Rohingya Crisis
On Myanmar’s diamond jubilee of independence, Bangladesh reiterates call for Rohingya repatriation
Bangladesh has reiterated its call for the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar in a safe and sustainable manner.
"Bangladesh hopes to be relieved from the colossal burden of sheltering displaced Myanmar residents through arranging their long pending safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation to their homeland," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Read: Myanmar's military regime must end its violence, release those unjustly detained: US
As a next-door and friendly neighbour, Bangladesh has been committed to developing an amicable relationship with Myanmar, the ministry said.
On the occasion of the diamond jubilee of the independence of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the people of Bangladesh extended warm greetings and felicitations to the people of Myanmar and wish them inclusive peace and prosperity.
In a message marking the day, the United States said the military regime in Myanmar must end its violence, release those unjustly detained, and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
The military regime must recognize the desire of the people for a genuine and inclusive democracy in Myanmar, the US said.
On behalf of the United States of America, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reaffirmed the country's commitment to the people of Myanmar as they mark the 75th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence on January 4.
UN Security Council adopts first-ever resolution on Myanmar; China, Russia and India abstain from voting
The United Nations Security Council has adopted its first-ever resolution on “situation in Myanmar”, placing an important focus on the Rohingya crisis and its sustainable solution.
Referring to the ongoing political unrest in Myanmar, continuous deterioration of its democratic institutions and arbitrary detention of political leaders, the resolution, among others, urges for ending violence and inclusive political dialogue.
As the penholder of the Myanmar situation in the Security Council, the United Kingdom tabled the resolution which was adopted by 12 votes in favour.
While no members of the Security Council voted against or used veto power to block its adoption, China, Russia and India abstained from voting, according to the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York.
Read More: US diplomat for ‘comprehensive approach’ to deal with Rohingya crisis
In the context of multifaceted global challenges including Russia-Ukraine conflict, the resolution is a demonstration of the UN’s supreme body’s determination towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
This resolution will further renew the attention of the global community towards the Rohingya crisis.
Since the exodus of Rohingyas in Bangladesh in 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the position of Bangladesh clear to the international community — that they must return to their homeland in Myanmar from their temporary shelter in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is now hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration.
Read more: Rights group urges UN Security Council to impose binding arms embargo on Myanmar
The resolution commends Bangladesh’s efforts for hosting and providing humanitarian support to the Rohingyas.
It also recognizes the implications of the current political situation in Myanmar on the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar and on regional security.
It underscores the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State, and to create conditions necessary for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees.
The resolution also puts significant focus on ASEAN's role in implementing its Five Point Consensus agreed on in 2021.
Read More: Requested US, UK, Japan to take Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM
As an immediate action, the resolution requests the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy on Myanmar to submit a report, on the possible support from UN on the implementation of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, by March 15, 2023 to the Security Council.
The adoption of the resolution will serve as a first step to the regular discussion of the Security Council on Myanmar.
It will also strengthen Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts towards sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York made "significant contribution" to the negotiations of the resolution, Bangladesh said.
Read more: UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya, other minorities in Myanmar
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Muhammad Abdul Muhith, held several bilateral meetings with the strategically important members of the Security Council and ensured that issues specific to Bangladesh’s interest were included in the resolution.
This resolution bears the testimony of Bangladesh’s milestone success in multilateral efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
US diplomat for ‘comprehensive approach’ to deal with Rohingya crisis
US Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes on Tuesday met Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and discussed a "comprehensive approach" to the protracted Rohingya crisis with international support.
Talking to reporters, Momen said the government of Bangladesh wants to see better life for the Rohingyas.
Asked about relocation of the Rohingyas by the United States, Momen said it is nothing but a drop of water in the ocean as Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas.
Read more: Envoy: For us it's “neighbourhood first”; but in the neighbourhood too, it's “Bangladesh first”
He said the US did not say any exact number but he hinted the number could be 62 only at the beginning.
"The United States is proud to be able to support resettlement in our country of this very most vulnerable Rohingya. This is a priority of President Biden. We are discussing with other governments and with other partners. We will be working together with the international community,” said Noyes thanking Momen for Bangladesh’s life-saving support for Rohingya.
