A real shame that world hasn’t solved Rohingya crisis: Vatican Minister Cardinal Czerny
During his visit to Bangladesh, Cardinal Czerny met internally displaced families in Modonpur, Narayanganj, and visited the Rohingya camps in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar
Vatican Minister Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny SJ has expressed deep concern over the prolonged suffering of Rohingya refugees and internally displaced people in Bangladesh, calling it "a real shame" that the international community has yet to find a solution to their plight.
Speaking at a press conference at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) Centre in Dhaka today (4 November), Cardinal Czerny — Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican City State — said, "I met internal migrants in Narayanganj and Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar. Both situations are extremely challenging."
For those in the camps, being stateless, unemployed, and confined for years is intolerable, Cardinal Czerny said, adding, "It's a real shame that the international community has not been able to provide a solution to this [Rohingya] problem."
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Emphasising the importance of continued engagement, the Vatican minister said, "We must maintain dialogue with authorities. We never want to close the door. Exchange of viewpoints can help find solutions within a country or more broadly."
During his visit to Bangladesh, Cardinal Czerny met internally displaced families in Modonpur, Narayanganj, and visited the Rohingya camps in Ukhia, Cox's Bazar.
He also engaged with street children, volunteers, and Caritas Bangladesh staff, offering words of solidarity and compassion. His itinerary included interfaith prayers, family visits, and meetings with children's centres.
He urged the global community to show renewed solidarity with Rohingya refugees amid declining attention and reduced humanitarian aid.
The situation is very difficult, with less global attention and reduced aid; the world should show more solidarity, not less, he said.
"All organisations — Christian and others — must respond to real needs and continue supporting those who suffer. We are helping, and we must continue to help," the Vatican Minister added.
The press conference was also attended by Francesca Dona, regional coordinator for Asia Mainland; Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace; and Fr Liton Hubert Gomes, secretary of the commission.
