ROHINGYA CRISIS: US ENCOURAGES BANGLADESH TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH ASEAN

NEW YORK, Sept 25 (Bernama-UNB) -- United States (US) Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya said that they encourage Bangladesh to continue working with ASEAN to seek further support from regional members regarding the Rohingya crisis, United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported.

"The international community cannot let Bangladesh shoulder this enormous responsibility alone," she said while speaking at the high-level United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event on the Rohingya crisis, hosted by Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan, IOM Director General Amy Pope, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and CA's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam, among others, spoke at the event.

"I am so grateful to Chief Adviser Yunus for his promise to continue supporting Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh until a safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return is possible," Uzra Zeya said, adding, "I implore Bangladesh to continue embracing the humanitarian spirit by welcoming those who are desperately fleeing violence in Burma (Myanmar)."

She announced the United States will contribute nearly US$199 million in additional assistance for Rohingya refugees and communities hosting them in Bangladesh and the region.

This assistance will save lives, helping to shelter and feed those who have fled violence and persecution with little more than the clothes on their backs. 

This support is also about building resilience – supporting disaster preparedness that benefits both refugees and the communities hosting them. 

By enhancing access to education and skills training, we can enable Rohingya to meet their full potential as constructive members of society, easing the assistance burden, and preparing them for a safe voluntary return home when conditions allow.

"Going forward, the United States looks forward to working with the Interim Government to uplift Rohingya and their host communities," said Uzra Zeya.

At present, funding uncertainties and restrictions on Rohingyas’ ability to work have created a challenging reality where refugees are struggling just to survive. 

"Keeping them dependent on humanitarian aid not only stifles their potential but creates an environment where ruthless armed gangs prey on the most vulnerable.  Ensuring that Rohingya are safe, and have access to schools and jobs is key to developing sustainable solutions," she said.

The US has resettled nearly 17,000 Rohingya from the region since 2009, including more than 1,500 from Bangladesh since resettlement to the United States resumed in late 2022, Uzra Zeya said.

"Together with other resettlement countries, we remain committed to making resettlement a vital part of a comprehensive response to the Rohingya crisis," she said. 

'We stand by Rohingya in their pursuit of justice and accountability for harms they’ve suffered in Burma (Myanmar)," she mentioned.

Uzra Zeya underscored their unwavering support for Bangladesh, humanitarian partners, and most importantly, the Rohingya themselves. 

"I call on those here today to do more to support the humanitarian response, to bring peace to Burma, to foster conditions for return, and to welcome Rohingya refugees into our communities with open arms," said the US diplomat.

She thanked the Chief Adviser and the Interim Government of Bangladesh, for their invitation to the United States to co-host this important gathering.

Seven years after nearly three-quarters of a million Rohingya fled a horrific campaign of genocide and terror, the situation in Rakhine State looks distressingly unchanged. 

This 2017 exodus was a culmination of decades of restrictive policies and persecution of Rohingya in Burma. 

"This ongoing conflict and the horrors we have seen demand our collective conscience and immediate action to assist those fleeing unimaginable violence and terror," Uzra Zeya said.

"Let me say this:  No one is doing more to save lives and offer protection to Rohingya than Bangladesh.  Thanks to the incredible generosity of Bangladesh, nearly one million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char have found refuge from the horrors of Rakhine State," she said. 

-- BERNAMA-UNB