Rohingyas want to return home: UN Secretary-General
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Pic: Collected
Cox’s Bazar: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that after decades of discrimination and persecution, Rohingya refugees took refuge in Bangladesh after the genocide in Rakhine State eight years ago. Many have fled in recent times after being subjected to human rights violations. Currently, Bangladesh has sheltered more than 10 lakhs Rohingyas. However, they want to return to Myanmar, because that is their homeland. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes that safe and dignified repatriation is the main solution to this crisis.
He made these remarks while visiting the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on Friday (March 14).
The UN Secretary-General went directly to Ukhiya from the airport. There, he visited the Rohingya Learning Center, the Rohingya Cultural Center and the jute products production center. Earlier, he arrived in Cox's Bazar on a Bangladesh Biman flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1 pm. He was accompanied by the Interim Government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
After visiting the refugee camps, Guterres said, "I have met many Rohingya today and am inspired by their courage. I am deeply moved by their determination."
Guterres said, "All parties in Myanmar must exercise restraint. They must ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is important that no sectarian tensions or violence escalate."
He added, "We must continue to support the Rohingya until the conflict and systemic oppression in Rakhine State end."
Guterres warned, "If the humanitarian budget is cut, it will be a terrible disaster. People will suffer, even die." He added, "The people of Bangladesh have provided enormous support to the Rohingya. They have shared their land, forests, water and limited resources. Now is the time for the international community to step up."
Guterres noted, "When I was in Cox's Bazar in 2018, I saw that the Rohingya camps were still facing a climate crisis. There was extreme heat in the summer, floods and landslides in the monsoon, destroying homes. People need not only food assistance, but also education and skills development."
The UN's humanitarian and development agencies are currently suffering from budget constraints, which are feared to have a direct impact on the lives of the Rohingya.
The UN Secretary-General said, "Solutions must be found in Myanmar. We will not give up until the conditions are suitable for the safe repatriation of refugees. Until then, I call on the international community to take urgent action."