Asifuzzaman Sajin :
The United Nations adopted a unanimous resolution calling on the country to create an environment for the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas from Myanmar. The proposal was accepted by the Third Committee of the General Assembly last Wednesday.
The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations said in a press release that the resolution titled “Human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority communities in Myanmar” was adopted unanimously. The proposal was jointly proposed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union (EU). This year’s resolution was co-sponsored by 109 countries – the highest ever.
The resolution primarily focused on the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority communities in Myanmar – which has worsened under the current political climate. It called on Myanmar to create an environment suitable for voluntary, safe and sustainable return to the 5 states and to give full cooperation to all UN human rights organizations including the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy appointed in Myanmar.
According to the press release, the proposal highlights the important role of regional countries and organizations, such as ASEAN, in improving the political and human rights situation in Myanmar. It has especially emphasized on the speedy implementation of the 5-point recommendations adopted unanimously by ASEAN.
The proposal calls for maintaining a vigilant eye on the ongoing trial and accountability process. It also welcomed the progress of the case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice and the investigation of the prosecution of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The resolution expressed solidarity with Bangladesh and recognized the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the ICC, the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM) and other accountability mechanisms to ensure justice and accountability for Rohingya human rights violations has been commended.
According to the press release, under the principle of ‘Responsibility and Burden Sharing’, the United Nations member countries continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh, this time’s proposal has also been called for.
In the speech given when the proposal was accepted, the charge of the affairs of Bangladesh. Manowar Hossain said, “The Rohingya population sheltered in the camp until the repatriation demands the solidarity of the international community.” Adequate funding is needed to implement this humanitarian response process. He expressed his gratitude to the OIC and the EU for taking the lead on this important human rights issue.
Manowar Hossain highlighted the helplessness of Bangladesh due to the long-term presence of Rohingyas. He said, “We gave shelter to the Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar on humanitarian grounds. The displaced people always want to return to Myanmar. To that end, we have undertaken multifaceted diplomatic efforts on both bilateral and multilateral fronts to create an environment conducive to safe and voluntary return to Myanmar.’
Even after 5 years of Rohingya infiltration into Bangladesh, their repatriation could not be started due to Myanmar’s reluctance. Rohingya repatriation became more uncertain after Myanmar’s military coup in February last year.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said that there are 1.1 million displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh. Analysts fear that the long-term stay of Rohingyas in refugee camps may pose a threat to regional security.
