Bangladesh’s leader appealed to UN member states Friday to ensure that those in Myanmar who are committing human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims are held accountable, Anadolu Agency reports.
“The international community must ensure accountability for human rights violations and atrocities perpetrated against Rohingya in Rakhine state,” said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while addressing the 74th UN General Assembly in New York.
Terming the Rohingya crisis Myanmar’s internal issue, she added: “Myanmar must manifest a clear political will for the safe, sustainable and dignified return of Rohingya.”
As in previous years, Hasina delivered the statement in Bangla and submitted a four-point proposal to solve the Rohingya crisis and speed up the repatriation process of the persecuted people.
The proposal also includes repealing the 1982 Citizenship Act of Myanmar which disqualified Rohingya as citizens of the country so that they feel confident to return home.
Hasina also proposed that the authorities in Myanmar arrange a tour for representatives of the Rohingya to Rakhine state so they can assess whether they would agree to return. She said without the presence of international representatives, the Rohingya would be afraid to accompany the Myanmar authorities out of fear for their safety.
Expressing concern that Rohingya refugees have remained in Bangladesh for more than two years following the August 2017 crackdown by Myanmar’s military that prompted 750,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, with their numbers now reaching more than 1.1 million, Hasina blamed Myanmar for failing to create a conducive environment there.
“Until now, not a single Rohingya has returned to their home country due to Myanmar’s failure to develop a secure and sound environment in Rakhine state,” she added