UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted an annual resolution on the situation of human rights of Rohingya refugees and other minorities in Myanmar by consensus while recognising Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya.

The resolution_ jointly tabled by the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union (EU)_ was co-sponsored by 109 countries_ the highest number of countries since 2017_ the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York said in a statement.

The resolution expressed solidarity with Bangladesh and recognised the country's humanitarian efforts_ and its continued cooperation with the ICC_ IIMM and other accountability mechanisms towards ensuring justice and accountability for the human rights violations against the Rohingya refugees in Myanmar_ according to the statement.

The member states have also been urged to continue their humanitarian support to the Rohingya living in Bangladesh in the 'spirit of responsibility and burden sharing'.

'Pending their return_ the Rohingya living in the camps deserve the solidarity of the international community. The humanitarian response plan needs to be adequately funded_' said Bangladesh's Charge de Affairs Md Monwar Hossain during the adoption of the resolution.

He also expressed appreciation to OIC and the EU for their leadership on this important human rights issue.

'While we provided shelter to the fleeing Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration_ they were always meant to return to Myanmar. To that end_ we have taken multi-pronged diplomatic efforts- both at the bilateral and multilateral fronts with a view to improving the conditions in Myanmar and facilitating their safe_ voluntary and sustainable return_' Monwar Hossain said.

The primary focus of the resolution was the human rights situation of the Rohingya refugees and other minorities in Myanmar_ including in the context of present political developments. The United Nation called upon Myanmar to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and create a conducive environment in Rakhine to facilitate the voluntary_ safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.

The resolution also called upon Myanmar to cooperate fully with the special envoy of the UN secretary-general on Myanmar and all the human rights mechanisms of the UN. It recognised the important role of the regional countries and the regional organisations_ such as ASEAN in addressing the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar_ and called for swift implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus.

The resolution noted the ongoing justice and accountability processes and welcomed the developments in the case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice and the investigation by the Prosecution of the International Criminal Court.