The United Nations (UN) on Wednesday has adopted a resolution on ‘The situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar’ by consensus for the first time. We think the adoption of the resolution with a strong mandate will bring hope to the Rohingyas. Besides, the adoption of the Rohingya resolution, for the first time by consensus, will demonstrate the international community’s strong resolve to end this crisis.
A total of 107 countries co-sponsored the resolution. Apart from the member states of EU and OIC, the resolution received significant cross-regional support, with co-sponsorship from USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Japan, Republic of Korea, among others. Therefore, this resolution will serve as an impetus for real actions in achieving a durable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis through their safe and dignified return to their homeland in Myanmar.
We think the UN, other foreign countries and right bodies now will come forward and extend all out cooperation to Bangladesh in order to ensure smooth relocation of Rohingyas. They will also have to continue to put pressure on Myanmar military government to bring back its national from here.
The other foreign countries should learn from Bangladesh how to stand by the distressed humanity. Bangladesh provided shelter to the Rohingyas on humanitarian ground but now they are a big burden for Bangladesh. Local people of Cox's Bazar are facing serious difficulties and sufferings because of them (Rohingyas). We think the relocation arrangements can not be a permanent solution.
We hope the adoption of the resolution will ramp up
pressure on Myanmar to
create a congenial environment
for Rohingya repatriation
In the resolution, the member states commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting the Rohingyas, and for providing humanitarian assistance to them and also for including them in the national COVID-19 vaccination drive. The resolution also recognised the Bangladesh government's efforts and investments in building the facilities in Bhashan char for relocation of a portion of the Rohingya from the congested camps, and in this regard, also welcomed the MoU signed by Bangladesh with UNHCR. The primary focus of the resolution was the human rights situation of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, including in the context of the declaration of state of emergency on February 1, 2021.
Myanmar’s failure to create conditions conducive for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas has created a protracted situation in Bangladesh. The growing desperation of the Rohingyas with no progress in repatriation led to several security concerns.
The Bangladesh government has developed housing facilities and already relocated more than 13,000 Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char from the overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar amid opposition from UN agencies and rights groups. Without UN and other international bodies’ support Bangladesh government has launched various programmes to improve the living standards and livelihood of the Rohingyas who have gone to Bhasan Char.
Therefore, we hope the adoption of the resolution will ramp up pressure on Myanmar to create a congenial environment for the repatriation of displaced Rohingyas with safety and dignity.
