US Ambassador in Bangladesh Earl Miller has said the international community must continue to press Myanmar to respect human rights establishing conditions to allow the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, reports UNB.
He said beyond Bangladesh's borders, it is also up to the international community to take action.
"Such action must take place in New York, Geneva, The Hague, and here in the region," he said at a webinar in the city, emphasising on unhindered humanitarian access, adhere to the ceasefire, and engage in political dialogue to pursue peace.
Ambassador Miller said the US will continue to be a leader in providing humanitarian assistance, applying diplomatic pressure and serving as a catalyst in regional and global response to the Rohingya crisis.
He insisted on renewed efforts to implement recommendations from the Kofi Annan-led Advisory Commission on Rakhine State for the structural changes necessary to address institutional discrimination and mistrust.
The webinar on "The Rohingya Crisis: Western, Asian, and Bilateral Perspectives" was organised by North South University's Center for Peace Studies (CPS) in partnership with the Canadian High Commission on Monday.
Ambassador Miller said the US has taken strong action to promote justice for Rohingya victims and accountability for those responsible.
"We sanctioned top military leaders linked to gross violations of human rights, strongly supported UN investigation mechanisms, and encouraged participation in ICJ proceedings," Miller said.
He said they appreciate the sustained commitment of Australia, Canada, The Gambia, and the European Union, in particular, to hold the perpetrators to account.
Miller said Bangladesh is not alone in tackling this crisis. "We all bear a responsibility to mirror the generosity of the Bangladesh government and people in hosting Rohingya refugees."
He said they can do that through continued humanitarian support and unequivocal diplomatic support.
The US government assistance supports Bangladeshi host communities and others affected by ongoing violence in Burma, said Ambassador Miller.
He said people are more likely to return and reintegrate successfully in their countries of origin if they have access to education and livelihoods, portable skills.
"This should continue to be a priority, in my view, even in the context of Covid, to prepare Rohingya for voluntary repatriation to Burma once conditions allow," he said adding that it also reduces the risk of radicalisation, criminality, and other anti-social behaviour.
"We work with our magnificent partners in the Government of Bangladesh, a nation that has set an example for the world of humanity and decency by opening its heart and borders to almost one million displaced Rohingya," said Ambassador Miller.
Meanwhile, the UK said on Tuesday it will continue advocating for accountability on the part of Myanmar for crimes committed against the Rohingyas.
The country will also push for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the Rohingya people to their homes in the Rakhine state.
The British High Commission in Dhaka conveyed it in a message as the Rohingya crisis enters into the fourth year.
British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Chatterton Dickson also tweeted marking the day.
"As the current Rohingya crisis enters its 4th year, UK is supporting the refugees in Bangladesh, pushing for accountability on the part of Myanmar and working for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine," he tweeted.
The British High Commission paid tribute to the extraordinary generosity of the people and Government of Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees, especially over the last three years.
"We also acknowledge the incredible resilience, courage and tenacity of Rohingya people in the face of adversity," the message reads.
Since the beginning of the current crisis in 2017, the UK has been supporting Rohingya refugees with emergency lifesaving and life sustaining support and prioritising our assistance to reduce pressure on the host community, it said.
Over the last three years, the UK has contributed more than £256 million in response to the Rohingya crisis.
"We will continue to work together with the Government of Bangladesh, the UN, international partners and host communities to assess evolving needs and respond promptly," said the High Commission.
The UK has said it will continue to support implementation of the advisory commission's recommendations, and provide vital humanitarian assistance, for the benefit of all the people of Rakhine State.
As outlined in the advisory commission's final report, a long term solution will require inter-communal dialogue and cohesion, as well as a genuine pathway to citizenship for the Rohingya.
Three years ago, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State published its final report, setting out recommendations on how to improve lives for all communities in Rakhine State.
The UK believes the commission's recommendations remain the best template to resolve the complex issues in Rakhine state, according to UK Mission in Myanmar.
