UN chief urges renewed global action over Rohingya crisis

UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for increased global efforts to tackle the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. Nearly a decade after the 2017 atrocities, Guterres demands renewed international attention and action to address the plight of the Rohingya community. This crisis spans Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the wider region, where Rohingya face growing insecurity, restricted protection, and limited prospects for lasting solutions, exacerbated by funding reductions affecting critical aid.

In Myanmar, the Rohingya and other groups continue to endure conflict, displacement, and severe human rights abuses at the hands of the military and the Arakan Army. Guterres emphasizes the need to uphold international law, including human rights, humanitarian, and refugee laws, to protect civilians. He also praises Bangladesh and other nations hosting Rohingya refugees, urging all states to safeguard those fleeing the crisis.

Alarmed by the growing number of Rohingya drowning at sea, Guterres stresses the importance of regional cooperation for search and rescue, safe disembarkation, and combating human trafficking. He laments the surge in misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech targeting Rohingya in Myanmar and other countries. Guterres urges the international community to forge a collective response to a political resolution that tackles the crisis's underlying causes.

His special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, continues to liaise with all parties to halt violence and advance an inclusive, Myanmar-led political process, pending safe, dignified, and sustainable returns of Rohingya refugees.