UN welcomes Rohingya relocation plan of Bangladesh
United Nations has appreciated Bangladesh's efforts to move Rohingyas out of camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar, to the island of Bhashan Char, in the Bay of Bengal.
The information was released in a press statement of the UN in Bangladesh on Monday (March 25).
According to the press statement, the Bangladesh government has a plan to relocate refugees from Cox’s Bazar to Bhasan Char. The UN appreciates the Government’s efforts to seek alternative locations for refugees to settle which could help to decongest the overcrowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar.
“The UN’s position is to engage constructively with the Bangladesh Government on Bhasan Char. UN is discussing with the Government the critical protection and operational issues that should be considered before any relocations take place, in order to ensure that refugees would be able to live in safe on Bhasan Char”.
“We're seeking clarification about the modalities of any relocations, the living conditions that would be provided and the basic rights and services that refugees would be able to access if they decided to relocate to Bhasan Char”, the statement reads.
The views and concerns of Rohingyas must be heard and addressed as part of the consultative process, the UN said.
Relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasan Char would require thorough assessments including technical assessments of the island and careful planning, the UN added.
The UN appreciates government of Bangladesh’s efforts to identify alternative settlement for the Rohingyas but the UN considers that any relocation to Bhasan Char must be on a voluntary basis.
