Further delay in commencing Rohingya repatriation may put entire region at risk: MoFA
Resettlement another important way to contribute to comprehensive solutions for the plight of Rohingya: US
The government of Bangladesh has said the drastic reduction of humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya population, which is growing with around 30,000 newborns every year inside the camps, is compounding the crisis.
Further delay in commencing safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation and shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (25 August).
The international community should continue providing necessary humanitarian support till their sustainable repatriation, MoFA said.
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The Rohingya crisis has stepped into its seventh year without seeing any solution.
The socio-economic, demographic and environmental cost of sheltering more than 1.2 million Rohingyas for such a long time is pushing Bangladesh to the limit, MoFA said.
These forcibly displaced people have aspirations and rights to return to their homeland in a safe and sustainable manner.
"It is the collective responsibility of the international community to find a durable solution to this crisis in its place of origin in Myanmar," MoFA said.
Rohingyas are developing their portable skills, working as volunteers, and their children are attending learning facilities in the Myanmar language following the Myanmar Curriculum in the camps in Bangladesh so that they can retain their cultural identity and smoothly reintegrate into Rakhine society upon return.
Recognising that Rohingya cannot safely return to their homeland of Myanmar under current conditions, the US Embassy in Dhaka said resettlement is another important way in which they demonstrate responsibility sharing and contribute to comprehensive solutions for the plight of Rohingya.
"We applaud the generosity of other countries who are joining this international resettlement effort, and we hope the international community – beyond traditional resettlement countries – joins this important effort," said the Embassy.
Since 2009, the United States has "warmly welcomed" nearly 13,000 Rohingya from the region, including Bangladesh.
"As this crisis enters its seventh year, it is of utmost importance that we persist in exploring all possible options to alleviate or end the suffering of Rohingya refugees throughout the region," said the US Embassy.
25 August marks six years since the Myanmar military's brutal campaign of violence, rape, and murder against Rohingya men, women, and children.
The regime's genocidal actions forced three-quarters of a million Rohingya to flee with the few belongings they could carry.
"The people of Bangladesh welcomed them with open arms, compassion, and a sense of shared humanity. We commend the people of Bangladesh for their generosity and hospitality in continuing to host nearly one million refugees," said the US Embassy.
In response, the international community rallied to support Bangladesh in its efforts.
The American people have contributed more than $2.1 billion since 2017 in response to the humanitarian crisis that unfolded across the region, including more than $1.7 billion in Bangladesh to support Rohingya refugees and the local communities that so generously host them, and we remain steadfast in our support.
Rohingya who continue to find refuge in Bangladesh and other countries in the region have suffered too long.
They deserve an opportunity to return to their homes in safety and dignity, raise their families in peace, and live meaningful and purposeful lives, said the US government.
To that end, the United States said they remain committed to finding solutions to the crisis, justice for its victims, and accountability for the perpetrators of these atrocities, through targeted sanctions, international pressure, and support to the national and international courts taking action against those responsible.
"Until conditions in Myanmar improve, we call upon the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid to one of the world's most vulnerable and marginalized populations," said the US government.
"We must continue to support the Government of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi communities hosting Rohingya," the US said.
As other crises around the world compete for limited resources, the US also said it is increasingly important to identify ways Rohingya can contribute to the economic well-being of their host communities and their own families.
