UN has Rohingya crisis under ‘constant monitoring’

The United Nations is constantly monitoring the Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution in Myanmar, says its Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The UN chief made the remarks at a meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in New York on Monday, said a press release from the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN.

“The UN is constantly monitoring the issue,” Guterres said. “We are amazed that a country with such a high population has taken in so many refugees and is providing them with humanitarian assistance.”

The UN secretary general also thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh for their humanitarian support.

Guterres also discussed several possible solutions to the crisis and assured Muhith his efforts to resolve the situation would continue unabated.

Hasina attended the 72nd United Nations General Assembly in New York in September and addressed world leaders on the Rohingya crisis.

Finance Minister Muhith asked for the UN’s support to establish a ‘safe zone’ in Myanmar and a quick and permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis, as per the proposals put forward by the prime minister.

During the meeting Guterres also praised Bangladesh as an example to the world of how to develop.

He also praised the country’s success in achieving the SDG goals, reducing poverty and increasing its disaster management and alleviation capacity.

Over 500,000 Rohingya refugees have fled across the border into Bangladesh since Myanmar began a military crackdown in Rakhine State on Aug 25.