United Nations adopts resolution on Rohingyas

Calling upon Myanmar to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis_ The United Nations has adopted a resolution by consensus.

The resolution on  The situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar was jointly tabled by the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union_ according to a press release by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations_ New York.

 The adoption of the Rohingya resolution_ for the first time by consensus_ demonstrates the international community s strong resolve to end this crisis_ said Ambassador Rabab Fatima_ permanent representative of Bangladesh to the UN.

The member states commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting the Rohingyas_ for providing humanitarian assistance to them_ and also for including them in the national COVID-19 vaccination drive.

The resolution also recognised the government s efforts and investments in building the facilities in Bhasan Char for relocation of a portion of the Rohingyas from the congested camps_ and in this regard_ also welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed by Bangladesh with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The primary focus of the resolution was the human rights situation of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar_ including in the context of the declaration of state of emergency on Feb 1_ 2021.

It called upon Myanmar to address the root causes of the crisis_ fulfil its obligations under the bilateral agreements with Bangladesh_ and cooperate fully with the special envoy of the secretary general on Myanmar and all the human rights mechanisms of the UN_ among others. The resolution also maintained its strong focus on the ongoing justice and accountability processes.

The resolution also welcomed the appointment of the new special envoy of the secretary general on Myanmar and requested a work plan for her engagements in Myanmar. It also called for renewal and effective implementation of the MoU between Myanmar and UNHCR and UNDP in an effort to create conducive environment in the Rakhine state of Myanmar.

 The prime minister of Bangladesh_ her excellency Sheikh Hasina opened the borders in 2017 for the Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration.  Regrettably Myanmar s failure to create conditions conducive for the voluntary_ safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas_ has created a protracted situation in Bangladesh said Ambassador Fatima.

She highlighted the growing desperation of the Rohingyas with no progress in repatriation that led to several security concerns and cause of instability for the entire region.

 This resolution should now serve as an impetus for real action in achieving a durable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis through their safe and dignified return to their homeland in Myanmar.

A total of 107 countries co-sponsored the resolution_ the highest since 2017. Apart from the member states of EU & OIC_ the resolution received significant cross-regional support_ with co-sponsorship from USA_ Canada_ Mexico_ Argentina_ Australia_ New Zealand_ Switzerland_ Japan_ Republic of Korea_ among others.

 The adoption of the resolution today with a strong mandate will bring hope to the Rohingyas that they have not been forgotten_ Fatima said.