She also had a "helpful conversation" with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen about sustaining the humanitarian response for Rohingya and ensuring international accountability for the genocide in Myanmar.
Noyes earlier said the United States together with its international partners will not allow the Rohingya crisis to become a forgotten crisis.
"We won’t let this become a forgotten crisis," she said on Sunday after her meeting with the UN agencies, which are working on the ground.
Read more: Momen praises Japan as its outgoing envoy Naoki meets him
Noyes thanked to all their partners who work tirelessly to improve conditions and advance the rights of Rohingya.
Noyes met with government officials to express US' gratitude for their generosity in hosting Rohingya and other refugees fleeing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
She is on a five-day visit to Bangladesh (December 3-7) to highlight the US commitment to supporting the Rohingya response and impacted host communities.
Noyes also appreciated the role of the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Requested US, UK, Japan to take Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM
Bangladesh has urged the United Kingdom to take one lakh Rohingyas from Bangladesh in addition to its request to the USA and Japan for sharing the burden.
“I had requested the US Secretary of State and Japan to resettle some (Rohingyas). They have agreed to some extent which is a good news for us,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters.
The foreign minister made the remarks after attending a views exchange meeting on post-flood development programme organized by Sylhet district administration at the Sylhet Circuit House on Friday.
Mosharraf Hossain, Sylhet Divisional Commissioner, Mohammad Mofiz Uddin Ahmed, Deputy Inspector General of Sylhet range, Md Nisharul Arif, Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury, President (acting) of Sylhet district Awami League and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Khan spoke at the event as special guests.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said as an essential component of an international, comprehensive humanitarian response, they are working to "significantly increase resettlement" of Rohingya refugees from the region, including from Bangladesh, so that they can rebuild their lives in the United States.
Read: Rohingya Crisis: Japan for considering third-country resettlement in parallel to repatriation
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said it is "vital to consider third-country resettlement" in parallel to repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar.
“Accepting refugees through third-country resettlement is one of the permanent solutions. It is a way to share the burden of the refugee crisis among the international community,” said the ambassador.
In December 2008, Japan decided upon a pilot programme to accept refugees from Myanmar through third-country resettlement as the first country in Asia.
Until today, 54 families and 200 people, including Rohingya, were resettled through this scheme, said the Japanese Ambassador.
Recent ICJ ruling dismissing Myanmar's objections to bring momentum for effective int'l action: OIC
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has said the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss the preliminary objections of Myanmar would contribute to mobilizing the necessary momentum for effective international action.
The organization, collective voice of the Muslim world, said the ICJ ruling would also provide more support for the Rohingya people and contribute to finding a final solution to their constant affliction.
The OIC General Secretariat called on the international community to stand firm with the Rohingya people in their plight.
Read: Rohingya Crisis: Japan for considering third-country resettlement in parallel to repatriation
On 25 August 2017, Myanmar’s military started carrying out violent operations against the Rohingya population in Northern Rakhine State, which resulted in grave crimes under international law and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.
Five years later, Rohingyas in Rakhine State still lack freedom of movement and other basic rights such as access to adequate food, healthcare and education, said the OIC.
"This anniversary is a reminder that the crimes committed against Rohingya call for accountability," it said.
The OIC paid tribute to the government and people of Bangladesh for their relentless efforts to provide protection, hospitality, and necessary assistance to Rohingya refugees who have been living in Bangladesh for the past five years.
It appreciated the international support, including by OIC Member States, for the cause of these Refugees.
The OIC General Secretariat reiterated the OIC’s firm support for the Rohingya people.
It called on the international community to stand firm with them in their plight, and to redouble efforts to protect their fundamental human rights, including their right to full citizenship, and to ensure favourable conditions for the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of all Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons to their homeland.
Rohingya Crisis: Japan for considering third-country resettlement in parallel to repatriation
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said it is "vital to consider third-country resettlement" in parallel to repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar.
“Accepting refugees through third-country resettlement is one of the permanent solutions. It is a way to share the burden of the refugee crisis among the international community,” said the ambassador.
In December 2008, Japan decided upon a pilot programme to accept refugees from Myanmar through third-country resettlement as the first country in Asia.
Until today, 54 families and 200 people, including Rohingya, were resettled through this scheme, said the ambassador.
