A resolution titled “Situation of the Rohingya Muslim Community in Myanmar” has been adopted unanimously to keep the momentum in exerting continuous pressure on Myanmar authorities to create an environment for willful, safe, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingya to their homeland. 

The resolution was adopted during the 48th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Islamabad, Pakistan from March 22-23.  

The situation of the Rohingya has not improved despite the efforts and calls of the OIC and the international community, Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha noted, pointing out that Myanmar continues to turn a blind eye to the horrific violations against the Rohingya’s rights and did not fulfilled its international obligations.

He pointed out that this case sends a strong message to the international community about the Organization’s collective and coordinated work to support the Rohingya people, as well as its firm commitment to global ideals and principles of justice and accountability for human rights violations, according to the OIC statement.

READ: Sustainable solution of Rohingya issues lies on repatriation: FS

The OIC chief also stressed that the Rohingya case is one of the top priorities on the OIC’s agenda, one that the Organization has been following for over two decades. 

The OIC Secretary General praised the pivotal role of the Gambia, in its capacity as the chair of the Committee, in leading the Organization’s efforts on the international stage to ensure that Myanmar is held accountable for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya Muslims.

He also commended Bangladesh for hosting and sheltering over a million Rohingya refugees.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led a five-member delegation to the CFM. Bangladesh’s envoys to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and the Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined the meeting. 

This year, the CFM was held with the theme “Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development” where several political, economic, social, cultural and security issues were discussed. 

In his speech at the CFM, Foreign Secretary Masud reiterated Bangladesh’s continued engagements with the OIC which has always been guided by the principles of peace, prosperity, and development. 

He highlighted on Bangladesh’s prudent navigation of economy during the COVID-19 period under the leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also, called for fair share of COVID vaccine and transfer of vaccine technology. 

The Foreign Secretary expressed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to establish peace process for Palestine, denounce Islamophobia, hate-crimes against Muslims, stop all form of terrorism including financing in terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism. 

The Foreign Secretary particularly stressed on taking proactive role by the member states and international actors to address the Rohingya issue and urged to remain involved to put continuous pressure on Myanmar authorities to ensure safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

He also called the member states for voluntarily contribution to the fund created by OIC to run the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.