Yunus voices concern over decline in Rohingya aid

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Tom Andrews met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday to discuss the human rights situation in Myanmar. The meeting took place at the Chief Adviser’s residence in Jamuna.

Andrews, who is visiting Dhaka ahead of the International Rohingya Conference in Cox’s Bazar on 25 August, praised Dr. Yunus for his leadership and role in keeping the Rohingya issue a priority on the global stage. The Chief Adviser is set to inaugurate the event.

“The world is grateful to Dr. Yunus for providing shelter and assistance to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and for sustaining hope for a long-term solution,” Andrews said.

During the meeting, Dr. Yunus expressed concern over the decline in international aid for Rohingyas and urged efforts to increase support for the displaced population. Andrews thanked him for organizing a large-scale Rohingya conference in New York on 30 September.

The upcoming Cox’s Bazar conference, titled “Stakeholder Dialogue: Messages for Discussion at a High-Level Conference on the Rohingya Situation,” will bring together international experts and stakeholders. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman had briefed diplomats in Dhaka on 17 August, highlighting the importance of participation in the conference.

Dr. Rahman noted, “At one time, the Rohingya issue was nearly disappearing from the international agenda. Last year, the Chief Adviser appealed to all UN member states at the General Assembly to organize an international conference. This appeal received immediate and unanimous support, with 106 countries sponsoring the event. Today, there is substantial international backing.”