Rohingya crisis: UK govt urged to stand by Bangladesh

A parliamentary body of the United Kingdom has called upon its government to strengthen its efforts to persuade the international community to share the responsibilities of the Rohingya refugees now being sheltered in Bangladesh.

In a report published on May 21, the International Development Committee said: "We recognise the enormous responsibilities that offering this sanctuary has engendered for Bangladesh—already one of the most densely populated countries in the world; one of most vulnerable to natural disasters; and home to around 21 million people living in extreme poverty."

The report also reiterated the importance of purposeful dialogue with the Bangladesh authorities to integrate, provide legal status and longer-term issues, such as education and livelihoods, for the Rohingya refugees.

"The progress attained so far should not be at risk from the responsibilities incurred by Bangladesh's open-hearted welcome to the Rohingya. This is not a challenge which Bangladesh should face alone. The international community should step up to provide a long-term plan for countries who carry out a global 'public good' by hosting refugees, migrants or displaced persons," said Stephen Twigg, chair of the International Development Committee.

The International Development Committee (IDC) monitors the policy, administration and spending of the Department for International Development (DFID) and its associated public bodies and takes an interest in the policies and procedures of the multilateral agencies and non-government organisations to which DFID contributes.