UNHCR against immediate Rohingya repatriation

Conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine State are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns of Rohingya refugees, UNHCR said today.

"At present, conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine State are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns," said UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards at a press briefing in Geneva.

A press release issued in this regard said, UNHCR has not yet seen the details of the agreement.

"Refugees have the right to return. And a framework that enables them to exercise this right in line with international standards, will be welcome," the press release added.

Some 622,000 people have fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine State since 25 August, triggered by a wave of violence underpinned by denial of citizenship and decades of deep discrimination.

It is critical that returns do not take place precipitously or prematurely, without the informed consent of refugees or the basic elements of lasting solutions in place, said the UNCHR spokesperson.

"People must have the option of returning home, and not be confined to specific areas. Progress towards addressing the root causes of flight, including their lack of citizenship, as recommended by the Rakhine Advisory Commission, will also be crucial," added the official.