Rohingya crisis cannot remain without solution: UN Security Council

The Rohingya crisis situation cannot remain without a solution, the visiting UN Security Council delegation has said, terming it a humanitarian crisis.

"The message we are conveying to Myanmar, to refugees and to the rest of the world that we are determined to find an end and a solution to the crisis,” Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otabi, permanent representative of Kuwait, said in Dhaka on behalf of the delegation.

Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, the UN Security Council president and the head of the Delegation, was also present at a media briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before leaving Dhaka for Myanmar.

This was the first UN Security Council delegation to visit Dhaka and the camps in Cox’s Bazar since Bangladesh experienced a massive influx of Rohingya refugees last August.

Since then, Bangladesh has received nearly 700,000 Rohingyas.

Myanmar is accused of committing ethnic cleansing.

The 15-strong body of the UN was united on travelling to Bangladesh, but there is resistance by Myanmar allies China and Russia that have veto powers in the highest decision making body, over how involved the council should be.

Bangladesh wants them to act "decisively and immediately" to end the sufferings of the Rohingyas.

Bangladesh also fears an impact on the stability of the region and beyond, if the crisis continues.

The Delegation heard "heart-breaking" stories of Rohingyas and met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.

Responding to a question, the Kuwait representative said he does not see any resistance from China and Russia.

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“They are the members of the Security Council and they are with us. You heard them yesterday and today they met the prime minister and they also want a solution to the crisis,” he said.

He, however, said they are not expecting an “easy” and “quick” solution to the crisis and said “all parties should show commitment to solve the problem as soon as possible”.

“We cannot remain silent about it,” he said, adding that the issue would remain at the top of the UN Security Council’s agenda.

“After going back to the New York, we will try to explain the ways and means to speed up the implementation of the agreements signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for the safe, free, voluntary and dignified return of the refugees.

“This is the message that we want to convey to you.”

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But he added that he did not want to raise expectations to high.

“What we saw is not acceptable. We want to see a solution for that. This solution cannot come very quick. It needs time. Hopefully the agreements will be implemented,” he said.

The Security Council officials will also hear from officials in Myanmar.

“When we go back to the council, we will ensure the issue will remain on our agenda and one of our priorities.”

He said the council want to see the international obligations are implemented.

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The chairman of the Security Council said it is united on this issue and this visit was supported by all members of the body.

Asked about the slow progress towards a solution to the crisis he said that the visit was part of their efforts to speed up the process.

“We have been concerned that things are going slow. Also the Secretary General has appointed a special envoy. So things are happening now and we will continue our discussion,” he said, adding that this will remain a top priority once they return to New York.