Rohingya Ethnic Cleansing - Updates & Discussions

[Banglar Bir]

07:26 PM, November 22, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 07:50 PM, November 22, 2017
Bangladesh, Myanmar likely to sign MoU on Rohingya repatriation Thursday

A group of Rohingya refugees, who fled from Myanmar by boat, walks towards a makeshift camp in Cox's Bazar. Reuters file photo
UNB, Naypyitaw
Bangladesh and Myanmar are expected to sign an 'Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State' in Naypyitaw tomorrow.
"We had a good discussion today (Wednesday). We hope to sign the deal tomorrow (Thursday)," Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told UNB at hotel lobby after a meeting with Myanmar's Minister for State Counsellor's office Kyauw Tint Swe.

The two ministers led their respective sides at the meeting that started at 5:10pm and ended at 6:20pm (local time).

Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Bangladesh Ambassador in Yangon M Sufiur Rahman and representatives from Home Ministry and Prime Minister's Office also attended the meeting.

Earlier, the Foreign Minister and the Myanmar's Minister for State Counsellor's office had a marathon meeting when they discussed various issues of bilateral interest, including Rohingya issue.

Soon after the one-to-one lengthy meeting, the Foreign Minister attended the ministerial meeting on 'Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State'.


Another lengthy meeting of senior officials was held at the same venue.

The Foreign Minister will hold the final talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday.
http://www.thedailystar.net/rohingy...rohingya-repatriation-likely-thursday-1494955

 

[Banglar Bir]

12:00 AM, November 23, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:28 AM, November 23, 2017
CHINA'S MEDIATION OFFER
How fruitful can it be?

Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan ndc, psc (Retd)
The two days of talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar commenced yesterday, whose outcome was not known till going to press. However, while the current talks revolve only around repatriation of Rohingyas, the wider aspect of the issue is being overlooked.
Thus in the face of continuous resistance by some countries, and the collective international efforts to secure the return of the Rohingya refugees blocked, the Chinese offer to mediate between Myanmar and Bangladesh, and its three-stage plan for a permanent resolution of the problem, is a welcome development.

China had successfully engaged itself in mediation between the two countries in the past. We recall the unwarranted friction that developed between the two neighbours several years ago related to the presence of Burmese oil rigs in Bangladeshi waters in the Bay of Bengal. If the situation was defused, it was partly due to the role played by China.

Therefore, China's call for a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis, and to resolve the issue of more than a million Rohingya currently in Bangladesh, consequent upon the state-sponsored violence on them by the Myanmar military, is an effort by a friendly country to see the end to the crisis and return of peace in Rakhine. The Chinese offer to act as a facilitator was followed a couple of days later by its three-point proposal at the ASEM meeting where China has suggested three definitive actions as preconditions for an end to the problem.

So far there has been no official reaction to the offer; perhaps the several points we will highlight below might explain why that is so.

To begin with, a simple question that emerges is, given China's fundamental stance on the Rohingya issue, how much will its effort to act as go-between prove effective? One might question China's credentials as an honest broker given Beijing's consistent support to Myanmar on the Rohingya question, not only this time but also in the past, when all efforts by the UN to come to a consensus resolution on Rohingyas were nipped by Chinese objection. This, we are constrained to suggest, has accorded a sense of impunity to the Myanmar military. China's position has, in effect, encouraged the genocidal attack on the Rohingyas if not endorsed it.

The second point is China's emphasis on the bilateral approach, insisting on the fact that negotiations should be between the two countries only. And this is what begs the question: What is there to negotiate?

The matter is crystal clear. A million people of a persecuted minority group of Myanmar have sought shelter in our land, and they must be taken back. There is nothing to negotiate, no give and take. So far it has been our lot to take, and now it is Myanmar's obligation to take back. The problem has been caused by one country and the solution is in its hand alone. Bangladesh has been the unfortunate sufferer. However, it would be nice if our Chinese friends told us what the points they think that should be the fare for the negotiating table are.

On the other hand, the obvious fact is being overlooked. It is our belief that if there are two parties to the problem it is the government of Myanmar and the Rohingyas of Rakhine State. And it would be more apt if the Chinese were to focus on that and facilitate Naypyidaw and the Rohingyas to arrive at a long-term solution.

The “bilateral” focus is a Myanmar trap, and any endorsement of the idea is like throwing Myanmar a line to get a reprieve from the tremendous international pressure that it is facing. Bangladesh is very sceptical about this approach because bilateral understandings have been very transient.

The international community must be involved in whatever negotiation and understanding eventuate from the ongoing discussions. Any future agreement must not only involve the return of the Rohingya refugees, commitment to a permanent solution must be made by Myanmar, the framework for which already exists in the form of the Annan Commission recommendations, those being the outcome of an exercise done at the behest of the government of Myanmar. Anything less than an international commitment from Myanmar gives it the opportunity to give everyone the slip.

The three-point approach of China—cease-fire, repatriation, long-term solution—is a restatement of what Bangladesh has been calling on the Myanmar government to address for the last three decades. Each of the conditions stated therein is for Myanmar and Myanmar alone to fulfil. For example, the ceasefire; there is only one party that has done, and is doing, all the firing. And it is that party—Myanmar—that China should put pressure on to stop.

The excuse of a coordinated insurgent attack on Myanmar security forces was a fig leaf to hide the barbarity that was to befall the Rohingyas. A bottled report of the UN that was eventually published had established that fact. And it is for Myanmar not to put conditions in the way of repatriation of the refugees, which it has tried even this time too. The fundamental reason for the crisis is Myanmar's own creation. The Rohingyas must be given back their rights including their citizenship.

Regrettably, strong language has not stopped the killings. That apartheid can and does exist in the 21st century would be unbelievable unless one saw the recent media reports on the Rohingyas in Rakhine. Their condition is worse than the people in the ghettos of Soweto. More tangible actions must be initiated immediately by the international community. Myanmar must be prevailed upon to create conditions for not only the safe return of the Rohingyas but also their safe existence there, and the Myanmar military must be held to account for carrying out a genocide. As of now what faces the returning Rohingyas is at best ghettoisation and at worst death.

The world must not allow that to happen. And our common friends, who would really want to see these conditions created, must prevail upon Myanmar to create these conditions. Bangladesh cannot and shall not be made a party to the resolution and permanent solution to the problem.
The ball is in Myanmar's court and one must not resort to subterfuge to pass it on to Bangladesh.
http://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/strategically-speaking/how-fruitful-can-it-be-1495120

 

[Banglar Bir]

Tillerson: Myanmar clearly 'ethnic cleansing' the Rohingya
By Ben Westcott and Laura Koran, CNN
Updated 2132 GMT (0532 HKT) November 22, 2017
Source: CNN
Report: Myanmar military raping Rohingya women 04:12
(CNN)US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has shifted his stance on the Myanmar government's actions against the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country, labeling its actions "ethnic cleansing" in a statement Wednesday.
Tillerson had earlier refused to use the term when describing the Myanmar military's actions in the country's western Rakhine State, saying instead he was "very concerned" about the reports.
"What we know occurred in Rakhine state ... has a number of characteristics of crimes against humanity," he said on November 15, after an official visit to Myanmar.
"Whether it meets all the criteria of ethnic cleansing we continue to determine ourselves."

General view of the Thankhali refugee camp in the Bangladeshi district of Ukhia on November 15.
But on Wednesday, the US's top diplomat was unequivocal in his statement denouncing the actions of Myanmar's military, while still offering cautious support for civilian leaders who share power with the military under Myanmar's government structure.

