THE US has condemned Myanmar’s inaction in creating conditions conducive to a voluntary, safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas. Following the recent visit of two top US officials to Bangladesh, the US underscored that it would continue its efforts to bring an end to the refugee crisis. We applauded the US for its statement while Bangladesh tried to seek global attention to the regional crisis. Acting Assistant Secretary of the State Alice G Wells stressed that the solution to the Rohingya refugee crisis lays in Myanmar and condemned the inaction by Myanmar authorities to create conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified returns. She stressed that the US would continue its bilateral and multilateral efforts to bring a conclusion to the crisis.
Though Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a bilateral agreement on repatriation more than two years ago, the Rohingyas did not show any interest to return to their homes in the two efforts. Rather, they claimed that conditions in Rakhine are not conducive to a safe and sustainable return. In July this year, the US slapped sanctions on Myanmar military’s Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing and other leaders for the perpetrating extrajudicial killings of Rohingyas. Apart from diplomatic effort, the US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance providing more than $669 million since the escalation of violence in August 2017. In October, five New York City senators asked for more pressure on Myanmar for safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
What’s is frustrating is that global leaders except providing humanitarian aid did nothing for the reestablishment of the Rohingya Muslims’ right sending them to their ancestral land Rakhine with ensuring their citizenship. We think only global leaders’ efforts to mount pressure on Myanmar would ensure a sustainable and dignified solution to the crisis. As their engagement is a must, Bangladesh should put the diplomatic process as its top prioritized task.
Though Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a bilateral agreement on repatriation more than two years ago, the Rohingyas did not show any interest to return to their homes in the two efforts. Rather, they claimed that conditions in Rakhine are not conducive to a safe and sustainable return. In July this year, the US slapped sanctions on Myanmar military’s Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing and other leaders for the perpetrating extrajudicial killings of Rohingyas. Apart from diplomatic effort, the US is the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance providing more than $669 million since the escalation of violence in August 2017. In October, five New York City senators asked for more pressure on Myanmar for safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
What’s is frustrating is that global leaders except providing humanitarian aid did nothing for the reestablishment of the Rohingya Muslims’ right sending them to their ancestral land Rakhine with ensuring their citizenship. We think only global leaders’ efforts to mount pressure on Myanmar would ensure a sustainable and dignified solution to the crisis. As their engagement is a must, Bangladesh should put the diplomatic process as its top prioritized task.
