ZCZC
BSS-62
BANGLADESH-UN-ROHINGYA
Rohingya crisis requires a political solution: Fatima
DHAKA, Sept 16, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has said a political solution is needed for resolving the Rohingya crisis through ensuring safe return of the displaced people to their land of origin in Myanmar.
“The Rohingya crisis requires a political solution, which lies in the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar – by addressing root causes, creating right conditions and holding the wrongdoers accountable,” she said.
She made the remarks while speaking at a discussion on the Rohingya crisis held virtually on Wednesday, a press release said here today.
Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Turkey jointly organized the discussion, titled “Rohingya Crisis in its Fourth Year: Challenges in Securing a Sustainable Solution”.
The virtual discussion featured presentations, remarks, and suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders from the member States, UN, civil society and diaspora.
Nicholas Koumjian, the Head of Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) presented the keynote speech while
Ambassador Bob Rae the Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN moderated the discussion.
Ambassador Fatima said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina showed tremendous courage and compassion, when she decided to open the borders and provide the persecuted Rohingyas with shelter and protection.
She highlighted the current stalemate with the repatriation of the Rohingyas due to Myanmar’s failure to create a conducive environment in Rakhine and expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in the Rakhine State.
Ambassador Fatima urged the International community to fully comprehend the multidimensional repercussions of this protracted crisis and step up their efforts in securing a permanent political solution to the longstanding humanitarian crisis.
Referring to the progress made in the accountability front, Ambassador Fatima called upon Myanmar to fully cooperate with the international investigative and judicial mechanisms, including the IIMM.
She called for a greater role by regional countries, including the ASEAN member States, in addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis.
The other speakers called for immediate attention of the Security Council and other responsible international entities of the UN to this matter, before it becomes a serious regional or global security threat.
Permanent Representatives and delegates of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the EU, the USA, the Netherlands and Indonesia delivered remarks.
Participants included delegates of various member states to the UN, the members of the relevant UN agencies, civil society, academia and media personnel.
BSS/PR/TA/ARS/2152 hrs