US, Bangladesh seek safe return of Rohingya refugees

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Brajesh Upadhyay, Washington
Published : 12:10, Jul 19, 2019 | Updated : 13:05, Jul 19, 2019

Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom organised and hosted by the US State Department on Jul 18, 2019.Twelve countries including the United States and Bangladesh have expressed deep concern about ongoing restrictions on religious freedom in Burma and urged the authorities to ensure safe and dignified return of the Rohingya refugees.

The countries, who have signed the Statement of Concern, are in Washington for the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom organised and hosted by the US State Department.

The statement urges Burmese authorities to protect the constitutionally-provided religious freedom of all  in Burma, hold accountable perpetrators of abuses, provide unhindered humanitarian access to all in need, and ensure equal protection for all under the law. 

“We are appalled by the horrific acts of violence and ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in northern Rakhine State, where Burmese security forces engaged in shocking and brutal violence that caused more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh and many others to be displaced within Burma,” said the statement.

The other signatories to sign the statement include Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Cyprus, Lebanon, United Kingdom, Jordan, Georgia, Marshall Islands and United Arab Emirates.

These Statements of Concern highlight some of the most pressing issues impacting religious freedom around the world and particular countries where religious freedom is under serious threat.

Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom organised and hosted by the US State Department on Jul 18. Photo: CourtesyMany of Burma’s religious and ethnic minorities – including Rohingya and other Muslims, Christians in Kachin and Chin States, and Hindus – face discrimination because of their beliefs, said the statement.

“We urge Burmese authorities to create conditions that would allow for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees and IDPs to Rakhine State,” it said.

In wake of the 2020 elections in Burma, the countries urged all stakeholders to ensure that the preparations include equitable treatment of all regardless of religion or ethnicity, and encourage peaceful dialogue between contending parties and candidates.

“We emphasise the need for equal rights and citizenship, including the right to vote, without distinction as to religion or ethnicity,” it said.

The statement comes two days after the United States slapped sanctions on top Burmese military officials for their role in gross human rights violations and killings of Rohingyas.

Bangladesh has also co-signed a Statement of Concern regarding the use of counter-terrorism or other security concerns to justify the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief.

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