NN Online:
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on the international community to back the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi hosts with concrete support and action.
“In this holy month of Ramadan, I appeal to the international community to show solidarity through action and concrete support for the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi host communities,” he said while speaking before an iftar party in Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar.
“I have come to Cox’s Bazar during this holy month of Ramadan on a mission of solidarity. Solidarity with Rohingya refugees. And solidarity with the Bangladeshi communities that so generously host them. I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential. The more than one million Rohingya refugees here are proud. They are resilient. And they need the world’s support,” the UN chief said.
After decades of discrimination and persecution, he said, they had a massive outflow eight years ago, following the massacres that took place in Rakhine state.
Many others arrived more recently, escaping brutal violations of human rights, triggered generalized anti-Muslim hate, he said, adding this is especially significant as the world tomorrow officially marks International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
“Rohingya refugees have come here for what people anywhere seek: protection, dignity, safety for them and their families. I met and spoke with many today – and was inspired by their courage and moved by their determination. Many shared harrowing accounts of their ordeals in Myanmar and their journeys here.”
They want to go home — Myanmar is their homeland. And returning in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner is the primary solution to this crisis, he said.
“My message to all parties in Myanmar is clear: exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root,” Guterres said.
But, he said, the situation in Myanmar remains dire, including in Rakhine state. Until the conflict and systematic persecution in Rakhine end, “we must support those who need protection.”
“We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024,” he said.