"No provocation can justify the horrendous atrocities that have ensued," Tillerson said after acknowledging the deadly attack on security forces by a Rohingya militia that triggered the current crisis.

"These abuses by some among the Burmese military, security forces, and local vigilantes have caused tremendous suffering. ... After a careful and thorough analysis of available facts, it is clear that the situation in northern Rakhine state constitutes ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya."

Who are the Rohingya and why are they fleeing? 01:35

The United States has so far walked a fine line since the crisis erupted in August. Administration officials have sought to temper the violence while avoiding any criticism that could jeopardize the fragile power-sharing agreement between civilian leaders and the military, which the United States welcomed and supports.

Even as State Department officials announced their decision to call the violence "ethnic cleansing," they were careful not to attribute the violence directly to Myanmar's democratically elected leadership. They also pointed out that the designation carries no specific legal consequences, though the administration is considering what other steps it could take.

"The term 'ethnic cleansing' is not defined in the context of either international law or domestic law," a senior State Department official cautioned. "However, it is a descriptive term, and it carries with it this sense of urgency."

The United States is considering additional steps it can take with other nations or unilaterally, a second senior official said, including possible targeted sanctions. More sweeping sanctions, the officials said, would not be productive.

While the Trump administration is not specifically calling out Myanmar's government for the acts of ethnic cleansing, the official said they hope it "will increase pressure on the parties to reach an accommodation about repatriation of people who are displaced, and also pressure on the military in Burma and the civilian government to work quickly to respond to events on the ground."

Tillerson's statement comes less than a week before Pope Francis is due to touch down in Myanmar for a week-long visit of the region, including a trip to Bangladesh. He called again for an official investigation into the crisis, saying those who were responsible must be held accountable.

Authorities in Buddhist-majority Myanmar have a long history of violence and oppression against the predominantly Muslim Rohingya people who live in the country's west, but in recent months the crisis has intensified.

Since August 25, an estimated 615,000 Rohingya have fled across the border into neighboring Bangladesh, bringing with them stories of mass murder, rape and extensive destruction of homes and property.

In an exclusive CNN report released in November, refugees described the horrors they'd witnessed trying to reach the relative safety of the Bangladesh camps.
"They killed and killed and piled the bodies up high. It was like cut bamboo," said Mumtaz, a Rohingya woman from the village of Tula Toli in western Myanmar, who woke up to find herself on a mound of charred bodies.

"In the pile there was someone's neck, someone's head, someone's leg. I was able to come out, I don't know how."

Myanmar has repeatedly denied claims it is deliberately attacking Rohingya civilians, saying it is fighting against a terrorist insurgency in the province. The country's military recently exonerated itself of any wrongdoing following an investigation.

However, Tillerson is not the first world leader to call out Myanmar for engaging in ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said on November 13 the actions of the military in Rakhine State "looks like ethnic cleansing," adding it was a "major humanitarian crisis."

Two months earlier, just a few weeks after the violence erupted, UN Human Rights Chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said Myanmar's military operation was a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing."

On Wednesday, it was announced the Pope would meet with the head of Myanmar's military as part of his visit, as well as separately with a small group of Rohingya refugees.
CNN's Michelle Kosinski contributed to this report
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/11/22/politics/tillerson-myanmar-ethnic-cleansing/index.html

 

[Banglar Bir]

12:00 AM, November 23, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 02:09 AM, November 23, 2017
Violence still forcing them to flee home
ICRC official says on Rohingyas in Rakhine

A Rohingya refugee woman collects dry wood from her makeshift shelter roof at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia of Cox's Bazar yesterday. Photo: AFP
Porimol Palma
Armed conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine state have deescalated, but communal violence continues to force the Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh, an official of Red Cross said.

"For some minority communities, it is difficult to make a living and lead a daily life without fear of or pressure from other communities," said Boris Michel, regional director for Asia and the Pacific of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He did not use the term “Rohingyas”.

"It is difficult for them to move around, have access to services and even to harvest crops. This situation is certainly continuing, which triggers the continuation of the movements towards Bangladesh," he said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star at ICRC Dhaka office on November 21.

Boris had arrived in Bangladesh on November 19 on a five day visit and visited refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

Over 620,000 Rohingyas have fled atrocities by Buddhist-majority Myanmar military since August 25, following attacks by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on police posts. The new influx joins over 200,000 Rohingyas who fled violence in previous years.

Around 200,000 more Rohingyas are expected to arrive in Bangladesh in the coming weeks, said US-based International Rescue Committee, despite Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi's statement that there were no conflicts in Rakhine since September 5.

The UN had earlier termed the violence as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”, while rights groups termed it as “crimes against humanity and genocide”.

Operations of all aid agencies, except for ICRC, had been suspended in Rakhine since the violence erupted. World Food Programme (WFP) was finally allowed to operate there only in late October.

ICRC says there is a long history of inter-communal violence between different communities in Rakhine where Rohingyas are denied citizenship and basic services including health and education.

Additionally, the latest clashes between different armed groups, armed forces and security forces have aggravated the situation, Boris Michel said.

Asked about the steps taken by Myanmar authorities to defuse communal violence, he said authorities are aware of the necessity to restore law and order, but it is very challenging as "communities are involved in the communal violence".

He said ICRC is encouraging people at all levels – state, military, security forces and communities -- to make sure that the civilian population should not be subjected to violence.

"It is very important to restore law and order if we want to see the tension diminishing and if we want to see some solution in the future," said Boris Michel.

For this to happen, the ICRC official said, the solution has to be political under a "very deep agreement" between different stakeholders as there has been differences in access to services among different communities including jobs opportunities, health and education services.

He said there has to be massive investments to create economic opportunities so that all the grievances of all the communities can be met in a way to prevent any further communal violence.

On his visit to refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Michel said the scale of the requirements is huge given the massive population movement in a short time, and it is very difficult for Bangladesh and local authorities to absorb them.

He stressed on better management of emergency services in the refugee camps and ensuring law and order in and around the camps.

"There has to be good balance between local communities and the refugees. Otherwise, it can quickly turn into problems locally," Boris Michel warned.

This is because local communities see their daily lives totally disrupted by the arrival of other people, which creates imbalance in terms of job opportunities, business, security and access to land, he added.

"So, it is a very complex situation to handle," he said.

The international community needs to be committed to financing emergency response to the crisis until Bangladesh and Myanmar find a political solution, Boris added.
http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpa...violence-still-forcing-them-flee-home-1495204

 

[Banglar Bir]

China’s popularity in Bangladesh dips a bit over Myanmar issue
Afsan Chowdhury, November 23, 2017

China has rapidly moved from an emerging popular country in Bangladesh to a lesser pedestal. For a while, China basked in the sunshine of a post-India dominated Bangladesh scenario, but it didn’t last a full season. Myanmar and Rohingyas intervened and China’s role in standing by Myanmar has eroded that position.

While China seems least bothered, it does appear that the balance of unpopularity is at play here. India has benefitted the most from this as its fence sitting on the issue which has driven a further wedge in the already not so happy relationship now looks lot less selfish. China seems a lot more like India in Bangladesh’s public opinion space.

Both China and India appear to be unsure about a standard South Asian policy where both countries are as they battle for domination. India’s disadvantage is its historical record where its treatment of the smaller neighbors in the region has not been positive. The result has been a long running resentment despite ongoing trade, culture and people to people activities. South Asian non-Indians think of the regional super power as a not very neighbor sensitive power with mega ambitions.