He hoped that they could consider further possibilities of Rohingyas’ resettlement in Japan with the guidance of UNHCR.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said as an essential component of an international, comprehensive humanitarian response, they are working to "significantly increase resettlement" of Rohingya refugees from the region, including from Bangladesh, so that they can rebuild their lives in the United States.
Naoki said Japan, together with Bangladesh and the international community, will do its utmost to create conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
Japanese envoy said his country will continue to actively provide humanitarian support, paying close attention to the needs of the Rohingya people facing challenging circumstances.
He made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled “Rohingya Crisis: The Pathways to Repatriation” hosted by the Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS), University of Dhaka on Thursday.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke as the chief guest at the seminar. Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, US Embassy Dhaka’s Regional Refugee Coordinator Mackenzie Rowe and Dr Imtiaz Ahmed also spoke.
Ambassador Naoki said the fundamental solution to the Rohingya crisis is to realize the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to their homeland Myanmar.
Read: Myanmar conditions do not allow for safe, voluntary return of Rohingya: US
“Japan will stand ready to cooperate with Bangladesh to this end. We commend the efforts of the government to start the repatriation early through the bilateral dialogue. I see the urgent need for early repatriation,” he mentioned.
Given the current political situation in Myanmar, it is a challenging task, he added.
Despite the difficulty, Naoki said, the international community must make the utmost efforts to support the government of Bangladesh and create an enabling environment for the early start of repatriation process.
The ambassador said it is highly commendable that the government and the people of Bangladesh have shown a humanitarian stance and generously provided shelter to Rohingya refugees over the past five years.
Japan will continuously support and show its solidarity with Bangladesh and Rohingya, he said.
In January 2022, Japan provided US$ 2 million seed funding to UNHCR and WFP as the first donor to help operations on Bhasan Char.
“Nevertheless, I believe that the situation in Bhasan Char could be more creative and sustainable,” said Naoki who has been to Bhasan Char twice.
Since the coup in Myanmar on February 1st last year, he said, Japan has taken every opportunity to strongly urge the Myanmar military to immediately stop the violence; release those detained; and swiftly restore the democratic political system.
The ambassador said Japan has also been working closely with the international community, including ASEAN countries, to improve the situation in Myanmar.
“I believe that improving the situation in Myanmar, including restoring its democratic regime, is essential to achieving sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees,” he said.
“Also, we must improve the condition in the Rakhine state, and Japan has been providing financial support for that,” he added.
Five years ago, Myanmar’s military launched a brutal campaign against Rohingya – razing villages, raping, torturing, and perpetrating large-scale violence that killed thousands of Rohingya men, women, and children.
More than 740,000 Rohingya were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in Bangladesh.
FM reiterates Dhaka’s call for repatriation of Rohingyas
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Thursday reiterated Dhaka’s call for smooth repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State ending their plights and miseries.
Apart from seeking international community’s support, he said Bangladesh is also talking to Myanmar on good faith as Myanmar has expressed its willingness for repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The foreign minister also sought genuine efforts to create an environment conducive to repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Rohingya Crisis: The Pathways to Repatriation” at the Foreign Service Academy organized by the Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS), University of Dhaka.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen delivered the opening remarks while Director, Centre for Genocide Studies Professor Imtiaz Ahmed presented keynote paper.
The protracted Rohingya crisis has stepped into another year without a single Rohingya repatriated to their homeland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release said the international community should focus on creating a safe and conducive situation on the ground in northern Rakhine and the smooth conduct of repatriation and reintegration to the Myanmar society for the Rohingyas.
“The Rohingya crisis is not a bilateral issue. Its origin and solution lies in Myanmar,” MoFA said on the fifth anniversary of the forced displacement of Rohingyas to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh tried to arrange safe, sustainable and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya to Rakhine State through negotiations with Myanmar following the bilateral instruments.
“Unfortunately, not a single Rohingya could return to Myanmar yet for the non-committal attitude of Myanmar towards their obligation enshrined to the bilateral mechanisms,” MoFA said.
Due to the frustrating development on the bilateral front in commencing the repatriation, Bangladesh involves friendly countries to assist their repatriation.
