New York, Sep 24 (V7N)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a sustainable solution to the prolonged Rohingya crisis, urging the international community to take effective and coordinated steps to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
He made the call on Wednesday (September 23) at a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The meeting, titled “The Rohingya Crisis: A Renewed Call for a Durable Solution from Protracted Displacement, with Justice and Accountability,” was co-convened by Bangladesh and The Gambia, with representatives from several countries and international organisations taking part.
Tarique stressed that the prolonged displacement of the Rohingya people cannot be resolved through humanitarian assistance alone. He called for efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and create conditions conducive to their safe and dignified return.
The prime minister urged international and regional stakeholders to establish a clear and credible roadmap for early, safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
He also called for continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh, while emphasising the need for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the repatriation process.
Tarique underscored the importance of protecting the fundamental rights and security of Rohingyas in Myanmar, saying conditions must be created to restore their confidence in returning to their homeland.
He also stressed the need for justice and accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya people, while calling for continued international support for relevant justice and investigative mechanisms.
More than 1.2 million Rohingyas are currently being sheltered in Bangladesh, according to recent reporting on the UN meeting. Bangladesh has repeatedly called for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar as a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Rohingya crisis remains a major focus of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s engagements during his visit to New York, where he is attending the 81st UN General Assembly and is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24.
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