Show genuine commitment to end displacement in Rakhine: Jolie

UNHCR special envoy and famous Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie today urged the Myanmar authorities to show the genuine commitment to end the cycle of violence, displacement and improve the conditions for all communities in Rakhine state, including Rohingyas.

She made the call while briefing media in Cox's Bazar after meeting Rohingyas and visiting Kutupalong Rohingya camp.

Jolie said the people responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable for their actions.

She laid emphasis on implementation of the recommendation of Rakhine Advisory Commission and working together with UNHCR and others. She, however, said Rohingyas cannot return to Myanmar at this time.

Jolie visited different camps in the area and talked to Rohingyas yesterday as well and listened to their stories.

The actress arrived in Cox's Bazar yesterday morning to assess the humanitarian needs of the Rohingyas in her role as UNHCR special envoy.

Read more

Angelina Jolie visits refugee camp

She also assessed some of the more critical challenges facing Bangladesh as a host country, according to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.

Bangladesh is now hosting nearly 1.3 million Rohingyas. The majority of Rohingyas -- more than 620,000 people -- live in just one area: Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement anywhere in the world today.

The special envoy will conclude her Bangladesh visit after holding official meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen as well as other senior officials in Dhaka on Wednesday.

During the meetings, she will discuss how UNHCR can best support the current response led by the Bangladesh government, along with the need for safe and sustainable solutions to the plight of one of the world's most persecuted minorities, UNHCR said.

Her visit comes just before the launch of a new appeal for the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh -- the 2019 Joint Response Plan -- which seeks to raise some $920 million to continue meeting the basic needs of Rohingyas and the communities hosting them.

Bangladesh has been heavily affected by the influx of more than 730,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar since August 2017 and now hosts nearly a million refugees, said the UN refugee agency.

The special envoy focuses on major forced displacement crises, representing UNHCR and the High Commissioner at the diplomatic level.

Jolie previously met displaced Rohingyas during a prior visit to Myanmar in July 2015 and in India in 2006.

After years of dedicated service to UNHCR and the cause of refugees, Angelina Jolie was appointed special envoy in April 2012.

In her expanded role, Jolie focuses on major crises that result in mass population displacements, undertaking advocacy and representing UNHCR and the High Commissioner at the diplomatic level.

She also engages with decision-makers on global displacement issues.

Through this work, she has helped contribute to the vital process of finding solutions for people forced to flee their homes.

Jolie earlier represented UNHCR as a Goodwill Ambassador from 2001-2012.

She has worked tirelessly, carrying out nearly 60 field missions and becoming an influential advocate on refugee and displacement matters.