IPU seeks UNSC intervention on Rohingya crisis

Inter-Parliamentary Union in its 137th Assembly called upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Human Rights Council to urgently intervene and halt the human tragedy affecting the Rohingya minority of Myanmar.

The assembly also stressed upon the UNSC, Human Rights Council and all other relevant international and regional organisations to address the crisis which represents a threat to international security and peace.

The IPU Assembly which was held at St Petersburg in Russia also appreciated the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh to provide some one million distressed Rohingya with shelter, food, sanitation, water and medical attention.

The global parliamentary community comprising of 173 member countries, invited all IPU member parliaments to join efforts towards securing the basic rights of the Rohingya, extend humanitarian support to the Rohingya and support the action of Bangladesh and the international community aimed at the sustainable return of the Rohingya people to their homeland of Myanmar.

They also invited the IPU member parliament to contribute to the restoration of stability and security in Rakhine State.

In the resolution, the assembly expressed their regrets that the Parliament of Myanmar has yet to take any measures to halt the violence and put an end to the tragic situation affecting the Rohingya in Rakhine State.

"This resolution urges the global parliamentary community to take concrete steps to put an end to the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya from Rakhine state, and to end further human rights violations," explained Saber Chowdhury, the IPU President.

"We cannot remain on the sidelines as one million people flee violence and persecution. This crisis is a major threat to regional peace and security."

The resolution strongly recommended the creation of temporary safe zones inside Myanmar under UN supervision to protect all civilians irrespective of religion and ethnicity. MPs have also urged the Parliament of Myanmar to make every effort to stop the violence and to put an end to this tragic situation.

The IPU resolution firmly called upon the authorities of Myanmar to grant citizenship and all other rights to the Rohingya people, including freedom of movement and access to the labour market, education and health and social services.

Inclusive integration programmes for Rohingya refugees in the receiving countries was also urged upon by the IPU assembly.

The assembly recommended unfettered media and humanitarian access in the northern Rakhine State.

You can read the full resolution here: archive.ipu.org/conf-e/137/item7.pdf