UNB, London :
Commonwealth member countries on Friday have called for a halt to all violence, restoration of normality and accountability of the perpetrators for gross violations of human rights in northern Rakhaine state of Myanmar through an independent investigation.
The heads of governments of the commonwealth states made the call in a joint communique unanimously adopted on the concluding day of the 25th CHOGM summit here.
According to the joint communique, the member states called for sustainable return of all displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their rightful homes in Myanmar under UNHCR oversight. Besides, leaders of the member states called for creation of necessary conditions for their sustainable return in safety, security and dignity.
Praising the role of Bangladesh over the Rohingya issue, the Commonwealth leaders expressed full solidarity with the government and the people of Bangladesh affected by the influx of Rohingyas, the joint communique added.
It said, the leaders of the 53-country organisations commended Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for providing shelter to the distressed humanity facing an existential threat.
Heads of government also stressed actions to address the root causes of the current crisis, including through immediate implementation of the Koffi Annan Commission recommendation.
The leaders noted the general agreement and agreements reached between Bangladesh and Myanmar as a beginning towards sustainable return of the Rohingyas and their reintegration into Myanmar society as equal members.
Opposing the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances, the communique said heads of the member states expressed commitment to strengthening the effective implementation of the chemical weapons convention. The leaders reiterated their pledge to strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regime against the spread and use of chemical weapons, it said. Besides, they underlined the importance of timely investigation and stressed that the conduct of all investigations of any alleged use of chemical weapons must be in accordance with the provisions of the convention.
The heads of government also condemned violent extremism in all its forms, expressed their continued support of the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism.
