‘Rohingyas want pledge for safety, citizenship before return’

Ahead of the first meeting of the Bangladesh-Myanmar joint working group for repatriation of Rohingyas on January 15-16, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that the majority of the people from Rakhine, who took shelter in Cox’s Bazar to escape atrocities in Myanmar want some positive indications with regards to safety,

citizenship and basic rights before considering to return homes. According to the survey being conducted by the UNHCR, some Rohingyas want the involvement of the global body’s refugee agency,    

“UNHCR has been sampling refugees’ views on return. A majority of those interviewed indicated that before considering returning to Myanmar they would need to see some positive developments, in particular in relation to citizenship, security, and the possibility for them to enjoy their basic rights,” according to the operational update forwarded by the body yesterday.

“Some refugees have also asked for reassurances about UNHCR’s involvement in the process, being familiar with UNHCR’s role and assistance in past efforts to assist refugees to return to Myanmar,” stated the update covering the period between December 27, 2017 and January 7, this year.

Some 655,000 people have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 2017, it said, adding that there were more than 2,200 new arrivals between 1 and 26 December 2017, a significant decrease in arrival trends compared to November, which saw the arrival of over 12,700 refugees.

In December, the majority of arrivals (over 1,900) came through the Mogpara/Sabrang border point, on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh.

UNHCR is working with the Government of Bangladesh and partners to ensure protection and assistance for refugees. The agency also continues to work to develop areas in the existing settlements, Kutupalong and Nayapara, to provide basic infrastructure and services.

On 23 November 2017, the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a bilateral ‘arrangement’ on the return of refugees to Myanmar. A joint working group (JWG) consisting of government representatives from Myanmar and Bangladesh was subsequently formed on 19 December 2018. The JWG is tasked to develop a specific instrument on the physical arrangement for the repatriation of returnees. UNHCR continues to offer its technical support to both Governments to establish a voluntary repatriation framework in line with international standards, with a view to ensuring that any returns occur in conditions of voluntariness and safety — and in a sustainable manner.

Rohingyas want pledge for safety, citizenship before return

Ahead of the first meeting of the Bangladesh-Myanmar joint working group for repatriation of Rohingyas on January 15-16, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that the majority of the people from Rakhine, who took shelter in Coxs Bazar to escape atrocities in Myanmar want some positive indications with regards to safety, citizenship and basic rights before considering to return homes. According to the survey being conducted by the UNHCR, some Rohingyas want the involvement of the global bodys refugee agency, UNHCR has been sampling refugees views on return. A majority of those interviewed indicated that before considering returning to Myanmar they would need to see some positive developments, in particular in relation to citizenship, security, and the possibility for them to enjoy their basic rights, according to the operational update forwarded by the body yesterday. Some refugees have also asked for reassurances about UNHCRs involvement in the process, being familiar with UNHCRs role and assistance in past efforts to assist refugees to return to Myanmar, stated the update covering the period between December 27, 2017 and January 7, this year. Some 655,000 people have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since August 2017, it said, adding that there were more than 2,200 new arrivals between 1 and 26 December 2017, a significant decrease in arrival trends compared to November, which saw the arrival of over 12,700 refugees. In December, the majority of arrivals (over 1,900) came through the Mogpara/Sabrang border point, on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. UNHCR is working with the Government of Bangladesh and partners to ensure protection and assistance for refugees. The agency also continues to work to develop areas in the existing settlements, Kutupalong and Nayapara, to provide basic infrastructure and services. On 23 November 2017, the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a bilateral arrangement on the return of refugees to Myanmar. A joint working group (JWG) consisting of government representatives from Myanmar and Bangladesh was subsequently formed on 19 December 2018. The JWG is tasked to develop a specific instrument on the physical arrangement for the repatriation of returnees. UNHCR continues to offer its technical support to both Governments to establish a voluntary repatriation framework in line with international standards, with a view to ensuring that any returns occur in conditions of voluntariness and safety and in a sustainable manner.