ZCZC
BSS-38
FM-UNHCR
UNHCR urged to put utmost efforts for Rohingya’s repatriation
DHAKA, Jan 21, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today urged UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to put its utmost efforts for the early repatriation of the Rohingyas with dignity and safety.
The foreign minister made the call when newly appointed Country Representative UNHCR in Bangladesh Steven Corliss presented his credentials to him this afternoon.
Highlighting on the Prime Minister’s three points proposal during the last UN General Assembly and the recommendations of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar and the Kofi Annan Commission, Dr Momen urged the UNHCR representative to emphasize on addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis.
The foreign minister stated that the protracted presence of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh might threaten the peace and stability of the region and beyond.
He termed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision of hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas inside Bangladesh as courageous.
The foreign minister assured of full support to the UNHCR, mentioning that UNHCR is a very credible organization.
Steven Corliss mentioned that during his visit to Cox’s Bazar, the Rohingyas he met all wanted to go back to their country. He emphasized on sustainability of the return of the Rohingyas.
Corliss served as the Special Adviser to the High Commissioner on Internal Displacement at the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva before assuming the charges in Dhaka.
BSS/PR/TA/KU/1934 HRS