Staff Reporter :
The United Nations (UN) has sought clarification about the modalities of potential relocation of Rohingya people to Bhasan Char.
“We are seeking clarification about the modalities of relocations, the living conditions that will be provided and the basic rights and services the refugees will have access if they are relocated to Bhasan Char.” It said.
“It is an appreciable effort of Bangladesh to relocate Rohingyas from Cox’s Bazar to Bhasan Char which would reduce the overcrowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar,” the UN in Bangladesh said in a press statement on Monday.
The Bangladesh government has said that it plans to relocate Rohingya people of over 1.1 million temporarily settled in Cox’s Bazar district after arriving from Myanmar since August 25, 2017 for security reasons.
The UN is also seeking clarification on issues of governance and access to that the UN and partners will build in the island.
The UN’s position is to “engage constructively” with the government of Bangladesh on Bhasan Char.
“We’re discussing with the Government the critical protection and operational issues that should be considered before any relocation takes place in order to ensure that refugees would be able to live in safe and sustainable living conditions on Bhasan Char,” the statement reads.
The UN said the viability of any Rohingya peeple’s relocation to Bhasan Char and the possibility of establishing a humanitarian response operation on the island would require thorough assessments including technical assessments of the island and careful planning. “We’re also examining the potential operational implication of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including the requirements, time frames and costs involved in providing services,” reads the UN statement.
The UN considers that any relocation to Bhasan Char “must be on a voluntary basis.”
The UN said that Rohingya people should have relevant, accurate and timely information on the project from the government, so that they can make free and reasonable decisions.
The views and concerns of refugees must be heard and addressed as part of the consultative process, reads the statement on the potential transportation of Rohingyas by the government of Bangladesh in Bhasan Char.
