FM Momen urges UNHCR to expedite efforts at Rohingya repatriation

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged the UNHCR to enhance their activities in Rakhine in creating an environment conducive to the sustainable repatriation of the persecuted Rohingya to Myanmar. 

He raised the issue on Wednesday when United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Under-Secretary General Filippo Grandi met him in Dhaka. 

Momen said proactive engagement of the international community in confidence building among the Rohingya people is crucial for sustainable repatriation.

He thanked the UNHCR for its continued engagement in the humanitarian operations for the forcibly displaced Rohingya.

The foreign minister highlighted the introduction of informal education for the Rohingya children under Myanmar curriculum in Myanmar language, skill development activities, livelihood opportunities, health facilities, etc, both in Cox’s Bazar and in Bhasan Char. 

He expressed hope that these initiatives would facilitate their reintegration in Myanmar society upon return.

Momen urged the high commissioner to engage with Myanmar with the view to create conducive environment in the Rakhine State for early repatriation. 

The high commissioner informed that his organisation is making efforts in this regard and assured that he will further pursue this. 

He underscored that the UNHCR is in the same page with Bangladesh concerning voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. 

While sharing his experience of the visits to Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camp and Bhasan Char, he mentioned the ardent aspirations of all the Rohingya he met to return to Myanmar at the earliest. 

He assured to extent all sorts of support to Bangladesh in ensuring sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Rakhine. 

He also informed that the UNHCR and other international agencies are undertaking number of projects for the benefit of the local population in Cox’s Bazar. 

While highlighting various aspects of Bhasan Char, the foreign minister emphasised on the full engagement of UN systems in Bhasan Char to provide humanitarian assistance for all the relocated Rohingya on the island. 

High Commissioner Grandi reiterated to continue providing necessary support to government of Bangladesh for Bhasan Char. 

He underscored that ensuring sustainability of the Bhasan Char project is important and all should work together on this.

High Commissioner Filippo Grandi arrived in Bangladesh on May 21 on his fifth visit. He travelled to Cox’s Bazar from May 21 to 23 and visited Bhasan Char on May 24.