EU wants Rohingya’s safe, dignified return to Rakhine

 

Rohingya refugees walk after crossing the Naf river at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Palong Khali, near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh November 1, 2017.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides today said EU wanted “safe and dignified” return of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar as he called on foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali at his office.

“Of course, I hope the Rohingyas will be able to return soon in a safe and dignified way in Myanmar's Rakhine State,” he told a media briefing emerging from the meeting with Ali at the State Guest House Padma this afternoon.

Stylianides, who earlier, described the Rohingya crisis as the world's “fastest-growing crisis” while visiting their makeshift abodes in Cox's Bazar, today stressed the need for political solution of Rohingya crisis through Bangladesh's continued engagement with Myanmar as the crisis originated there.

He said the two governments should continue to engage in dialogue to discuss a lot about the issue as “this is the only way to ensure safe and dignified return of Rohingya people in their homes.”

Stylianides described the state of humanitarian and human rights violation in Myanmar's Rakhine State as “beyond imagination” adding that the EU and international community expressed serious concerns over situation in Rakhine state.

He, however, said EU would expand its support for Bangladesh for the cause of forcibly displaced Rohingyas while acknowledging problems caused by the massive exodus of Rohingyas since August 25.

“I am visiting Bangladesh to send a strong message that EU stands with Bangladesh in this difficult time,” he said.

The EU Commissioner thanked the government and the people of Bangladesh for giving shelter to the distressed Rohingyas and deeply appreciated Bangladesh's humanity and generosity.

Earlier, in the meeting the foreign minister briefed the EU Commissioner about the current situation regarding influx of Rohingyas and apprised that over one million Rohingyas are now living in Bangladesh.

He also mentioned the presence of this huge number of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals created massive socio-economic and environmental challenge for Bangladesh.

The foreign minister also sought EU's sustained political support so a sustainable solution to the crisis could be reached in light of the recommendations of Kofi Annan Commission.

The European Commissioner arrived in the city from Cox's Bazar today after visiting the Rohingya camps where the forcibly displaced Myanmar Nationals have taken shelter.