Starting their safe, sustainable, voluntary repatriation to their homeland Rakhine State as early as possible should be a priority through dialogue and discussion, Bangladesh says.
Bangladesh says the UN and the partners must undertake tangible actions and projects to create a conducive environment with safety and security.
“ASEAN can take the lead role in such engagements. The presence of ASEAN and international actors in the Rakhine state can help to reduce the trust deficit between Rohingya and Nay Pyi Taw and help confidence building that is essential for smooth repatriation,” according to the MoFA release.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saved the world from a “humane catastrophe” in 2017 by sheltering these persecuted people.
“If the crisis is not resolved quickly, it may create a security problem for the region and beyond. The government is trying its best to ensure early repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas,” MoFA said.
Return to their homeland is also the aspiration of the displaced Rohingya population and they are receiving education, food, shelter, health care and other services in Bangladesh.
“They participate in skill development activities to enhance their livelihood opportunities in Rakhine once they return,” MoFA said.
Earlier, United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer said it is critical that the international community continues to seek comprehensive, durable and inclusive solutions to the Rohingya crisis.
“We cannot let this become a forgotten crisis,” said Special Envoy Heyzer in a statement who also attended the seminar.
On the five-year mark of the forced mass displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh continues to show “great generosity and leadership” in hosting refugees, which requires renewed international attention and equitable burden-sharing by countries in the region and beyond, she said on Thursday.
In their productive discussions, the Special Envoy thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her leadership and expressed the United Nations’ deep appreciation to the people and government of Bangladesh for their immense contribution.
“I will continue to advocate for greater leadership of countries in the region in supporting Bangladesh and leveraging their influence with Myanmar to create conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees,” she said.
Read: Rohingya Repatriation: Momen urges Western leaders to impose economic sanctions on Myanmar
She also highlighted Bangladesh’s pivotal role in working with the ASEAN.
“The generosity of Bangladesh and host communities towards Rohingya refugees in their time of need conveys a critical need for greater international and regional commitment to burden share and ensure that the Rohingya do not become forgotten,” Heyzer said.
She highlighted the major pressures on Bangladesh as host of one of the largest refugee populations in the world, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
On the other hand, foreign missions stationed in Dhaka said they will continue to pursue a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis and its causes.
"Five years on, the international community stands resolute in solidarity in its support for Rohingya and Bangladesh," reads a joint statement by the embassies and high commissions in Dhaka on Thursday.
The signatories are Australian High Commission in Dhaka, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, Embassy of Denmark, European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Embassy of France, German Embassy, Embassy of Italy, Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Switzerland and Embassy of the United States of America in Bangladesh.
The foreign missions in their joint statement said they will continue to work together with the Government of Bangladesh, the UN, and international and national partners, to ensure that Rohingya refugees receive humanitarian assistance, protection and education.
"We underline the importance of Rohingya’s ability to live safe, purposeful and dignified lives whilst they are in Bangladesh and support the efforts to prepare them for return to Myanmar, once conditions allow."
Rohingya Crisis: UN envoy seeks renewed int'l attention, equitable burden-sharing by other countries
United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer has said it is critical that the international community continues to seek comprehensive, durable and inclusive solutions to the Rohingya crisis.
“We cannot let this become a forgotten crisis,” said Special Envoy Heyzer on her four-day mission to Bangladesh.
On the five-year mark of the forced mass displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh continues to show “great generosity and leadership” in hosting refugees, which requires renewed international attention and equitable burden-sharing by countries in the region and beyond, she said on Thursday.
In their productive discussions, the Special Envoy thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her leadership and expressed the United Nations’ deep appreciation to the people and government of Bangladesh for their immense contribution.
“I will continue to advocate for greater leadership of countries in the region in supporting Bangladesh and leveraging their influence with Myanmar to create conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees,” she said.
She also highlighted Bangladesh’s pivotal role in working with ASEAN.
“The generosity of Bangladesh and host communities towards Rohingya refugees in their time of need conveys a critical need for greater international and regional commitment to burden share and ensure that the Rohingya do not become forgotten,” Special Envoy Heyzer said.