The biggest beneficiary of this new equation has been China, who moved into the region recently with its billions of investable surplus to feed the hunger of aspiring smaller economies. Taking advantage of the already existing welcome-mat generated by default due to India’s short sighted foreign policy, China had a honeymoon period, particularly in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

But in Bangladesh that crumbled quite rapidly as China firmly stood behind Myanmar during what was described by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sk. Hasina as “the most difficult period we have seen since the liberation war of 1971”. China was absent in such a period as its ally was Myanmar. While no stocks are crashing down, enthusiasm is less about China than before the Rohingyas marched in.

While India has a longer track-record built over many years apart from the socio-ethnic affinities, China is a new kid on the block. Its Myanmar’s greatest protector and Myanmar is the villain of the Rohingya piece. India is also seen as a backer of sorts but the sense of “betrayal’ is far less with it as its obvious that India’s own influence is not high in Myanmar. That fact has not worked in favor of China who are Myanmar’s best friend now.
Regional friends and enemies
With neither parties looking like they consider Bangladesh as a necessary friend compared to Myanmar, options rethink is inevitable. Since nobody takes the issue of Rohingya terrorism threat very seriously, most think that the time is right to look for fresh friends rather than just trash “historical enemies”

That process includes searching for new allies which is the US, the only one who has run a few extra yards in favor of Bangladesh on the issue.

Interestingly, Bangladesh has been reticent about an alliance with the US for a while and the present regime was quite unhappy with the US when America’s IS problem began and it said they were big in Bangladesh. Bangladesh denied this presence claiming that while a few IS activists may be strewn around, the majority of Jihadis are homegrown and home inspired led by several local outfits like the JMB.

The US Government spent considerable sum of money supporting or funding ‘IS is here’ type research and related activities but Sk. Hasina has been tough on this approach and thrown the research and researchers out. With IS’s fall, a better space for negotiations now exist.

The US is making positive news on the Rohingya issue which are all pro-Bangladesh. While the softness towards Aung Sun Suu Kyi among the Western liberals is high, the reaction of Europe in particular has been higher compared to the kind of benign indulgence noticed in the Indian and Chinese circles towards the Myanmar regime.

Several senior US, EU and Canadian officials have visited Bangladesh and they are more open about their support than expected. Since the West has little stake in Myanmar it’s possible for them to take such a stance. Just as China can’t and nor can India albeit at a lesser degree given their involvement.

While it doesn’t at all look like a sea change is about to occur over the Rohingya issue or kick off a new “cold war’ with the old West pitched against the ex-socialist camp, it’s clear that the situation has become more fluid than it was before even six months.

The West is smarting from China’s trade surplus gathering and investment but the Rohingya issue gives it an opportunity to occupy the moral ground. It’s a layer of sugar laid over the trade war cake but its real and everything points to a Western initiative which China will not like.

India won’t like either but with the West as its firm ally, it can hide under the big tent. How much impact of this new China-West equation will have on the Rohingya crisis is another matter but China’s image as the new knight on the white steed fighting the Indian dragon in South Asia has taken a big hit.
https://southasianmonitor.com/2017/11/23/chinas-popularity-bangladesh-dips-bit-myanmar-issue/

 

[Banglar Bir]

UN envoy: Sexual attacks against Rohingya may be war crimes
Tribune Desk
Published at 11:52 AM November 23, 2017
Last updated at 01:23 PM November 23, 2017

Syed Zakir Hossain
The UN envoy said widespread atrocities have been orchestrated and perpetrated by Myanmar’s military and may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide
UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten has said the widespread atrocities against Rohingya women and girls may amount to war crimes.

She made the statement at a press conference on Thursday, reports the Indian Express.

Pramila, who met many Rohingya victims of sexual violence in Bangladesh camps during a visit this month, also fully endorsed the assessment by UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein that Rohingya have been victims of “ethnic cleansing.”

The UN envoy said widespread atrocities have been orchestrated and perpetrated by Myanmar’s military and may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

She also indentified the widespread use of sexual violence as one of the reason that forced more than 620,000 Rohingya to flee Myanmar.

She said it was “also a calculated tool of terror aimed at the extermination and removal of the Rohingya as a group”.
Patten said during her visit to the Rohingya camps she heard heartbreaking, shocking and horrific accounts of abuses committed cold bloodedly with unparallelled hatred against the Rohingya community.

She said sexual violence including gang rape by soldiers, forced public nudity and sexual slavery and it was clearly being used “as a tool of dehumanisation and as a form of punishment.”
Quoting the witnesses, she said even before August 25, Myanmar troops threw Rohingya babies into fires or into village wells to contaminate the water and deprive residents of drinking water.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/world/2017/11/23/un-envoy-sexual-attacks-rohingya-may-war-crimes/

 

[Banglar Bir]

10:24 AM, November 23, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 05:53 PM, November 23, 2017
Rohingya repatriation deal inked
'But it has no deadline'

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at Suu Kyi's office on November 23, 2017. Photo: Collected
UNB, Naypyitaw
Bangladesh and Myanmar finally signed an 'instrument' on Rohingya repatriation on Thursday with no ending deadline amid high hopes that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas will start returning to their homeland within the next two months.
The two neighbouring nations struck the instrument in the afternoon following a meeting between Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in the morning at Suu Kyi's office.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Myanmar's Minister for State Counsellor's office Kyauw Tint Swe signed the instrument.

They also exchanged ratification of the boundary agreement 1998.
OPINION: Is Bangladesh falling for Myanmar's ploy?
Minister Mahmood Ali made the disclosure of signing the 'Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State' after they reached a much-sought consensus on the Rohingya repatriation.

Talking to UNB, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali said the repatriation process will start soon. "This is the first step. We'll start our second step work now."

Asked about deadline, he said there is timeframe but he will tell details in Dhaka and it does not make it clear whether Myanmar agreed on specific timeframe for taking back all the Rohingyas.

When approached, a diplomat told UNB that there no such timeframe over completion of Rohingyas repatriation. "Our best efforts were there."

The bilateral instrument was being negotiated by officials of the two countries for the last couple of months.

On Wednesday morning, the senior officials of both countries negotiated the draft at their level. Later in the afternoon, Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali and the Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe resolved the remaining issues and finalised the draft after discussion.

The 'arrangement' stipulates that the return shall commence within two months, said the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry in a statement.

A Joint Working Group will be established within three weeks of signing the 'Arrangement'. A specific bilateral instrument (physical arrangement) for repatriation will be concluded in a speedy manner.

During the visit, Mahmood Ali and U Kyaw Tint Swe also exchanged the long-awaited "Instrument of Ratification" of the agreement on demarcation of the land section of the boundary north of the Naaf River concluded in 1998.

The two countries also signed "Supplementary Protocol on the demarcation of a fixed boundary in the Naaf River" earlier agreed in 2007.

Minister Ali also handed over three ambulances for Rakhine State as gift from the government of Bangladesh to the Union Minister of Social Welfare, Relief Resettlement U Win Myat Aye at latter's office in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday morning.

The Foreign Minister will brief the media on Saturday.

He said since their houses are destroyed and burned in Rakhine State it might take time to create conditions for their living.

The government did not share what are the terms and conditions mentioned in the signed arrangement creating confusion on how the repatriation will be executed.

Earlier, Minister Ali's meeting with Suu Kyi began at 10:00 am (Myanmar time) and it lasted for 45 minutes.

Over 622,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border and taken shelter in Cox's Bazar district since August 25 amid persecution by Myanmar military in their Rakhine State.

Referring to the influx of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told a programme on the outskirts of Dhaka on Thursday that these Myanmar nationals are a burden on Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to start their repatriation soon.

