This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson
Adrian Edwards – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press
briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
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| Rohingya refugees make their way to their new homes with essential supplies given to him by UNHCR from a distribution centre in Kutupalong camp. © UNHCR/Andy Hall |
08 December 2017
On 23rd November, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an
agreement on the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Initial
discussions between UNHCR and the Bangladeshi authorities over anticipated
arrangements have yet to happen, but currently we are working towards this. As
we have stated previously, all refugees have the right to return, but this
should happen voluntarily and only when people feel the time and circumstances
are right.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was not a party to the
agreement but it is referenced in the document text. The arrangement refers to
the establishing of a Joint Working Group within three weeks of the signing
(i.e. by 14 December 2017). We are ready to be part of this group and to help
the two governments work towards arrangements that would properly enable
refugees to exercise their right to return – freely, safely and in dignity.
This should, in our view, include a tripartite voluntary repatriation
agreement.
Based on the text of the agreement, we are encouraged
that the two governments have agreed to work for a “comprehensive and durable”
solution; to refrain from conceiving and implementing any discriminatory policy
that violates universally agreed principles of human rights; and that Myanmar
is confirming its commitments to implement the recommendations of the Advisory
Commission on Rakhine State. These include social-economic development,
citizenship, freedom of movement, communal participation and representation,
inter-communal cohesion and security of all communities. Their implementation
will be critical not only to create an environment conducive to returns in
safety and in dignity, but also to ensuring sustainability.
At present refugees are still arriving in Bangladesh.
Restoring peace and stability, ensuring full humanitarian access as well as
addressing of the root causes of displacement are important pre-conditions to
ensuring that returns are aligned with international standards.
Many Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh before and
after 25 August have suffered severe violence and trauma. Some have lost family
members, relatives, and friends. Many of their homes and villages have been
torched and destroyed. Deep divisions between communities remain unaddressed
and humanitarian access is inadequate. It is critical that the returns are not
rushed or premature.
Refugees will need accurate information about the
conditions in the areas of origin. Ultimately, their decision about their
future must be their own well-informed choice.
We will continue our discussions on the details of the
Arrangement with both governments in the coming weeks and months. These
discussions should also bring clarity on UNHCR’s role in the voluntary returns
process and address the most pressing challenges to the arrangement, including
its scope, timeframe, and eligibility criteria.
UNHCR is prepared to help both governments work towards a
solution for the Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh that meets
international refugee and human rights standards, and, crucially, ensures that
the voices of refugees are represented throughout this process.
For more
information on this topic, please contact:
In Cox’s Bazar, Mohammed Abu Asaker, abuasake@unhcr.org, +880 18 7269 9849
In Cox’s Bazar, Mitra Salima Suryono, suryono@unhcr.org, +880 19 0620 0363
In Geneva, Duniya Aslam Khan, khand@unhcr.org, +41 79 453 25 08
In Geneva, Andrej Mahecic, mahecic@unhcr.org, +41 79 642 97 09