ROHINGYA CRISIS
UN doesnt see immediate solution
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The United Nations (UN) does not see any immediate resolution to the protracted Rohingya crisis, its outgoing envoy to Bangladesh said yesterday, admitting the global bodys failure to pass a resolution on the problem at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Therefore, he laid emphasis on the mid-term to long-term planning to look after the hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas, who had to flee their homes in Rakhine due to the atrocities
committed by the Myanmar security forces and local Buddhist mobs.
I dont think anyone is optimistic that the problem will be solved soon. It has already been a long-term problem, UN resident coordinator in Dhaka Robert D. Watkins told a programme styled DCAB Talk organised by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh at a hotel in the capital. He also talked about the next general election, neutrality of the institutions related to polls, pressure on media, governance and violent extremism.
You have seen the best of the UN in responding the Rohingya crisis. This is the latest episode of the 30 year-old problem. Arrival of some 700,000 people in two months is something very rarely heard of. We have done our best. But, there are lot more to be done, said Watkins, flanked by DCAB president Rezaul Karim Lotus and general secretary Pantho Rahman.
However, he said, We have not been able to pass a resolution at the UNSC. We have not been able to reach a consensus.
To a question on the vetoing power of five permanent members, he acknowledged that there are widespread opinions with regard to making the current UN system more reflective.
The envoy also said that the Myanmar government has been blocking the humanitarian activities of the UN agencies and other international organisations.
Placing emphasis on solving the problem once and for all, he said that the solution to the crisis lies in Myanmar and that Rohingyas should be allowed to return to their original homes even if those were affected by the violence.
There need to be a safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas, he noted, stressing the need for working on addressing the deep-rooted hatred against Rohingyas as well as ensuring adequate funding to look after the persecuted people sheltered in Coxs Bazar.
To a question, Watkins expressed the UNs willingness to get involved in the repatriation process, saying that it would provide the process legitimacy. Replying to questions, he said that the UN cannot intervene directly in Myanmar and that the UN peacekeeping may be a part of the solution. When asked for comments about Myanmars accusation that Bangladesh is delaying the repatriation process due to fund, the UN diplomat said that Bangladesh wants the repatriation more than anybody else.
No country wants such problems, he added.
Profusely praising Bangladesh for generously hosting the Rohingyas, Watkins said that there has been sacrifice with regard to environment in one of the most beautiful places of the country as deforestation is being needed to shelter the Rohingyas. About the upcoming election, the resident coordinator hoped that the polls will be inclusive and said that signs were good.
He talked about the UN engagements with government institutions especially the Election Commission and political parties to have free, fair and transparent election reflecting the will of the people. The neutrality of all the institutions related to election has to be ensured and the UN believes in fully functioning democracy in the country, he added.
Watkins said that the UN is aware of the pressure on the media and it conveys its messages to the origins of such pressure.
You will have to be able to say what you want to say. At the same time, you will have to be held accountable, he said, reminding the important role of media in democracy.
On violent extremism, the coordinator said that this phenomenon is unlikely to disappear from Bangladesh soon. Lauding the efforts of the government, he said that since the law enforcers have accepted the presence of the problem it will be easier for them to tackle it with the help from the members of public.
Filippo Grandi for finding political
solutions to conflicts
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has urged international leaders to find political solutions to the worlds conflicts if the swelling numbers of forcibly displaced people are ever to return home, adds UNB.
In a speech to the UN Security Council in New York yesterday, Grandi said a succession of major new crises had caused massive displacement across virtually all regions of the globe.
In particular, security and the establishment of human rights and the rule of law will be essential to the return of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State in Myanmar. Progress on citizenship for the stateless Rohingyas is absolutely crucial, as will be community reconciliation, and investment in inclusive development benefiting all communities, added Grandi.
The number of people forcibly displaced worldwide is now approaching 66 million - up from 42 million in 2009, he said. This includes 17.2 million refugees under UNHCRs responsibility - a 70 percent increase since then.
The UNHCR chief added: Securing solutions for the millions of people uprooted around the world, and avoiding a repeat of the massive outflows that have taken place over recent years, ultimately rests on political solutions.
