'Myanmar must guarantee Rohingyas’ human rights for repatriation'

Bangladesh has conveyed the United Nations that Myanmar must guarantee the human rights of Rohingyas and take confidence building measures to create the conducive environment for their return to their place of origin in Rakhine State.  

"For repatriation to happen, Myanmar has to guarantee the human rights of Rohingyas and take confidence building measures for their return," said Abdul Majid Khan MP, Member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He made the remarks while addressing the general debate on human rights issues under the 3rd Committee of 74th UNGA at the UN headquarters on Friday, said the Bangladesh Mission on Saturday.

Abdul Majid said not a single Rohingya opted to return since they were not convinced that Myanmar had addressed their core concerns such as security, livelihood, justice and rights issues.

Bangladesh is a current member to the Human Rights Council.

Abdul Majid also mentioned Bangladesh's generosity to give shelter and humanitarian support to over 1.1 million Rohingyas who fled their homes in the face of atrocity crimes committed by the Myanmar Security Forces.

Referring to the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he informed the meeting about Bangladesh's efforts in the human rights domain such as presentation of the Universal Periodic Review three times last being in May 2018, presentation of country's report to the Committee Against Torture in Geneva, submission of the report on the situation of civil and political rights in Bangladesh to the Human Rights Committee at its 119th session in 2017.

He stated that the independent Judiciary and independent National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh remain alert to address any human rights issue.

"The parliament as and when required reviews and updates national acts and laws in order to bring them in line with the international human rights law and obligations", Abdul Majid added.

He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment for continuous engagement with the international community to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedom worldwide.

Abdul Majid is now visiting New York for participating the ongoing proceedings of the Main Committees of the General Assembly under the 74th UNGA.