The United Nations has welcomed the relocation of Rohingyas from Cox’s Bazar to Bhashan Char on certain conditions, a move opposed by many refugees and that some human rights experts fear could spark a new crisis.
Bangladesh says transporting refugees to Bhasan Char – an uninhabited island on the Bay of Bengal off Noakhali district hours by boat from the mainland – will ease chronic overcrowding in its camps at Cox's Bazar, which are home to more than 1 million Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority who have fled neighbouring Myanmar.
“The government of Bangladesh has said it plans to relocate refugees from Cox’s Bazar to Bhasan Char. The UN appreciates the government’s efforts to seek alternative locations for refugees to settle which could help to decongest the overcrowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar,” the United Nations in Dhaka said in a statement on Monday (Mar 25).
“The UN’s position is to engage constructively with the government on Bhasan Char. We are discussing with the government the critical protection and operational issues that should be considered before any relocations take place, in order to ensure that refugees would be able to live in safe and sustainable living conditions on Bhasan Char,” it said.
“We are seeking clarification about the modalities of any relocations, the living conditions that would be provided and the basic rights and services that refugees would be able to access if they decided to relocate to Bhashan Char, as well as issues of governance and access that the UN and partners would have to the island,” reads the statement.
The viability of any refugee relocations to Bhashan Char and the possibility of establishing a humanitarian response operation on the island would require thorough assessments including technical assessments of the island and careful planning, said the release.
“We are also examining the potential operational implications of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhashan Char, including the requirements, time frames and costs involved in providing services,” it said.
“The UN considers that any relocation to Bhashan Char must be on a voluntary basis and that refugees should have relevant, accurate and timely information on the project from the government, so they can make free and informed decisions. The views and concerns of refugees must be heard and addressed as part of the consultative process,” it added.
Meanwhile, a senior government official involved with Rohingya affairs has categorically said that the no one will be forcibly sent to Bhashan Char.
Speaking of UN position, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Abul Kalam told English daily the Dhaka Tribune, “No Rohingya will be relocated by force. The relocation will be voluntary,” Asked for comments on the.”
“Rohingyas will only be relocated to Bhashan Char after ensuring their safety, security and wellbeing,” he said.
“We have discussed with the UN in the past, we are in discussion and we will have further discussion with them in future,” he added.
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