Responsibility of Rohingya repatriation lies with Myanmar govt, says US official
A senior US official, who is leading a delegation in Bangladesh, has said that it is the “responsibility” of the Myanmar government to set up process and take back Rohingyas in safe and secure areas.
“Responsibility for repatriation lies with the government of Myanmar,” Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Simon Henshaw said, as Myanmar accused Bangladesh of delaying the process.
“They [Myanmar] are responsible for setting up the process and making sure that they are providing the safe and secure area for people to voluntary return,” he said at a press briefing in Dhaka on Saturday.
State Department’s Spokesperson Heather Nauert and Ambassador to Marcia Bernicat also attended the briefing.
Over 600,000 Rohingyas have crossed border into Bangladesh and taken shelter in crowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar since August 25, fleeing ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Amid international pressure, the Myanmar government agreed to set up a joint working group with Bangladesh to repatriate them as Dhaka has been pressing for their return.
A US delegation led by Henshaw visited Myanmar and then came to Bangladesh and visited Cox’s Bazar camps for two days from Nov 2.
Spokesperson Nauert said the Rohingya issue is a “top priority” of the US administration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is visiting Myanmar on Nov 15.
Assistant Secretary Henshaw described the situation “appalling” and said their visit to Myanmar was “eye-opening”.
“It’s a complex crisis. Our visit to Myanmar made that clear,” he said, adding that there are issues related to transition from the military rule to civilian democracy, differences between the communities in Rakhine and issues between the state and central government.
“All these make this very difficult,” he said, adding that they told Myanmar about their “responsibilities” including returning security and stability to Rakhine State, investigate reports of atrocities and bring those responsible to account.
“People have to be allowed to return back to their land and quick efforts need to be made to restore their homes and their villages,” he said, adding that they also spoke about political reconciliation in Rakhine State between groups, during their Myanmar visit, to make any return of Rohigyas successful.
“We call on those who committed them to be held accountable. We also call on Myanmar government to allow access to the press and international organisation on the ground.(Agencies)
