ZCZC
BSS-35
BANGLADESH-US-ROHINGYA
USA for continuing to press Myanmar for Rohingya return
DHAKA, Aug 25, 2020 (BSS) – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller has said international community must continue to press Myanmar to establish conditions to allow for safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh.
“This should continue to be a priority, in my view, even in the context of COVID, to prepare Rohingya for voluntary repatriation to Burma (Myanmar) once conditions allow,” he said.
The US ambassador was speaking at a virtual discussion on Monday organized by the North South University here on the eve of the third anniversary of the current Rohingya refugee crisis.
Beyond Bangladesh’s borders, the envoy said, it is also up to the international community to take action. “Such action must take place in New York, Geneva, The Hague, and here in the region,” he added.
Miller said Rohingya repatriation will also reduce the risk of radicalization, criminality, and other anti-social behavior in the region.
“We must continue to press Burma to respect human rights, allow unhindered humanitarian access, adhere to the ceasefire, and engage in political dialogue to pursue peace,” he said.
He said the US would continue to be a leader in providing humanitarian assistance, applying diplomatic pressure, and serving as a catalyst in the regional and global response to the Rohingya crisis.
Miller said the US has taken strong action to promote justice for Rohingya victims and accountability for those responsible while it appreciates the sustained commitment of Australia, Canada, The Gambia, and the European Union, in particular, to hold perpetrators to account.
He highly lauded Bangladesh’s generous role, saying that it has set an example for the world of humanity and decency by opening its heart and borders to almost one million displaced Rohingya.
“When you visit the Rohingya camps you can be heartbroken by the inhumanity in Burma that caused this crisis. But one can also be inspired by Bangladesh’s response and the nations that support you,” Miller said.
The US ambassador described about the USA’s humanitarian support responding to the crisis though he reminded that “resolving this crisis is more than just humanitarian assistance”.
The United States is the leading single contributor of humanitarian assistance in response to the Rohingya crisis, providing more than $951 million since the escalation of violence in August 2017, nearly $799 million for programs inside Bangladesh.
More than $22 million is for COVID-19 prevention efforts in Bangladesh, including in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee camps.
BSS/ASG/TA/GA/1628 hrs