Geneva: The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, today started his first mission, visiting Bangladesh from December 13-19, 2021. He said his visit will be an important opportunity to meet relevant government officials, international organisations and civil society organisations in relation to Myanmar. “In particular, I look forward to meeting with Rohingya, to listen to them, lend support, and work together with them towards sustainable long term solutions and pursuing accountability for the atrocities the military committed against them in Myanmar,” he said.
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“The world must not forget the roughly one million Rohingya from Myanmar forced to run for their lives from the military’s genocidal attack against them. The Rohingya want nothing more than to return to their homes in Myanmar, when conditions allow for their safe, dignified and sustainable return,” said Andrews.
The Special Rapporteur will visit Dhaka, the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, and the island of Bhasan Char – where many Rohingya have been relocated. Andrews will meet representatives of Government, as well as UN officials, representatives of civil society organisations and – most importantly – members of the Rohingya community.
“While the Myanmar junta continues to systematically violate the people of Myanmar’s human rights, it is critical that the global community support those who have been forced to flee their homes in Myanmar for Bangladesh. I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet with them,” Andrews said.
The Special Rapporteur’s findings will form part of his update presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022.
Photo credit: Tasnim News Agency
– global bihari bureau
