Ukhiya, Sept 3 (V7N) — A high-level delegation from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), comprising both current and former lawmakers from Southeast Asia, visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday to assess the ongoing humanitarian situation and discuss possible solutions to the prolonged crisis.
 
The eight-member delegation, led by former Malaysian MP Charles Santiago, arrived at Camp 16 in the morning and held meetings with newly elected representatives of the Rohingya Consultative Council. During the discussion, Council President Syed Ullah emphasized the urgency of securing international cooperation to facilitate the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees and to advocate for the release of Rohingyas detained in various countries, including Malaysia.
 
"The support of ASEAN countries and the broader international community is crucial in resolving this crisis and ensuring the fundamental rights of the Rohingya people," said Syed Ullah, urging ASEAN to intensify diplomatic efforts in both Myanmar and relevant host countries.
 
The delegation included Malaysian MP Wong Chen, Thai MP Rangsiman Rome, former Philippine MP Raoul Manuel, and other APHR representatives. During the visit, they toured the camp, interacted with Rohingya women and youth leaders, and visited the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre at Camp 18.
 
On Monday, the APHR delegation met with Mizanur Rahman, Bangladesh's Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), and held consultations with representatives of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations working in the camps. The focus of these discussions centered on the ongoing challenges in service delivery, security concerns within the camps, and the need for a renewed global commitment to a long-term solution for the Rohingya people.
 
The delegation is scheduled to return to Dhaka on September 3, where they will meet with Nobel Laureate and Grameen Bank founder Dr. Muhammad Yunus to further discuss the humanitarian and geopolitical implications of the Rohingya crisis.
 
Over 1 million Rohingya currently reside in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar after fleeing military persecution in Myanmar, particularly during the violent crackdown in 2017. Despite international condemnation, efforts to repatriate the population have faced repeated setbacks due to security concerns, lack of citizenship rights in Myanmar, and ongoing instability in Rakhine State.
 
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