Rohingya repatriation Myanmar’s responsibility: US

A top official of US today said it is Myanmar's responsibility to repatriate Rohingya people, who fled to Bangladesh following persecution in Rakhine state.

"Responsibility of repatriation lies with the government of Myanmar. It is responsible starting up the process and making sure that they are providing the safe and secure area for people to voluntarily return," said Simon Henshaw, acting assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

He was addressing a press conference at American Club after a team led by him visited Myanmar and Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh.

"Political reconciliation is needed in Myanmar over the Rohingya issue," said Henshaw.

At a press conference arranged at the American Club, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Simon Henshaw tells reporters that “Myanmar is responsible for the repatriation of Rohingyas. And it has to create the conditions for a smooth process.” Photo: Porimol Palma

A team led by Henshaw visited Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar for two days from November 2 after concluding their visit to Myanmar.

The reports of atrocities in Myanmar need to be investigated and those responsible should be held accountable, the acting assistant secretary said.

"White house is very concerned about this Rohingya crisis. It is in fact at the top of discussions in Washington," Washington state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

The US has already allocated $32million in aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

According to an estimate, more than 623,000 refugees have crossed over into Bangladesh and taken shelter in crowded settlements in Cox's Bazar since August 25, fleeing a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine State.