Bangladesh in its senior officials meeting here on Wednesday raised the issue of keeping a provision for a timeframe over completion of the Rohingya repatriation, a senior official told UNB.

Dhaka also sought involvement of the international community, including the UN agencies in verification process.

Myanmar did not meet Bangladesh's full expectation on the repatriation timeframe as it only agrees on starting time but not the ending point, a senior diplomat told UNB.

Another diplomat said Myanmar wants to start the repatriation within the next two months from now.

He said Bangladesh wants to end the Rohingya repatriation by one year though Myanmar keeps it as an open-end one without giving any specific timeframe for completion.

On involvement of UN agencies in repatriation process, Myanmar shows a bit of soft position but nothing will be legally-binding one, an official told UNB.

Bangladesh and Myanmar, however, agreed on formation of joint working group at foreign-secretary level to start the repatriation process of all Rohingyas.
READ MORE: Amnesty against repatriation amid rights violation
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Bangladesh Ambassador to Yangon M Sufiur Rahman and representatives from Home Ministry and Prime Minister's Office also attended the negotiations on Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Foreign Minister and the Myanmar's Minister for State Counsellor's office had a marathon meeting when they discussed various issues of bilateral interest, including the Rohingya issue.

Soon after the one-to-one lengthy meeting, the Foreign Minister attended the ministerial meeting on 'Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State'.

The senior officials' meeting was co-chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Myint Thu and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque.

US Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson has said the United States will pursue accountability through US law, including possible targeted sanctions on Myanmar if the situation does not improve in Rakhine State.

"After a careful and thorough analysis of available facts, it is clear that the situation in northern Rakhine state constitutes ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya," said the US Secretary of State on Wednesday.

The international community is also watching the talks and its subsequent outcome as they want to see the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas as quickly as possible.
READ MORE: Responsibility is Myanmar's, say diplomat
Amid mounting international pressure, Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday said they have planned to sign a MoU with Bangladesh which will enable them to start the repatriation process of all the Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, earlier, expressed her hope that Bangladesh and Myanmar will reach a decision to sign a MoU and an agreement on safe repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

She said the EU is supporting this process and will stand ready to accompany this process in the coming week.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of Asian and European countries, in general, agreed in many areas on Rohingya issue and asked for immediate cessation of hostilities, halting of outflow, early return of externally displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

They also asked for implementation of recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission for durable solutions.
http://www.thedailystar.net/country...-ah-mahmood-ali-sits-aung-san-suu-kyi-1495387

 

[Banglar Bir]

Bangladesh Myanmar signed deal for Rohingya repatriation
Special Correspondent
Bangladesh and Myanmar have finally signed a deal on Rohingya repatriation with no specific deadline but with high hopes that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas will start returning to their homeland within the next two months.
The two neighbouring nations struck the deal following a meeting between Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi onThursday morning at Suu Kyi’s office.

They also exchanged ratification of boundary agreement 1998.
Earlier in the morning, Bangladesh handed over an ambulance to Myanmar authorities for use in Rakhine State.

Minister Mahmood Ali made the disclosure of signing the ‘Arrangement on Return of Displaced Persons from Rakhine State’ after they reached a much-sought consensus on the Rohingya repatriation.
Over 622,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border and taken shelter in Cox’s Bazar district since August 25 amid persecution by Myanmar military in their Rakhine State.

Referring to the influx of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told a programme on the outskirts of Dhaka on Thursday that these Myanmar nationals are a burden on Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to start their repatriation soon.
Bangladesh also sought involvement of the international community, including the UN agencies in verification process.

However, Myanmar did not meet Bangladesh’s full expectation on the repatriation timeframe as it only agrees on starting time but not the ending point, a senior diplomat told UNB.
“We’ve agreed on many things though our expectation is not met fully. It’s not possible in any negotiations,” he said wishing to remain unnamed.

He said Bangladesh wants to end the Rohingya repatriation by one year though Myanmar keeps it as an open-end one without giving any specific timeframe for completion.
Bangladesh and Myanmar, however, agreed on formation of joint working group at foreign-secretary level to start the repatriation process of all Rohingyas.

“We had a good discussion today (Wednesday). We hope to sign the deal tomorrow (Thursday). It’s now at the final stage,” Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told UNB at hotel lobby after a meeting with Myanmar’s Minister for State Counsellor’s office Kyauw Tint Swe on Wednesday night.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque, Bangladesh Ambassador to Yangon M Sufiur Rahman and representatives from Home Ministry and Prime Minister’s Office also attended the meeting on Wednesday.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of Asian and European countries, in general, agreed in many areas on Rohingya issue and asked for immediate cessation of hostilities, halting of outflow, early return of externally displaced Rohingyas from Bangladesh
.
They also asked for implementation of recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission for durable solutions.
http://www.weeklyholiday.net/Homepage/Pages/UserHome.aspx?ID=3&date=0#Tid=15147

 

[Banglar Bir]

China’s 3-stage plan to resolve Rohingya crisis
Special Correspondent
China, a close neighbor of Myanmar, has proposed a three-stage approach to solve the Rohingya crisis asking for a ceasefire in Myanmar’s Rakhine State so that Rohingya Muslim refugees can return from Bangladesh.
More than 600,000 Muslim Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since late August driven out by a military clearance operation in Buddhist majority Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Amid a burgeoning humanitarian catastrophe, rights groups have accused the Myanmar military of committing atrocities, while foreign critics have blasted Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel peace prize winner who leads the country’s less than two-year-old civilian administration, for failing to speak out more strongly.

On Monday, Suu Kyi opened a Asia-Europe Meeting for foreign ministers that had been scheduled to take place in Myanmar before the outbreak of the current crisis.

Speaking in Naypyitaw on Sunday having arrived from Dhaka, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China believed Myanmar and Bangladesh could work out a mutually acceptable way to end the crisis.
“The first phase is to affect a ceasefire on the ground, to return to stability and order, so the people can enjoy peace and no longer be forced to flee,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement citing Wang.

“With the hard work of all sides, at present the first phase’s aim has already basically been achieved, and the key is to prevent a flare-up, especially that there is no rekindling the flames of war.”
Visiting Myanmar last week, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made many of the same points, but he also called for a credible investigation into reports of atrocities.
Repatriation process
Once a ceasefire is seen to be working, Wang said talks between Myanmar and Bangladesh should find a workable solution for the return of refugees, and the final phase should be to work toward a long-term solution based on poverty alleviation.

Myanmar and Bangladesh officials began talks last month to settle a repatriation process for refugees, and Bangladesh’s foreign minister expects to take those talks to the next level in coming days.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEM meeting, European Union foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said: “we believe that stopping the violence, the flow of refugees and guarantee full humanitarian access to the Rakhine state, and safe, sustainable repatriation of refugees are going to be key.”

Mogherini, who also visited Bangladesh over the weekend, said, “There’s a real possibility of Myanmar and Bangladesh reaching a memorandum of understanding and agreement for the safe repatriation of refugees to Myanmar.”

She said the European bloc was ready to help with the process.
It was unclear, however, whether a safe return was possible - or advisable - given that thousands of Rohingya women and children are still stranded on the beaches trying to flee hunger and instability in Rakhine.

Myanmar intends to resettle most refugees who return to Rakhine state in new “model villages”, rather than on the land they previously occupied, an approach criticized in the past by the United Nations as effectively creating permanent camps.
Violence largely over
The refugee crisis erupted after the military launched a brutal counter-insurgency operation against the militants after attacks on an army base and 30 police posts in Rakhine on Aug 25.
Myanmar’s military has said that all fighting against the Rohingya militants died out on Sept 5.
The group behind those attacks, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), had declared a one-month ceasefire on Sept 10, which was rejected by the Myanmar government. But there have been no serious clashes since.

