CA proposes seven-point actions to end Rohingya crisis

“As funding declines, the only peaceful option is to begin their repatriation,” he said.

The Chief Adviser made the remarks while speaking at the 'Opening Session of the High-Level Conference on the Situation of the Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar' at the United Nations Headquarters here.

"Eight years since the genocide began, the plight of the Rohingya continues. Initiatives to end the crisis are lacking. International funding faces alarming shortfalls," he said.

He said the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and its solution lies there.
The international community must put effective pressure on Myanmar and the Arakan Army to immediately stop persecution of the Rohingya, and start working for their expeditious repatriation to Rakhine, Prof Yunus said.
 
"It is the only solution to the crisis. It should not be held hostage to broader reforms in Myanmar," he said. 

Noting that this will entail far fewer resources than continuing their international protection, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said, the Rohingyas have consistently pronounced their desire to go back home.  

He said as an immediate step, those who recently crossed into Bangladesh escaping conflict must be allowed to repatriate. 
 
"Bangladesh is a victim of the crisis.

 We are forced to bear huge financial, social and environmental costs," Prof Yunus said. 

The Chief Adviser said, “Criminal activities, including narco-flows into Bangladesh through Rakhine, threaten our social fabric. Given our developmental challenges including unemployment and poverty, we do not afford to allow employment of Rohingyas inside Bangladesh."

Towards a sustainable resolution of the crisis, Professor Yunus proposed seven-point actions that need to be taken by the international community.

First, he proposed devising a practical roadmap for safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya with reasonable stabilisation of Rakhine.

"Second, exert effective pressure on Myanmar and the Arakan Army to end violence against the Rohingya and start their sustainable repatriation, beginning with those who recently arrived in Bangladesh, and those who are internally displaced," the Chief Adviser said. 

Thirdly, Prof Yunus suggested mobilising international support to stabilise Rakhine and place international civilian presence to monitor stabilisation.

Fourthly, he stressed supporting confidence building measures for sustainable integration of the Rohingya in Rakhine society and governance.

"Fifth, mobilise donors’ contribution to fully fund the Joint Response Plan. Sixth, pursue accountability and restorative justice," he said. 

Finally, the Chief Adviser proposed dismantling the narco-economy, and combating transboundary crimes.

Prof Yunus said the world cannot keep the Rohingya waiting any longer from returning home, reports BSS. 

"Today, let us pledge to act together to resolve the crisis once and for all.

Bangladesh stands ready to extend its full cooperation to this end," he appealed to the international community.