UN reaffirms continued support to Bangladesh in addressing Rohingya crisis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN's continued support for Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

He made this statement during a meeting, held in New York, with Dr Khalilur Rahman, high representative of Bangladesh's chief adviser on Rohingya issues and priority matters, who met with the secretary-general yesterday to discuss the upcoming UN International Conference on Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities of Myanmar, scheduled for 2025.

The UN General Assembly unanimously decided to hold the conference.

Khalilur emphasised the urgent need for international action to achieve a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis, which continues to threaten regional peace and security. He urged António Guterres to mobilise the international community to ensure that the conference adopts concrete measures for an early and lasting solution to the issue.

He also highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Rakhine state, warning that impending famine conditions could further destabilise the conflict-ravaged region. He expressed Bangladesh's willingness to support UN-led initiatives aimed at preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, restarting livelihoods, and creating enabling conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Rakhine.

Khalilur drew António Guterres' attention to the worsening external funding situation and urged him to use his influence to secure sufficient resources. Additionally, he requested that the UN ensure aid providers and recipients have unimpeded access, free from violence, intimidation, discrimination, and displacement. He also called for an end to airstrikes and bombings in the region.

Khalilur also briefed António on Bangladesh's ongoing reform initiatives under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. He emphasised the need for a stronger role for Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations.

António Guterres recalled his recent meeting with Yunus in Davos and reiterated his strong support for Bangladesh's reform efforts. He also assured the high representative of his personal attention to securing higher-level representation for Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations.