Protect Rohingyas as monsoon nears: UN

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to work harder for the protection of Rohingyas as the monsoon is approaching, reports UNB.

"With the monsoon season approaching, we must work even harder," he said in video message at the launch of joint response plan for the Rohingya refugee crisis held in Geneva on Friday.

He said suffering of the Rohingya people remains deep, disturbing and relentless. "As a result, Bangladesh has witnessed the world's fastest growing refugee crisis."

The UN chief said the Rohingyas are under siege as a group - simply for who they are.

"Many refugees are victims of horrific trauma - psychological and physical - cast out of their homes and country in a clear example of ethnic cleansing," he said.

He appreciated the swift and focused response from Bangladesh, with the support of the international community and mentioned that lifesaving assistance has reached more than a million people.

"Let us ensure the Rohingya community receives assistance, solutions-including their human right to nationality-and justice," Guterres said.