The United States and other Western countries have become more engaged with Myanmar in recent years, since it began a transition to civilian government after nearly 50 years of military rule. Currently, there is a power sharing arrangement, whereby Myanmar’s generals retain autonomy over defence, internal security and border issues.

China has close relations with both Myanmar and Bangladesh, and has long been a key player in lawless borderlands where rebel ethnic groups have fought Myanmar’s government for decades. The conflicts in those border regions have occasionally pushed thousands of refugees to seek shelter in China.
Since the Rohingya crisis, China has repeatedly expressed support for what it calls the Myanmar government’s efforts to protect stability.



UN revives Myanmar resolution
Special Correspondent
The UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, voted 135 in favour, 10 against with 26 abstentions on the draft text that also asks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to appoint a special envoy on Myanmar.
The move revived a UN resolution that was dropped last year due to the country’s progress on human rights.

For 15 years the Third Committee annually adopted a resolution condemning Myanmar’s human rights record, but last year the European Union did not put forward a draft text, citing progress under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi.

However, in the past three months more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh after the Myanmar military began an operation against Rohingya militants, who attacked 30 security posts and an army base in Rakhine state on Aug 25.

This prompted the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to put forward a new draft UN resolution, which will now be formally adopted by the 193-member General Assembly next month. The resolution deepens international pressure, but has no legal consequences.

Myanmar’s army released a report on Monday denying all allegations of rapes and killings by security forces, days after replacing the general in charge of the military operation in Rakhine state.
Top UN officials have denounced the violence as a classic example of ethnic cleansing. The Myanmar government has denied allegations of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar is refusing entry to a UN panel that was tasked with investigating allegations of abuses after a smaller military counteroffensive launched in October 2016.

The draft resolution approved by the Third Committee on Thursday urges Myanmar to grant access. It also calls for full and unhindered humanitarian aid access and for Myanmar to grant full citizenship rights to Rohingya.
They have been denied citizenship in Myanmar, where many Buddhists regard them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Aid groups urge UN rights council session on Rohingya crisis
Holiday Report
Amnesty International and 34 other humanitarian groups on Monday called for the UN Human Rights Council to hold a special session on the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.
We “strongly support calls for a UN Human Rights Council special session on the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar and urge your delegations to support holding such a session as soon as possible”, an open letter addressed to the council said.

“In light of serious reports of human rights violations… we believe that a special session is imperative to launch decisive action and ensure international scrutiny and monitoring of the situation.”
The groups said the council should adopt a resolution that would call on the Myanmar government to “immediately cease all human rights violations, including crimes against humanity” and allow human rights groups “full and unfettered access to all parts of the country”.

The 47-member council rarely convenes for a special session. In all, the UN group has held 26 since its inception in 2006.

A special session may be held at the request of at least a third of the member states, or 16 countries.
Earlier this month the UN Security Council dropped plans to adopt a resolution demanding an end to the violence in Myanmar in the face of strong opposition from China.

More than 620,000 Rohingya are languishing in Bangladeshi refugee camps after fleeing a brutal Myanmar army campaign launched in late August.

There have given chilling and consistent accounts of widespread murder, rape and arson at the hands of security forces.

The UN has said the scorched-earth operation, which has left hundreds of villages burned to ash in northern Rakhine state, amounts to ethnic cleansing.

Leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has faced intense criticism outside Myanmar for her perceived failure to speak up for the Rohingya.

On Monday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini joined a stream of diplomats to meet Suu Kyi in recent days as efforts intensify in hopes of resolving the crisis.

 

[Banglar Bir]

Myanmar sticks to 1992 formula on Rohingya repatriation
UNB
Published at 10:14 PM November 23, 2017
Last updated at 10:34 PM November 23, 2017

This handout photograph released by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 23, 2017 shows Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, left, and Myanmar Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe attending a bilateral agreement signing ceremony in Naypyidaw. Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to start repatriating Rohingya refugees in two months, the Dhaka government announced on November 23. "The return shall commence within two months," said Bangladesh in a statement issued after talks between its Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali and Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw Focus Bangla
The arrangement contained the guiding principles and policy arrangements to systematically verify and receive the displaced persons from Rakhine State.
Myanmar on Thursday said the instrument signed with Bangladesh on return of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar was based on the joint statement signed in 1992 that Bangladesh has opposed all along.

The arrangement contained the general guiding principles and policy arrangements to systematically verify and receive the displaced persons from Rakhine State.

However, with regard to the principles and criteria of return under the 1992 Joint Statement, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali in a diplomatic briefing on October 9 stressed that the situation of 1992 and current situation are entirely different.
Also Read- Myanmar proposes taking back only verified Rohingya
Referring to the recent Dhaka visit of Myanmar’s Union Minister at the Office of the state counsellor, Kyaw Tint Swe, on October 2, the foreign minister informed the diplomats that during the meeting the union minister has expressed Myanmar’s willingness to take back the “displaced residents” of Myanmar and proposed to follow the principle and criteria agreed upon in the 1992 “Joint Statement.”

“So, identification of Rohingyas based on their residence in Rakhine would not be realistic. Bangladesh therefore proposed and handed over a new arrangement to the visiting Minister outlining the principles and criteria for repatriation,” reads the Foreign Ministry statement on October 9.

Kyaw Tint Swe and AH Mahmood Ali signed the arrangement on return of displaced persons from Rakhine State on behalf of their respective countries on Thursday afternoon.
Also Read- Bangladesh, Myanmar finally strike Rohingya repatriation deal
The position of Myanmar is that the issues that emerge between neighbouring countries must be resolved amicably through bilateral negotiations, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor, Myanmar.

The present arrangement, which had been agreed to by both countries based on their friendly and good neighbourly relations demonstrate the steadfast position of Myanmar and is a win-win situation for both countries, it said.
Also Read- Repatriating Rohingya under 1992 agreement ‘will be difficult’
Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali met State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday morning and discussed issues of mutual cooperation including trade, energy and connectivity under BCIM.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/banglad...3/myanmar-1992-formula-rohingya-repatriation/

 

[Banglar Bir]

Deal signed for Rohingya to return to Myanmar, but details are scarce

Rohingya refugee Mumtaz and her seven-year-old daughter Razia
By Ben Westcott, Rebecca Wright and Kocha Olarn
CNN
November 23, 2017
Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding on the return of possibly hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to their homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state, a spokesman for Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Thursday.
An estimated 615,000 Rohingya refugees have fled across the border into Bangladesh since August 25 when a new outbreak of violence began between the Myanmar military and armed militants in Rakhine state.

So far, no official details have been released on the agreement, what it would entail and under what circumstances the Rohingya would return.

A statement from Suu Kyi's spokesman confirmed the agreement had been signed but only said the pact was "a win-win situation for both countries."
Zaw Htay@ZawHtayMyanmar
Myanmar, Bangladesh sign Agreement on Repatriation
4:27 PM - Nov 23, 2017
Ro Nay San Lwin, a European-based Rohingya activist, told CNN that Bangladesh should not send any citizens back to Myanmar "unless citizenship and basic rights are guaranteed."

"I didn't find any clear statement how these refugees will be repatriated," he said. "I'm not sure whether they will be allowed to return to their original village. I'm not sure whether they will get back their own lands."

The Rohingya who have fled Rakhine state have brought with them stories of mass murder, rape and widespread destruction.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Myanmar's actions against the Rohingya were clearly "ethnic cleansing." Myanmar's military has repeatedly denied it has mistreated Rohingya civilians.

