Rohingya crisis needs a political solution from Myanmar

The Rohingya crisis requires a political solution that lies in the repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar by addressing root causes, creating right conditions and holding the wrongdoers accountable, Ambassador Rabab Fatima, permanent representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a virtual discussion on the Rohingya issue at the UN in New York, she urged the International community to fully comprehend the multidimensional repercussions of this protracted crisis and step up their efforts in securing a permanent political solution to the longstanding humanitarian disaster.

The discussion, titled “Rohingya Crisis in its Fourth Year: Challenges in Securing a Sustainable Solution,” was jointly organized by the permanent missions of Bangladesh, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 

The virtual discussion featured presentations, remarks, and suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders from the member states, UN, civil society and diaspora, according to the Bangladesh permanent mission.

Nicholas Koumjian, head of Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM), presented the keynote speech and Ambassador Bob Rae, permanent representative of Canada to the UN, moderated the discussion.

Also read- UN: Myanmar fails to resolve Rohingya crisis

The speakers included the legal adviser of the Ministry of Justice of The Gambia, Pramila Patten, special representative of the UN secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict, Ruven Menikdiwela, Director of UNHCR, Dr Payam Akhavan, legal counsel for The Gambia in the ICJ Case, Dr Simon Adams, executive director of Global Centre for R2P, Akila Radhakrishnan, president of Global Justice Center and Dr Wakar Uddin, director general of Arakan Rohingya Union.

Permanent representatives and delegates of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sweden, United Kingdom, European Union, United States of America, the Netherlands and Indonesia delivered remarks.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Rabab Fatima highlighted the current stalemate with the repatriation of the Rohingyas due to Myanmar’s failure to create conducive environment in Rakhine and expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in the Rakhine State.

Referring to the progress made in the accountability front, she called upon Myanmar to fully cooperate with the international investigative and judicial mechanisms including the IIMM, and ensure redress to the victims of the atrocity crimes. 

She also called for greater role by regional countries, including the ASEAN member States, in addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis.

Also read- Myanmar troops at border: Bangladesh prepared for any situation

In his keynote presentation, the IIMM head described his efforts to reach out to all stakeholders including the Myanmar authorities for collection of information and evidence related to the human rights violations that have been committed in Myanmar since 2011. 

He called upon the member states that are sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingyas to share information in their possession, and help IIMM fulfill its mandate.

Ambassador Bob Rae reiterated his government’s consistent prioritization of the Rohingya issue and support to the accountability processes, including with the proceedings at the International Court of Justice. He also called for greater international support for humanitarian and political solution to this crisis.

The ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Turkey commended Bangladesh for bearing the burden of hosting such a large number of Rohingyas in its territory and assured of full humanitarian and political support towards its early resolution.

The UK ambassador recognized the importance of accountability for grave crimes including crimes of sexual violence against Rohingya women. The EU ambassador emphasised on implementation of the recommendations of Rakhine Advisory Commission.

The other speakers expressed their continued concern at the lack of progress in Myanmar, resulting in increased frustration among the Rohingya people living in Bangladesh camps. They also opined that the success in accountability tracks would contribute in building confidence among the displaced Rohingyas and secure their peaceful and dignified future. 

They called upon member states to extend cooperation in the ongoing investigation and other legal processes in respect of crime against humanity and other international crimes committed against the Rohingya.

There was urgent appeal from diaspora representative to recognize the root causes including gradual disenfranchisement of the Rohingyas in Myanmar through citizenship law and other statutory provisions. 

Some speakers expressed further concerns at the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine which reportedly could end up in further human rights violations of the remaining Rohingyas. They called for immediate attention of the UN Security Council and other responsible international entities of the global body to this matter, before it becomes a serious regional or global security threat.

The participants included delegates of various member states of the UN, members of the relevant UN agencies, civil society, academia and media personnel.