that while Bangladesh has demonstrated empathy in hosting the Rohingyas, the associated costs—social, economic, and environmental—are significant. He stressed that Bangladesh has reached its limits and stated that repatriation remains the only sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.
"Despite hosting the Rohingyas with great empathy, a densely populated Bangladesh has been incurring so much in terms of social-economic-environmental costs. These culminate in a series of traditional and non-traditional security risks for us. Much of our own development gains are at stake. Clearly, Bangladesh has reached its limits. Therefore, as much as Bangladesh engages in humanitarian aspects or ensuring justice, repatriation of the Rohingyas remains the only sustainable solution to the protracted crisis," Yunus said.
He noted that several international resolutions have called for creating conditions conducive to the safe return of the Rohingyas. However, since the crisis began seven years ago, no Rohingya have been able to return to Myanmar, leading to ongoing uncertainty for both the displaced community and their hosts, while humanitarian support continues to decline.
"Several UN General Assembly, Human Rights Council and even Security Council Resolutions on Myanmar have asked for creating a conducive environment for the dignified, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas. Regrettably, with the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar not addressed in the last seven years, not a single Rohingya could return to their homeland," Yunus said.
"The overall scenario leaves the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, their hosts and the global partners with lingering uncertainties while the focus and humanitarian support for the Rohingyas dwindles. The presence of a sizable young population in the camps potentially creates another layer of complexity to the crisis," he added.
The Chief Advisor also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, highlighting sporadic fighting and criminal activities. He reiterated the need for an inclusive society in Myanmar where all ethnic groups can coexist peacefully. He called on international and regional actors to collaborate in addressing the root causes of the crisis and to support the UN Special Envoy in coordinating political efforts.
"We are concerned over the deteriorating security situation and instability in the bordering region, including sporadic group fighting and criminal activities. Our law enforcement agencies and people, together with the international community, have so far been able to maintain peace and stability in the camps. So this crisis in Rakhine State merits careful revisit," Yunus said.
"Creating an inclusive society in Myanmar is key where all ethnic communities can live in peace and harmony. All international, regional, and national actors, including the UN Security Council, ASEAN and other friends of Myanmar, need to acknowledge and incorporate it in their approach. We would ask the UN Special Envoy to play a central role, particularly in coordinating the political efforts," he added.
Following this, Yunus presented three key proposals to address the situation. He called for an all-stakeholders conference on the Rohingya crisis to review the current circumstances and suggest innovative solutions. Additionally, he argued the need to revitalise the Joint Response Plan, managed by the UN and Bangladesh, to tackle the declining funding situation for humanitarian aid.
The Chief Advisor called for support, justice, and accountability mechanisms for the "genocidal crimes" committed against the Rohingya community. Yunus concluded by reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to uphold the rights and dignity of the Rohingya people, highligting the importance of a political resolution to the crisis.
Image source: Mid-day
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