UNB, Dhaka :
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Tuesday stressed the importance of Rohingyas’ returns meeting the international standards saying that they are willing to be part of these talks on repatriation.
“To ensure that the refugees are heard and their protection guaranteed in Bangladesh and on return in Myanmar, we are willing to be part of these discussions,” said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic at a press briefing in Geneva. Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday signed a document on ‘Physical Arrangement’ which will facilitate return of Rohingays to their homeland from Bangladesh. The ‘Physical Arrangement’ stipulates that the repatriation will be completed preferably within two years from the commencement of repatriation.
Mahecic said, UNHCR understands that discussions between Bangladesh and Myanmar focused on the modalities for the return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. “In any such situation, UNHCR hopes that refugees will be able to return home when they themselves choose to,” said the Spokesperson.
Before considering return to Myanmar, Mahecic said, some Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have informed UNHCR staff that they will need to see positive developments in relation to their legal status and citizenship, the security situation in Rakhine State, and their ability to enjoy basic rights back home.
The UNHCR official said, major challenges have to be overcome and these include
ensuring that refugees are informed about the situation in their areas of origin and potential return and consulted on their wishes.
Their safety needs to be ensured throughout – on departure, in transit and on return; and that the environment in the areas of return is conducive to safe and sustainable return, Mahecic added.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Tuesday stressed the importance of Rohingyas’ returns meeting the international standards saying that they are willing to be part of these talks on repatriation.
“To ensure that the refugees are heard and their protection guaranteed in Bangladesh and on return in Myanmar, we are willing to be part of these discussions,” said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic at a press briefing in Geneva. Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday signed a document on ‘Physical Arrangement’ which will facilitate return of Rohingays to their homeland from Bangladesh. The ‘Physical Arrangement’ stipulates that the repatriation will be completed preferably within two years from the commencement of repatriation.
Mahecic said, UNHCR understands that discussions between Bangladesh and Myanmar focused on the modalities for the return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. “In any such situation, UNHCR hopes that refugees will be able to return home when they themselves choose to,” said the Spokesperson.
Before considering return to Myanmar, Mahecic said, some Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have informed UNHCR staff that they will need to see positive developments in relation to their legal status and citizenship, the security situation in Rakhine State, and their ability to enjoy basic rights back home.
The UNHCR official said, major challenges have to be overcome and these include
ensuring that refugees are informed about the situation in their areas of origin and potential return and consulted on their wishes.
Their safety needs to be ensured throughout – on departure, in transit and on return; and that the environment in the areas of return is conducive to safe and sustainable return, Mahecic added.
