Rohingyas have urged the international community to take concrete steps to create conditions for their safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.
The demand was made at a human chain and rally organised by the United Council of Rohingya (UCR) in front of its temporary office at Camp 15 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday, ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
Rohingya leaders said they have spent nearly nine years in displacement in Bangladesh, while international efforts have yet to produce a lasting solution to the crisis. They called for a specific, credible and time-bound roadmap for repatriation instead of continued promises and expressions of solidarity.
They said the crisis originated in Myanmar and must ultimately be resolved there. Before repatriation, Myanmar must ensure security, fundamental rights, freedom of movement and dignified living conditions for Rohingyas, they said.
UCR founding president Maulvi Saeed Ullah said keeping Rohingyas in camps indefinitely would not solve the crisis. Other speakers urged the UN and world leaders to strengthen efforts to end violence and persecution, ensure justice and accountability, and maintain humanitarian assistance.
The speakers also called for international guarantees that the persecution that forced Rohingyas to flee Myanmar would not be repeated.
They said Rohingyas do not want to remain refugees permanently and want to return to their homeland with security, freedom and dignity.
- AHSU/MaT