At UN, Yunus tables 7-point plan to tackle Rohingya crisis, pushes for repatriation roadmap

As funding dries up, the only peaceful solution is to begin their repatriation, he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has laid out a seven-point proposal before the international community to address the Rohingya crisis, reiterating that the only peaceful solution to the plight of Myanmar's forcibly displaced Muslim minority group is a return to their homeland.

Addressing the opening session of a high-level conference on “The Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar” at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, the Bangladesh leader urged all stakeholders to draw up a realistic roadmap to ensure stability in Rakhine State and enable their safe and dignified repatriation, state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reports.

“As funding declines, the only peaceful option is to begin their repatriation,” Yunus is quoted as saying by BSS.

'SOLUTION LIES IN MYANMAR'

The head of Bangladesh's interim government noted that eight years after what the UN has described as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" began, a resolution to the crisis remains as elusive as ever.

"Initiatives to end the crisis are lacking. International funding faces alarming shortfalls," he said.

He stressed that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and must be resolved there.

Calling on the international community to exert effective pressure on both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to end persecution and begin the repatriation process without delay, Yunus said:

"It is the only solution to the crisis. It should not be held hostage to broader reforms in Myanmar."

He further pointed out that the Rohingya have consistently wanted to return to their homeland, adding that their repatriation would require far fewer resources than continuing international assistance for those living in Bangladesh.

Highlighting the strain of prolonged sheltering on host nation Bangladesh, Yunus said: “Bangladesh is a victim of the crisis. We are forced to bear huge financial, social and environmental costs."

He warned that drug trafficking and other criminal activities linked to the Rohingya were threatening Bangladesh’s social fabric.

“Given our developmental challenges including unemployment and poverty, we do not afford to allow employment of Rohingyas inside Bangladesh."

7 PROPOSALS

For a sustainable solution, Yunus urged the international community to adopt seven steps:

1. Draw up a practical roadmap to ensure stability in Rakhine and enable safe and dignified repatriation.

2. Apply effective pressure on Myanmar and the Arakan Army to stop violence against the Rohingya and begin sustainable repatriation of those recently displaced, both across the border into Bangladesh and internally.

3. Mobilise international assistance to stabilise Rakhine state and ensure an international civilian presence to monitor it.

4. Confidence building measures for the sustainable integration of the Rohingya in Rakhine society and governance.

5. Secure donor support to fully fund joint planning.

6. Ensure accountability and restorative justice.

7. Dismantle the narco-economy and curb cross-border crime.

Emphasising the need for the global community to act with urgency, Yunus said the world can no longer afford to keep the Rohingya waiting to return to their homeland.

"Today, let us pledge to act together to resolve the crisis once and for all. Bangladesh stands ready to extend its full cooperation to this end."