EU stresses for voluntary Rohingya repatriation

The European Union today again pitched for voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh, who escaped persecution in Myanmar.

Federica Mogherini, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy/vice-president of the European Commission, conveyed the message to Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali at a meeting in Brussels, said a press release of foreign ministry.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss ongoing efforts to address the situation of the Rohingya, over 670,000 of whom have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in recent months.

Mogherinistressed her appreciation for the generous role and action of Bangladesh and reiterated that the European Union is fully mobilised politically and through extensive humanitarian assistance to help bring about a positive outcome.

In this context, she said the repatriation of the refugees should allow for a voluntary, safe and dignified return to their places of origin and that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees should be fully associated with the process. 

The discussion also touched upon the EU-Bangladesh relations, including the political situation in Bangladesh.