The United Nations has urged the international community to step up and share responsibility noting that recent developments in Myanmar make the prospects of voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to their ancestral homes in the short term more challenging. The UNHCR Assistant High Commissioners for Protection and for Operations — Gillian Triggs and Raouf Mazou — wrapped up their four-day visit on Wednesday and called for international support and solidarity with Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh.
UNHCR called on the international community to continue to support the government of Bangladesh which has taken on a huge responsibility in hosting almost 1 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world. While Bangladesh has shown humanity and solidarity, in line with the guiding principles of the Global Compact on Refugees, the international community must fulfil its obligation to share responsibility, and to protect refugees and support the host.
Throughout the visit, the UNHCR reiterated their sincere appreciation of the government and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian spirit and generous hospitality towards Rohingya refugees as they sought protection from violence and persecution in Myanmar over decades. They also reiterated the urgent need to continue working towards comprehensive solutions, including the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
UNHCR has advocated for essential protection services for the most vulnerable, including women and children who are particularly exposed to gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation, early marriage and child labour. The UN body recognised the potential that Bhasan Char could provide an alternative temporary location for some Rohingya refugees while in Bangladesh.
On our part we appreciate the humanitarian concern and help of the international community under the UN initiative. Myanmar army is to savage a force that grew over long years. The army has become a brutal killing machine of its own people. Myanmar army must be challenged with force against force. In many third world countries army has become a threat to its own people. They do not have to fight outside enemies.
