President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkır has reiterated his call on the military authorities to grant the UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener access to Myanmar to assess the situation first-hand under agreeable conditions while fostering the conditions for a frank and open dialogue.
“The world has not given up on Myanmar. We have not forgotten the plight of the Rohingya people,” he said during his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday.
The UNGA President, who paid an official visit to Bangladesh on May 25-26 upon invitation of the government, said the United Nations General Assembly is determined to ensure a better future for the Rohingya people.
He called on all leaders to act in the interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engage in meaningful dialogue, refrain from violence and to fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
Read:General Assembly has not forgotten Rohingya people: Bozkir
Bozkır said voluntary, dignified and safe return is the ultimate goal however the humanitarian need in Myanmar is increasing.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas while in Rakhine State today there is an estimated 600,000 stateless Rohingya, of which some 144,000 are living in 21 displacement camps as well as among the host community since 2012.
“We must not forget the order of the International Court of Justice in 2020 that everything possible should be done to prevent a genocide against the Rohingya,” he said.
The UNGA said the safety and security of the Rohingya and other minorities must be secured. “Their basic rights, including the right to full citizenship, freedom of movement, and the creation of conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of all Rohingya refugees and IDPs, must be respected.”
He commended the Government of Bangladesh for stepping up to meet the needs of its most vulnerable neighbours in their darkest hour. “I thank the host community here in Cox’s Bazar, who were the first responders when the first groups of refugees arrived here seeking shelter and protection.”
The UNGA President said the Rohingya people living here in Cox’s Bazar have survived unimaginable horrors and persecution.
Read:Rohingyas rights to return, citizenship must be respected: UNGA President
He said they undertook treacherous journeys to reach safety – last year alone 200 lost their lives at sea. “In recent weeks, a fire broke out here in the camp. Yet, they persist.”
However, since the military takeover on 1 February, insecurity and clashes continue to be reported across much of the country with arrest, detention and use of excessive force against protestors by police and security forces.
“It is not too late for the military to reverse the negative trajectory on the ground and respect the will of its people. The military must exercise restraint and help foster a path back to civilian rule in line with the outcome of the recent elections,” said the UNGA President.
On May 25 he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed the plight of the Rohingya people, the situation in Myanmar, the impact of climate change, the importance of human-centred development, gender equality and women’s empowerment, culture of peace and peacekeeping.