Dhaka hails UN resolution over HR violation against Rohingyas

Bangladesh thanked all the UN member states as a resolution on the situation of human rights of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar has been adopted at the Unites Nations (UN).

"I would take this opportunity to thank all the member states for the support extended in the adoption of this resolution, particularly to the members of the OIC and EU," Bangladesh said in a statement after adoption of the resolution by the third Committee of the 74th UNGA on Thursday at the UN headquarters, New York.

The resolution received 140 votes in its favour, 9 votes against the resolution with 32 abstention.

"We thank all the delegations for the constructive approach with which they engaged during the negotiations," Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Masud Bin Momen said while reading out the statement.

He said Dhaka is confident that with the member states' understanding and support and through the overwhelming show of solidarity for the cause of the Rohingyas that they just expressed through the adoption of the resolution, Bangladesh would be able to resolve the repatriation issue.

Masud said Dhaka would expect that the international community work for its implementation at the soonest.

"In this connection, I wish to draw your attention to the very constructive proposals of Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made at the high-level week earlier this year, which included demonstration of clear political will, deployment of civilian monitors as confidence builders and creation of conducive environment, among others," he added.

The statement read an early and sustainable solution would be in the best interest of all concerned. Such a solution would relieve Bangladesh of the huge burden it is bearing presently.

"We look at this resolution not as a typical country specific resolution. We see it as a symbol of 'custodianship' of the international community to facilitate voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of abode in Rakhine in safety, security and dignity through a bilateral process," Masud said.

The Bangladesh permanent resident said creating conducive environment is the key factor as the Rohingyas told the world repeatedly and this resolution emphasizes that point. "We expect that this resolution will keep Rohingya's hopes afloat till we have a definitive dispensation from the Security Council in the form of a resolution," he said.

The resolution also strongly puts forth certain actions to address the crimes committed by the Myanmar security and armed forces against the Rohingyas and the issue of 'justice and accountability', the statement read.

"This might help restore trust and confidence among the Rohingyas," Masud said, adding: "to this end, we appreciate the lodging of a case at the ICJ by the Gambia and ongoing efforts at the ICC."

The Bangladesh statement observed that accountability remains crucial as a confidence building measure to enable sustainable repatriation.

"We expect that this resolution would also pave the way for different accountability mechanisms being pursued by the international community," said Bangladesh envoy to UN.