US will continue to stand by Bangladesh on Rohingya crisis: Sergio Gor
Rohingyas urged the international community to ensure their safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar during the US delegation's visit to the camps.
Highlights
- US pledges continued support for Bangladesh on Rohingya crisis
- Sergio Gor led a 14-member US delegation to Cox's Bazar
- US remains the largest donor for the Rohingya response
- Delegation visited camps, hospital, registration and food distribution centres
- Rohingyas demanded safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar
- Delegation praised Bangladesh's management of the Rohingya humanitarian response
The United States will continue to stand by Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis, as it has since the beginning of the humanitarian emergency, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor has assured.
The pledge was conveyed during Gor's visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar today (31 July), according to Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
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The 14-member high-level US delegation, led by Sergio Gor and accompanied by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, arrived at Cox's Bazar Airport at around 12pm before visiting several Rohingya camps in Ukhiya.
Although members of the delegation did not speak to the media during the visit, RRRC Mizanur Rahman briefed journalists afterwards.
He said international assistance for the Rohingya response has declined significantly in recent years, making the visit particularly encouraging.
"The United States has been the largest donor country since the beginning of the Rohingya crisis. The delegation came to see firsthand how US assistance is being utilised in supporting the Rohingyas," he said, adding that the delegation expressed satisfaction with Bangladesh's overall management of the humanitarian response.
The delegation first visited the 8-West Rohingya camp in Ukhiya at around 2pm, where members observed the camp from a watchtower for nearly 20 minutes.
They later visited a hospital operated by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society at Camp-6 and spoke with patients, doctors and nurses about healthcare services in the camps.
At around 3:30pm, the delegation visited a registration centre operated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at Camp-4, where they reviewed registration activities and met with officials.
Later, members of the delegation visited a food distribution centre run by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) at Camp-4 Extension. They observed food distribution operations and interacted with Rohingya refugees and WFP officials.
Following the field visits, the delegation held a meeting with the RRRC and other officials at Ukhiya in the late afternoon to discuss the overall Rohingya response.
Meanwhile, Rohingyas gathered along the roadside carrying placards to press their demands for voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar under the supervision of the United Nations and the international community.
They said they were willing to return to their homeland if their safety, dignity and rights could be guaranteed.
The US delegation departed Cox's Bazar for Dhaka in the evening after concluding its visit.