There is no indication how many displaced Rohingya might want to return to Myanmar in light of what has happened.
The agreement's announcement comes less than a week before Pope Francis is set to make a three-day visit to Myanmar. The Catholic leader is expected to push for greater acceptance of the country's Muslim minority.

It is also unclear how many refugees Myanmar might be willing to accept.
On November 15, Myanmar's commander in chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, said preparations were being made to return refugees but "it is impossible to accept the number of persons proposed by Bangladesh."

"The situation must be acceptable for both local Rakhine ethnic people and Bengalis, and emphasis must be placed on (the) wish of local Rakhine ethnic people who are real Myanmar citizens," Hlaing wrote on his Facebook page.

"Only when local Rakhine ethnic people accept it, will all the people satisfy it."
Senior Myanmar authorities refuse to recognize the Rohingya as citizens, saying they are Bangladeshi or Bengali.

UK-based Rohingya activist Jamila Hanan said it's essential all Rohingya be granted citizenship in Myanmar before they're repatriated, something the country has long denied them.

"(Otherwise it) would be a deal to send the victims of genocide back into the hands of their perpetrators, where they would almost certainly be locked up in concentration camps," she said.
http://www.rohingyablogger.com/2017/11/deal-signed-for-rohingya-to-return-to.html

 

[Banglar Bir]

2:19 PM, November 25, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:58 PM, November 25, 2017
Rohingya repatriation deal: Bangladesh’s interest kept intact, says foreign minister

In this Reuters photo taken yesterday, Rohingya refugees line up to receive blankets outside Kutupalong refugee settlement near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
Star Online Report
- Repatriation cannot be done in given time frame
- Both countries agreed to take help from UNHCR
- Complexities, if there any, to be resolved through discussions
- ‘Physical arrangement’ for repatriation to be singed
- After repatriation, Rohingyas will be kept at temporary camps near to their abandoned homes
- Bangladesh proposed Myanmar to seek help from India, China for making makeshift camps for Rohingyas

Expressing his satisfaction over the arrangement signed with Myanmar on repatriation of the Rohingyas, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali today said the deal hampered no interests of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali MP and Union Minister of Myanmar U Kyaw Tint Swe sign the deal on the return of displaced Rohingyas at the State Counsellor's Office in Naypyidaw on Thursday, November 23, 2017. Photo: Foreign Ministry
The main thing is to send the Rohingyas back to Myanmar and the repatriation will be done in a “logical time frame”, the foreign minister told journalists while replying to a query during a press conference at his ministry office in Dhaka.

Read More

Start Rohingya repatriation immediately

Rohingya crisis : Ensure quick, safe return
“The repatriation process cannot be completed in a fixed time frame,” he said at the press conference organised to brief on the bilateral instrument signed by the two countries on Thursday.
Both Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed to take help from UNHCR in the repatriation process, he said.
http://www.thedailystar.net/rohingy...m_medium=newsurl&utm_term=all&utm_content=all

 

[Banglar Bir]

US ‘ethnic cleansing’ charge unhelpful, says Myanmar
Rezaul, November 25, 2017

Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hold a joint press conference in Naypyitaw on Nov. 15.
The US decision to label the Myanmar Army’s counter-insurgency operation in northern Rakhine as “ethnic cleansing” is “unhelpful” for Myanmar’s efforts to bring about durable peace in the state, President’s Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay said.
After avoiding the term during his visit to Myanmar last week, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday (Nov 22) described the Myanmar Army’s actions against Rohingya Muslims as “ethnic cleansing”.

The crisis developed after an Aug. 25 attack by militants against government security forces sparked a military clearance operation, which prompted over 600,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee into Bangladesh amid allegations of human rights abuses.

“The situation in northern Rakhine State constitutes ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya,” Tillerson said in a statement.

“That statement is unhelpful for Myanmar [which is] trying to find long-term solutions. We found that the statement failed to mention the killings of Hindus and innocent civilians by ARSA, and its conclusions were reached without any proven facts,” U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy.

Washington will also pursue accountability through U.S. law, including possible targeted sanctions against those responsible for the alleged abuses, which have driven hundreds of thousands of Rohingya into Bangladesh, according to the statement.
https://southasianmonitor.com/2017/11/25/us-ethnic-cleansing-charge-unhelpful-says-myanmar/

 

[Banglar Bir]

Foreign minister: UNHCR will be involved in Rohingya repatriation
UNB
Published at 01:29 PM November 25, 2017
Last updated at 02:10 PM November 25, 2017

File photo of Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood AliDhaka Tribune
Nearly a million Rohingya are believed to be staying in Bangladesh
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has said the UNHCR will be involved in the process of repatriating the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland.

“The signing of the arrangement is an initial step … there are more steps. UNHCR will be involved in the repatriation process of Rohingyas,” he told the media on Saturday, while briefing on his recent Myanmar visit.

He also hoped that repatriation of the Rohingyas will start within two months.

“Their houses have been torched … where will they stay after going back … I have talked to China and Myanmar over their rehabilitation there and they agreed to extend their cooperation,” the foreign minister said.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an ‘arrangement’ on Thursday in Naypyidaw for sending back the Rohingya. Mahmood Ali and Myanmar Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe signed the bilateral instrument at the State Counsellor’s Office in Myanmar.

The ‘arrangement’ stipulates that the return shall commence within two months. A Joint Working Group will be established within three weeks of signing the ‘arrangement’. A specific bilateral instrument (physical arrangement) for repatriation will be concluded in a speedy manner.

More than 600,000 Rohingya fled their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and took shelter in Bangladesh since late August after the Myanmar military launched a brutal offensive targeting the minority group.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/banglad...er-unhcr-will-involved-rohingya-repatriation/


Guarantee their safety first
Tribune Editorial
Published at 05:16 PM November 24, 2017
Last updated at 01:25 AM November 25, 2017

Photo: MAHMUD HOSSAIN OPU
If promises of safe repatriation are empty, then we are looking at a humanitarian crisis that will only get worse with time
Since August 25, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have crossed over to Bangladesh fleeing persecution, and this refugee inflow has not yet stopped.

And while the solution do ultimately lie in repatriation to Myanmar, sending the Rohingya back only makes sense if their safety can be assured, and if Myanmar stops its anti-Rohingya campaign.

An agreement for Rohingya repatriation has been signed following a meeting between Bangladesh’s AH Mahmood Ali and Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, but how much sense does it make at this point?

If repatriation does happen, it must comply with the proposal made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and so must be a lasting solution.

As things currently stand, Bangladesh must be sceptical of the agreement.

There are reports from Human Rights Watch claiming that Myanmar has been setting up camps for the refugees, which would effectively be open air detention camps.

HRW also fears that the rights and movement of the Rohingya would be severely curtailed, and they would be deprived of basic day-to-day necessities.

So while repatriation is a good goal, it is of utmost importance to make sure these refugees are not plunged into a situation which makes them worse off than they were before — and this fear is precisely the reason why so many Rohingya do not want to return to Myanmar.

Myanmar has been dishonest before, and if promises of safe repatriation are empty, then we are looking at a humanitarian crisis that will only get worse with time.

