During an Open Briefing on Myanmar held by the Maltese presidency at the UN Security Council, Bangladesh's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad A Muhith, emphasized the ongoing risks faced by Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State due to the renewed armed conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army.
Ambassador Muhith underscored that the recent escalation in Rakhine has hampered the pace of Rohingya repatriation, which remains the ultimate solution to the crisis. He urged Myanmar to demonstrate genuine political will and cooperate with Bangladesh for the implementation of bilateral arrangements for repatriation signed in 2017 and 2018.
He called for meaningful engagement of the international community, especially regional organizations and neighboring countries, to restore peace and stability in Rakhine and support the reintegration of future returnees. Ambassador Muhith stressed the importance of addressing underlying root causes of vulnerability among the Rohingya, including Myanmar's discriminatory legal and political framework.
Referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2669, Ambassador Muhith highlighted the need for creating a conducive environment in Rakhine, ensuring accountability for crimes committed against Rohingya Muslims, and timely implementation of key agreements and recommendations.
He emphasized the significance of international support in creating a sustainable environment for Rohingya reintegration into Myanmar society. Ambassador Muhith also called for the council's attention and meaningful action to attain a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, considering the negative impact on Bangladesh due to the protracted presence of Rohingya refugees.
Other speakers at the briefing expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflict and violence in Myanmar and called upon authorities to address the root causes of the conflict in Rakhine. They commended Bangladesh for its humanitarian leadership in sheltering Rohingya refugees and urged others to support the humanitarian response in Cox's Bazar until the displaced Rohingya could return.
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