‘Not the good time’ for Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar, says UN coordinator in Bangladesh

A brutal military crackdown in August 2017 drove more than 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, where another 400,000 members of the ethnic minority had already taken refuge to escape decades of persecution by the Myanmar authorities.

Staff Reporter

Jan 29, 2024, 04:08 AM2 min read

‘Not the good time’ for Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar, says UN coordinator in Bangladesh

UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis Photo : Collected

Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, believes that the current circumstances are not favorable for repatriating the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar due to the ongoing conflict between the military junta and armed rebels. During a meeting with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud in Dhaka on Sunday, she highlighted the insecurity prevailing in Myanmar. Reflecting on the discussion, she remarked, “it’s incredibly tense and because more displacement and the country’s security is really, really difficult.”

May be an image of 2 people, newsroom and the Oval Office — Gwyn Lewis (On the left) with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud (On the right) Photo: Sourced

Lewis further conveyed Minister Mahmud's reassurance regarding Bangladesh's commitment to pursuing repatriation endeavors that prioritize safety and dignity. Despite Bangladesh's hopes for successful repatriation efforts, previous bilateral initiatives faltered following the massive exodus of Rohingya in 2017. However, the emergence of China-mediated initiatives prior to the 2021 military takeover raised optimism, although progress has been hindered by escalating conflict between the military and rebels.

The Rohingya's insistence on citizenship rights in Myanmar adds complexity to the repatriation issue. Lewis elucidated, "I explained to the minister that we are doing what we can in Myanmar to provide humanitarian support but the situation is very difficult. So it is not the good time for repatriation." Nonetheless, she underscored the shared commitment to addressing the Rohingya crisis, emphasizing ongoing efforts towards that end.

Expressing concern over the humanitarian plight of the Rohingya, Lewis noted Minister Mahmud's pledge to assist in fundraising efforts for the upcoming joint response plan expected to launch in Geneva. She stressed the pressing need for financial support to sustain essential services and alleviate ongoing concerns regarding food shortages.

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