To that end, we hope Myanmar will allow full access to international agencies to monitor the condition of the Rohingya — after all, they should have nothing to hide.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/2017/11/24/guarantee-safety-first/

11:51 AM, November 25, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:09 PM, November 25, 2017
Many hurdles there to cross before repatriation: Prof Ali Riaz
'Absence of third-party, int'l body to monitor progress most surprising, worrying'

Rohingya children playfully slide down a sloping road at Balukhali refugee camp in Cox's Bazary. File photo: Reuters
UNB, Dhaka
Though Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation arrangement document to start a process in next two months, there are too many hurdles to get over before any repatriation to commence, says an international analyst.
"I'm afraid that within the period stipulated in the signed instrument Myanmar may rush and eventually engage in a small-scale symbolic repatriation to fend off international pressure," Prof Ali Riaz told UNB in an interview.

Amid growing international pressure, Myanmar signed a bilateral document with Bangladesh on Rohingya repatriation on Thursday with no ending deadline amid high hopes that the forcibly displaced Rohingyas will start returning to their homeland within the next two months.

Over 622,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border and taken shelter in Cox's Bazar district since August 25 amid persecution by Myanmar military in their Rakhine State.

Prof Riaz of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University, USA said history clearly indicates of such strategy of the Myanmar regime.

"The 'instrument' may neither ensure repatriation of all Rohingya refugees nor allow Bangladesh to involve the international community if the process gets stalled," he said.

The absence of a third-party, particularly an international body, to monitor the progress of the implementation is the most surprising and worrying to him, he said posing a question, "If a dispute arises how will it be resolved?"

Responding to a question, the analyst said the current document is only a precursor to the 'physical instrument' as mentioned in the document made public by both governments.

"Therefore, the main challenge is to sign and implement a mutually acceptable, effective and workable instrument with a specific deadline and signposts along the way," he said.

Prof Riaz said it has to include the modus operandi of the dispute resolution. "But, the most important challenge is to come to an agreement about the 'identification' of the Myanmar citizens taken refuge in Bangladesh and the specific modalities of repatriation."

He also said, "What's the legal standing of the 'instrument'? It's neither an MOU nor an agreement. Whether it is legally binding to each party is not clear."

After the signing, Myanmar says it is a win-win situation for two countries.

Sought his views on Myanmar 's such claim, Prof Riaz said, "Unfortunately, I don't see it a 'win-win' solution."

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on October 2 said the 1992 agreement is inadequate, but, according to Myanmar government, this instrument is on the basis of the 1992 agreement.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guteras, in his statement to the UNSC on September 28, underscored the inadequacy of the 1992 agreement. "As of now, the instrument is lopsided. We'll have to wait to see whether the second instrument can address these issues. But, the lack of clarity only benefits Myanmar," Prof Riaz said.

Prof Riaz said China has been insisting on a bilateral solution from the beginning of the crisis instead of an internationally-mediated one. "The current developments seem to be consistent with its line of diplomacy."

He also said, "The Bangladesh government, particularly the Foreign Ministry, will be able to tell us whether Bangladesh faced any pressure from China, but evidently the actions of the government show that its leaning on a bilateral solution."

While bilateral negotiations are necessary for bringing an end to the crisis, the question is whether a bilateral mechanism without international involvement is the right course of actions, Prof Riaz said.

Myanmar government sources said applications forms will be sent to Bangladesh for the Rohingyas to fill up with their personal details and the completed forms will be returned to Myanmar for verification. If these personal details are all right, the repatriation will be arranged immediately.

The Myanmar government has prepared new villages to accommodate the refugees, including the Taung Pyo Letwe and Nga Khu Ya villages in Maungdaw township, according to Myanmar media.

Union Minister for Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye said Myanmar is not shirking from its responsibility to the more than 600,000 refugees from Northern Rakhine now living in squalid makeshifts camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

"We would like to actually implement it (repatriation) because it's our responsibility. Regardless of the reason for fleeing their homes, we've to accept them back. It's the duty of the State," he was quoted as saying on the eve of the deal signing.

"In whichever ways they migrated, to arrange for systematic resettlement for them is our duty. Whatever happened, to provide humanitarian aids to them is the duty of the government. We're carrying out the duty of the government," he added.

The European Union has said it will monitor the implementation of the instrument signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar on return of Rohingyas to Myanmar with attention in full compliance with international law.

"We now expect the agreement signed (on Thursday) to be implemented without delay, and Myanmar to create the conditions on the ground that will allow for a voluntary, safe and dignified return of the refugees to their places of origin," said EU HighRepresentative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini.

The UNHCR on Friday said the return of Rohingyas must be voluntary, and take place in safe and dignified conditions that pave the way for lasting solutions.

"At present, conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine State are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns," said UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards.

The 'Arrangement' stipulates that the return shall commence within two months, said the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry in a statement.

A Joint Working Group will be established within three weeks of signing the 'Arrangement'.

A specific bilateral instrument (physical arrangement) for repatriation will be concluded in a speedy manner.
http://www.thedailystar.net/rohingy...-refugee-repatriation-from-bangladesh-1496293

06:50 PM, November 24, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 07:29 PM, November 24, 2017
UNHCR against immediate Rohingya repatriation

Rohingya refugee Almor Yhan cries while she rests with relatives hours after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Shah Porir Dwip near Cox's Bazar. Photo: Reuters
Star Online Report
Conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns of Rohingya refugees, UNHCR said today.
“At present, conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns,” said UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards at a press briefing in Geneva.

A press release issued in this regard said, UNHCR has not yet seen the details of the agreement.

“Refugees have the right to return. And a framework that enables them to exercise this right in line with international standards, will be welcome,” the press release added.

Some 622,000 people have fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine State since 25 August, triggered by a wave of violence underpinned by denial of citizenship and decades of deep discrimination.

It is critical that returns do not take place precipitously or prematurely, without the informed consent of refugees or the basic elements of lasting solutions in place, said the UNCHR spokesperson.

“People must have the option of returning home, and not be confined to specific areas. Progress towards addressing the root causes of flight, including their lack of citizenship, as recommended by the Rakhine Advisory Commission, will also be crucial,” added the official.
http://www.thedailystar.net/rohingy...rohingya-repatriation-from-bangladesh-1495975

 

[Banglar Bir]

Dhaka-Naypyidaw agreement: The Rohingya point of view
Tarek Mahmud
Published at 04:22 PM November 24, 2017
Last updated at 11:50 AM November 25, 2017

Rohingya refugee children carry supplies through Balukhali refugee camp, October 23, 2017 Reuters
Some of the Rohingya people believe that the Myanmar government is toying with their emotions through the repatriation deal
The Rohingya people living in Bangladesh have given a mixed reaction about a deal signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar on Thursday, outlining the repatriation process of the displaced Rohingya.

Dil Mohammad, 55, who has been living at the no man’s land along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border for the past three months, claimed to have lost his homestead at Maungdaw during the recent violence.

“We never imagined that we will have to abandon everything and leave our country. The Myanmar Army destroyed properties belonging to the Rohingyas in just one night,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.

He added the Rohingya people are hoping to finally return home after hearing that the Bangladesh government has signed a repatriation deal with Myanmar.

However, some refugees expressed confusion over how long it would take for the repatriation deal to come into effect.

Commenting on the issue, octogenarian Shajahan Mia said: “I want to go back to my birthplace but do not want to flee again to save my life. I had fled Myanmar in 1991, 2000, 2012 and 2017.

“We are tired of running back and forth between the two countries.”

Some of the Rohingya people believe that the Myanmar government is toying with their emotions through this deal.

Shahida Khatun, hailing from Buthidaung, remains sceptical about the repatriation agreement.

“I do not want to comment on the matter. I hope that decisions benefitting the Rohingya people get implemented this time. I will believe in the effectiveness of this agreement once I see some positive development,” she told the Dhaka tribune.

Many Rohingya are living in Bangladesh for decades, and are longing for their homeland in Myanmar.

