UN Secretary General pledges to work for political solution to Rohingya crisis
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In a letter to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged to work with all stakeholders towards a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar, including creating conditions conducive to the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Rakhine.
He also assured that the United Nations will continue to mobilise the international community to support Bangladesh as a host to the Rohingya.
Mr Guterres, who is set to visit Bangladesh from 13 to 16 March, also reiterated ‘the strong solidarity of the United Nations with Bangladesh and our support for the transition process under your leadership’.
“I share your concerns regarding the impact of the Rohingya crisis on Bangladesh and the region, as well as the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine,” the UN secretary general said.
He also assured the chief advisor of continuing to exercise his good offices, including through his Special Envoy on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, to work closely with ASEAN and other regional actors and stakeholders in ensuring a political solution.
“I have requested my senior managers to provide guidance to the United Nations Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar on how we can maximise humanitarian aid and livelihood support to communities in Rakhine,” the letter reads.
The United Nations will prioritise engagement on this issue, including through the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, to enable safe, rapid, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar, Mr Guterres added.
“I am hopeful that the High-level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar will be an opportunity to galvanise renewed global attention and contribute to developing a wider range of solutions for Rohingya and other minorities. We await the agreed outcomes and plans for the Conference, following Member State consultations, to understand how the United Nations system can best support the process” he added.