New york: Seeking permanent solutions to the long-pending Rohingya crisis, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon donors to come forward with enhanced contribution to forcibly displaced Rohingyas to protect them from this catastrophic situation. He made the call while addressing the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly here in the USA.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus highlighted that the ongoing conflict in Myanmar has created a situation of deep concern for the entire region. It poses a threat not only to regional stability but also to the prospects for the safe return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh. Despite eight years having passed, the Rohingya crisis continues without any resolution in sight. Prof Yunus noted that Bangladesh faces a steady influx of Rohingya people seeking protection.
The Chief Adviser emphasized that the deprivation of rights and persecution of the Rohingya rooted in cultural identity-based politics continue in Rakhine, and the reversal of their marginalization process cannot wait any longer. He urged that most of the discriminatory policies and practices that made them vulnerable can be reversed without waiting for a comprehensive national political settlement in Myanmar.
Prof Yunus advocated for a political solution to the problems in Rakhine involving ethnic stakeholders to ensure that the Rohingya become part of the Rakhine society with equal rights and citizenship. He stressed that sustainable repatriation in safety and security must lead the process of restoring their rights and ultimate reintegration with dignity.
He pointed out that Bangladesh has been drawn into this crisis as the second victim after the persecuted Rohingya. Despite this, Bangladesh has been fulfilling its obligations as a responsible neighbor and a committed member of the international community. However, the collective goal of maintaining a minimum standard of living in the camps faces potential collapse due to the funding crunch.
The World Food Programme warns of a critical funding shortfall for its emergency response, Prof Yunus noted. Without urgent new funding, monthly rations may have to be halved to US$ 6 per person, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition, and forcing desperate measures among the Rohingya. Further cuts would intensify protection and security risks beyond the camps.
Prof Yunus called upon existing donors to enhance their contributions and urged potential donors to make generous announcements to prevent this catastrophic situation. He emphasized that the international community must apply pressure on Myanmar or the non-state actor in Rakhine to bring about positive changes and urgently seek political solutions.
He stated that neighboring countries must assume their responsibilities, and Bangladesh remains available for any assistance needed towards the stabilization of Rakhine. Prof Yunus expressed hope that the upcoming high-level Conference on September 30 will galvanize global resolve and generate concrete international support for the Rohingya, with diversified and additional funding as a top priority.
He concluded by underscoring the necessity of a globally accepted roadmap with time-bound deliverables towards seeking permanent solutions to the Rohingya crisis.