Abdur Rahim, who arrived in Bangladesh at the age of 17 in 1991, said: “I have heard many stories from my parents about Myanmar. My roots are in Rakhine, and I want to go and settle there someday. Here, we are introduced as refugees, but I cannot accept this identity.”

According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, more than 631,500 displaced Rohingya entered Bangladesh in between August 25 and November 24 following the recent spate of violence in northern Rakhine state.

Human Rights Watch, on the basis of satellite images, revealed that at least 288 villages were partially or completely burned in northern Rakhine State since August 25.

The Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens and forces them to live in camps under apartheid-like conditions.

Even before the recent influx began, several thousands of Rohingyas were already living in Bangladesh since 1991.

According to a statement of Press Information Department (PID), the government has already registered more than 600,000 Rohingyas, to help ease the repatriation process.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/banglad...haka-naypyidaw-agreement-rohingya-point-view/


HRW: The idea that Burma will welcome back the Rohingya with open arms is laughable
Reuters
Published at 03:41 PM November 24, 2017
Last updated at 12:33 PM November 25, 2017

Over 620,000 have crossed over to Bangladesh since August 25 when the Myanmar military started a brutal operation against the people which led them to flee their homes Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune
While Aung San Suu Kyi has said repatriation of the largely stateless minority would be based on residency and would be 'safe and voluntary,' there were concerns that the country’s autonomous military could prove obstructive
Human rights groups called on Friday for international agencies to be allowed to monitor the planned repatriation of the Rohingya from Bangladesh to the homes they fled in Myanmar during the past three months.

The two governments signed a pact on Thursday settling terms for the repatriation process. They aim to start the return of the Rohingya in two months in order to reduce pressures in the sprawling refugee camps that have mushroomed in the Cox’s Bazar region of Bangladesh.

“The idea that Burma will now welcome them back to their smouldering villages with open arms is laughable,” said Bill Frelick, refugee rights director at Human Rights Watch, using the former name for Myanmar.

“Instead of signing on to a public relations stunt, the international community should make it clear that there can be no returns without international monitors to ensure security, an end to the idea of putting returnees in camps, the return of land and the rebuilding of destroyed homes and villages.”

Around 620,000 Rohingyas sought sanctuary in Bangladesh after Myanmar’s military launched a brutal counter insurgency in their villages across northern parts of Rakhine state following attacks by Rohingya militants on an army base and police posts on August 25.

The United Nations and United States have described the military’s actions as “ethnic cleansing,” and rights groups have accused security forces of atrocities, including mass rape, arson and killings.

While Myanmar’s civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said repatriation of the largely stateless minority would be based on residency and would be “safe and voluntary,” there were concerns that the country’s autonomous military could prove obstructive.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Myanmar and Bangladesh on Thursday said a joint working group would be set up within three weeks to prepare the way for the return of Rohingyas.

But it gave scant details about the criteria of return and of what role, if any, the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, could play.

“It is standard practice in voluntary repatriation operations that UNHCR would be involved to ensure international standards are met for any type of return agreement,” said UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic. “We haven’t seen the paper.”

Right watchers said other important points that were not addressed in the statements released separately by the two governments included the protection of Rohingya against further violence, a path to resolving their legal status and whether they would be allowed to return to their own homes.

Suu Kyi’s spokesman was not immediately available for comment on Friday, and had declined to comment on these concerns when contacted by Reuters late on Thursday.

Charmain Mohamed, Amnesty International’s director for refugee and migrant rights, said the UN and international community “have been completely sidelined” and the talk of return is “premature” while the flow of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh continues.

Driven out of Myanmar predominantly by chaos, starvation and fear, hundreds continue to pour daily into Bangladesh, humanitarian workers say. While the violence has mostly ceased, the Rohingya say they have largely lost access to sources of livelihood such as their farms, fisheries and markets.

“We will go back if they don’t harass us and if we can live life like the Buddhists and other ethnic groups. Our educated children should get government jobs like the others,” said Sayer Hussein, 55, who arrived in Bangladesh two months ago.

Thousands of Rohingyas, mainly old people, women and children, are still stranded on beaches, waiting for a boat to take them to Bangladesh.

Some independent estimates suggest there could still be a few hundred thousand Rohingyas in Rakhine state.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/world/s...side-monitors-needed-rohingya-return-myanmar/

‘We are ready to return to Myanmar only if our civic rights are ensured’
Tarek Mahmud
Published at 03:59 PM November 24, 2017
Last updated at 11:44 AM November 25, 2017

The Rohingya influx won’t be easy on the government’s pockets |Reuters
According to a statement of Press Information Department (PID), the government has already registered more than 600,000 Rohingyas, to help ease the repatriation process.
It has been three months since the recent refugee crisis started in Bangladesh, as an unprecedented number of displaced Rohingyas began a mass exodus from northern Rakhine state, following a campaign of terror perpetrated by the Myanmar Army.

To get an in-depth view of the current state of the refugee crisis, a Dhaka Tribune correspondent visited the Rohingya camps located in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas of Cox’s Bazar district.

More than a hundred Rohingya men and women, who fled Myanmar after August 25 this year, were asked their opinion about returning to their homeland.

A majority of the refugees stated that they are ready to go home only if the Myanmar government ensures their basic human rights and ethnic identity.

Kalimuddin, 30, who left his home village in Maungdaw Township day after Eid-ul-Azha [August 27], became emotional while describing the life he had in Myanmar.

“I took my wife and five children, and fled the oppression of Myanmar army and Moghs. We made a life here at Jamtoli Camp but we miss our homeland dearly,” he said.

Kalimuddin firmly added that Myanmar is his country and he wants to go back but the Rohingya people’s civic rights must be ensured first.

Mohib Ullah, a sexagenarian hailing from Chindiprang area of Buthidaung, said: “Bangladesh is not our country and we are Rohingya not Bangali. We are Myanmar nationals and we have the right live in Rakhine despite Myanmar government’s repeated claims that we do not belong there.

“We just want to preserve our ethnic identity and our rights,” he added.

Anwar Hossain, who arrived in the camp from Bolibazar area under Maungdaw Township, echoed the same.

Also Read- Dhaka, Naypyidaw agree to start Rohingya return in two months

“If our Hukumat [government] agrees to accept us as Myanmar nationals and allow us to preserve our identities as Rohingya, then I will begin my journey back immediately, and will not seek compensation for the damages caused in the recent violence,” Anwar, who claimed to be a landlord in his locality, told the Dhaka Tribune.

Most of the youths living in the Kutupalong Rohingya camp also expressed their wish to return home.

However, Babul Miah, 55, who fled from Buthidaung’s Sherangdaung area following the unrest, is a bit pessimistic about the whole situation.

“We demand that our government recognize us as Myanmar nationals. Once we achieve this, obtaining other civic rights would be a bit easier,” he said.

The teenagers living in the camp, hailing mostly from Kinisi area of Buthidaung, said they are happy because they get food and shelter here, but they feel homesick and are eagerly waiting to return home.

According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, more than 631,500 displaced Rohingya entered Bangladesh in between August 25 and November 24 following the recent spate of violence in northern Rakhine state.

Human Rights Watch, on the basis of satellite images, revealed that at least 288 villages were partially or completely burned in northern Rakhine State since August 25.

The Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens and forces them to live in camps under apartheid-like conditions.

Even before the recent influx began, several thousands of Rohingyas were already living in Bangladesh since 1991.

According to a statement of Press Information Department (PID), the government has already registered more than 600,000 Rohingyas, to help ease the repatriation process.