She highlighted the major pressures on Bangladesh as host of one of the largest refugee populations in the world, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
About 1 million Rohingya refugees are still living in camps in Bangladesh, with tens of thousands more across the region, and over 140,000 internally displaced persons remaining confined in camps in Rakhine.
Driven by desperate hardship conditions, Rohingya people continue to undertake perilous land and sea journeys that expose them to criminal exploitation including human trafficking and gender-based violence.
The Special Envoy emphasized that it was ultimately Myanmar’s responsibility to establish conducive conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar of all refugees and forcibly displaced persons.
The rights and security of the Rohingya people must be guaranteed and embedded in Myanmar-led solutions towards a peaceful, democratic and inclusive future guided by the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.
In the context of grave human right violations and unmet protection needs in Myanmar, finding solutions to this crisis and addressing needs and human rights of Rohingya in Rakhine State must include the meaningful participation of those affected, especially Rohingya refugees.
During her visit to the refugee camps in Bangladesh, Special Envoy Heyzer witnessed first-hand the hard work of United Nations agencies among many actors, including civil society organisations, local NGOs and INGOs that provided critical assistance.
“In this operationally challenging environment, I saw Rohingya resilience and hope, innovative and empowering activities carried out by UN agencies and partners, as well as Bangladeshi authorities’ leadership, which all come together while the refugees remain in Bangladesh and waiting for lasting solutions to their plight,” she said.
Read: Will continue to pursue long-term solution to Rohingya crisis: Foreign Missions
Will continue to pursue long-term solution to Rohingya crisis: Foreign Missions
Foreign Missions stationed in Dhaka have said they will continue to pursue a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis and its causes.
"Five years on, the international community stands resolute in solidarity in its support for Rohingya and Bangladesh," reads a joint statement by the Embassies and High Commissions in Dhaka on Thursday.
The signatories are Australian High Commission in Dhaka, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, Embassy of Denmark, European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Embassy of France, German Embassy, Embassy of Italy, Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Switzerland and Embassy of the United States of America in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Missions in their joint statement said they will continue to work together with the Government of Bangladesh, the UN, and international and national partners, to ensure that Rohingya refugees receive humanitarian assistance, protection and education.
"We underline the importance of Rohingya’s ability to live safe, purposeful and dignified lives whilst they are in Bangladesh and support the efforts to prepare them for return to Myanmar, once conditions allow."
The Missions said they also continue to support the local communities in Cox’s Bazar who are hosting the refugee population.
The countries reflect on the horrific events of August and September 2017 that forced around 800,000 Rohingya to flee from their homes in Myanmar to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
"We acknowledge the incredible resilience and courage of the Rohingya in the face of their displacement," said the statement.
The countries remain "deeply grateful" to the government of Bangladesh and people of Bangladesh for their generosity and continuing hosting of Rohingya refugees.
They continue to raise the plight of Rohingya on the international stage and seek a solution to the crisis that allows for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya to their communities in Rakhine State, Myanmar, as soon as conditions allow.
The Missions noted with concern the reports of escalating violence and serious human rights violations across Myanmar by the Myanmar military.
Read: Nearly 1 mn still await life at world's largest displacement camp
"We call for an end of the culture of impunity in Myanmar and reiterate our commitment to international accountability initiatives for the terrible acts committed against Rohingya."
Their countries have imposed sanctions on some individuals responsible for serious human rights violations against Rohingya.
"We will also continue to push for a solution to the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar caused by the military coup of February 2021, a solution which must be inclusive of Rohingya," said the Missions in their statement.
We’re sincerely working to resolve Rohingya crisis: Minister Wang
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said his country is sincerely working to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis terming Myanmar a difficult country to handle.
“Myanmar is a difficult country. We are sincerely working to resolve the crisis and will continue our efforts in the future. He (Minister Wang) stated it very clearly. It’s a difficult country and difficult to handle,” Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque told reporters quoting the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying.
Razzaque, who received the Chinese Foreign Minister upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday, conveyed to Minister Wang that Bangladesh is unable to bear such a big burden as the country has limited resources.
The Agriculture Minister said there is an impact on social security and social stability of the country due to the presence of over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
“It’s a big threat to our national security,” he told the Chinese Foreign Minister after welcoming him to Bangladesh.
Read:Chinese FM Wang pays homage to Bangabandhu