The condition in Myanmar is not conducive for the return of Rohingyas who fled from Rakhine to save themselves from the Myanmar military, says the UN.
Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee, who arrived a week ago, made the remark at a city hotel Sunday after visiting Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.
After speaking with some Rohingyas who arrived recently, she concluded, “What they told indicates that the situation in northern Rakhine is far from stable or safe.”
Myanmar security forces had entered their villages and told them that they must accept the national verification card, which is rejected by the Rohingyas, she said.
“I was horrified to be told by one woman that her 12-year old son had been chopped to pieces when he visited the family’s fish hatchery.”
Such brutality, and to a child is deplorable, she added.
It is now clear that the Myanmar has made no progress or shown any real will to dismantle the system of discrimination, said Lee who was barred to travel Myanmar since December last year.
“My report to the third committee of the 73rd UN general Assembly in October will contain more detailed finding,” said Lee, whose mandate to be a special rapporteur has been extended till March next year.
She was of the view that Myanmar should not get away with their atrocities and she supported a trial of the perpetrators at the International Criminal Court.
Under the current structure, United Nations Security Council can refer to the ICC, but two permanent seats (China and Russia), which are friends of Myanmar, will not make this happen, she added.
“I am recommending an accountability mechanism to be established immediately.”
She said she had requested India to facilitate a visit to the country so that she could meet with Myanmar refugees in New Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram, but received no response.
“I am going to request China for a visit because I would like to see border areas where some of the Myanmar nationals are taking refuge in the Chinese side,” she added.
About the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Myanmar, UNHCR and UNDP, she said, I also made requests in person in senior officials of the United Nations who despite promises have not shared a copy of the MoU with me.
“The refugees I spoke with in Cox’s Bazar expressed their deep concerns, disappointment and anger over the lack of consultation on their fate. I expressed my dismay at the Human Rights Council over the lack of transparency on Jun 27,” she said.