Netherlands, Sweden ambassadors raise voice for Rohingya repatriation

The Netherlands and Sweden will continue to focus on accountability for the atrocities committed on Rohingyas in Rakhine State and put pressure on Myanmar to allow the Rohingyas to return to their homes.

The two countries will also continue to support the Rohingyas and the host communities through contributing to the humanitarian response and development plans for Cox’s Bazar District.

Ambassador of Sweden Ms. Alex Berg von Linde and Ambassador of Kingdom of the Netherlands Harry Verweij made the pledges in a joint statement following their four-day visit to Cox’s Bazar concluded on Tuesday (Dec 8).

During the visit both Ambassadors met with local government officials and different humanitarian actors to exchange views on the current situation of the Rohingyas in the camps.

More than three years on, Rohingyas continue their strive for a safe, sustainable, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.

“We will continue to focus on accountability for the atrocities committed in Myanmar and to put pressure on Myanmar to allow the Rohingyas to return,” said Ambassador Verweij adding “It is unlikely that return will be achieved in the short-term, which is why it is important to exchange views on options to develop mid-term solutions.”

The Ambassadors met with Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Shah Rezwan Hayat when the envoys discussed the challenges faced by the Rohingya population and the host communities of Cox’s Bazar, including livelihoods, access to services and humanitarian access.

In addition, the Ambassadors reiterated the urgent need for a UN assessment on the safety, feasibility and sustainability of Bhasan Char as a place for Rohingyas to live.

Meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar district Md. Kamal Hossain, the Ambassadors expressed the support and engagement of Sweden and the Netherlands to the sustainable development of the Cox’s Bazar District.

During the visit, and through both countries support, the Ambassadors engaged with both host communities and Rohingya people. Social cohesion and livelihood opportunities for both are crucial to improving the security and protection situation in the district.

Rohingyas and host communities are not only “beneficiaries”who receive assistance and services, they are actively involved in making the humanitarian operation possible and contribute to the local economic development.

The Ambassador of Sweden and the Netherlands lauded Bangladesh for its generosity by hosting Rohingyas when they needed it most and said “it is key that the international community continue to do its part to support both the Rohingyas and the host communities in order to ensure their protection and well-being.”

The Netherlands and Sweden remain committed partners of the Government of Bangladesh as well as the humanitarian and development community, reads the joint statement.