UN Human Rights Council Calls for Early Repatriation of Rohingyas

At the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, a resolution concerning the Rohingyas was approved by a unanimous vote.

It emphasized the necessity for a long-term resolution to the Rohingya crisis by fostering a favorable environment for repatriation in Rakhine, Myanmar, and by guaranteeing justice and accountability for the victims of persecution.

The resolution titled "Human Rights Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities of Myanmar" was tabled by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

After lengthy negotiations in which the Bangladesh delegation significantly contributed, this was approved without a vote, said a media release.

In the context of the unstable political situation and uncertainties prevailing in Myanmar, there were divergences among the UN member states on various aspects of the resolution.

Against the opinion that repatriation is not possible until the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar is resolved, was the other view that repatriation needs to be started at the earliest on the ground of prolonged uncertainty and associated risks.

The resolution praised the government of Bangladesh for continuing to provide temporary shelter to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite enourmous challenges.

It expressed concern over the increasing level of frustration of the Rohingyas and associated spill-over effects ensued from the long-standing uncertainty over repatriation and emphasized the need for sustainable and voluntary repatriation.

It discussed the 'go-and-see visit' to Rakhine by a group of Rohingya representatives to ascertain conditions for return and to create more confidence among them.

The resolution also called for increased international cooperation in the context of the gradually decreasing and inadequate funds for humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.

The resolution highlighted the need for international accountability of atrocities committed on the Rohingyas.

It expressed support for the ongoing judicial process at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.

Source: UNB