Noman Sabit: Ambassador Muhith sought international community’s support in implementing the Rohingya pilot repatriation project of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. The UN, ASEAN and regional countries are called upon to support the pilot project for the repatriation of the Rohingya and to help the repatriated Rohingya reintegrate into Myanmar society. Ambassador Mohammad Abdul Muhit, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh appointed to the United Nations, made this call while addressing a high-level meeting held on the Rohingyas in the Security Council on Friday (May 19) local time. This important meeting was held at the initiative of the United Kingdom, one of the permanent members of the Security Council.
Referring to the recent dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Ambassador Muhith informed the Security Council that the two sides have decided to undertake a pilot repatriation project under which a group of verified Myanmar nationals will return to Myanmar in the first batch. The repatriation will continue and additional Rohingyas will be repatriated in successive batches. He further informed that a group of 20 Rohingya visited Rakhine State on 5 May 2023 to see arrangements made in Myanmar for their return.
Citing the pilot project as an important step in the right direction, the Permanent Representative said that Bangladesh is taking all measures to ensure the voluntary return of the Rohingyas in family units. Ambassador Muhith called upon the international community to remain vigilant so that the returnees under pilot project are not exposed to further persecution.“The presence of humanitarian and development actors in the Rakhine will act as an important confidence building measure. We also urge the regional countries to support the returnees and help them reintegrate in Myanmar society,” he added.
The meeting held in in-person format was participated by all Security Council members and a large number of member States from the ASEAN.
The Council members discussed the current humanitarian challenges in Myanmar including in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. They also expressed support for the efforts of ASEAN in addressing the multifaceted challenges of Myanmar. On the Rohingya issue, the majority of the members expressed support for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar, while calling upon Myanmar to improve the condition in Rakhine.
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