President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly Volkan Bozkir has reiterated his call on the military authorities to grant the UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener access to Myanmar to assess the situation first-hand under agreeable conditions while fostering the conditions for a frank and open dialogue.
“The world has not given up on Myanmar. We have not forgotten the plight of the Rohingya people,” he said during his visit to Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday.
The UNGA President, who paid an official visit to Bangladesh on May 25-26 upon invitation of the government, said the United Nations General Assembly is determined to ensure a better future for the Rohingya people.
He called on all leaders to act in the interest of Myanmar’s democratic reform, engage in meaningful dialogue, refrain from violence and to fully respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
Bozkir said voluntary, dignified and safe return is the ultimate goal however the humanitarian need in Myanmar is increasing.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas while in Rakhine State today there is an estimated 600,000 stateless Rohingya, of which some 144,000 are living in 21 displacement camps as well as among the host community since 2012.
“We must not forget the order of the International Court of Justice in 2020 that everything possible should be done to prevent a genocide against the Rohingya,” he said.
The UNGA said the safety and security of the Rohingya and other minorities must be secured. “Their basic rights, including the right to full citizenship, freedom of movement, and the creation of conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of all Rohingya refugees and IDPs, must be respected.”
