UN chief Guterres hints at possibility of humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh to Rakhine

It may be difficult to obtain the UN Security Council’s approval to sanction Myanmar, he says

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who is on a visit to Bangladesh, has stressed the importance of ending the conflict in Myanmar's Arakan state and increasing humanitarian aid there to create the proper environment for the Rohingya to return to their homeland.

At a joint media briefing with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain at InterContinental Dhaka on Saturday, he highlighted the initial discussion over the possibility of a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh to the conflict-torn Arakan, saying its implementation would require “authorisation and cooperation”.

Responding to a question at the briefing, Guterres said: "The violence must be stopped first and a path to democratic solution needs to be found through dialogue. If this is implemented, the way for the Rohingya refugees’ return will be smooth.

"At the same time, humanitarian assistance inside Myanmar must be increased to create the right environment for the return of refugees.

"That's why we’ve also discussed the possibility of sending humanitarian aid from Bangladesh."

The questions were put to him - how do you want to deal with a famine-like situation in Myanmar's Rakhine? Will this instability in any way affect the dignified and peaceful return of the Rohingya?

The UN chief said, “The current situation is that there is a conflict between the members of the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. In such a situation, it will be extremely difficult to ensure the Rohingya’s dignified return immediately. A collective global effort is required to solve the crisis.

"Not only Bangladesh, but all the neighbouring countries of Myanmar need to create pressure so that the violence stops and an acceptable solution is found."

He said, “A ban is a possible measure, but it could prove difficult to get the UN Security Council’s approval to sanction Myanmar.

“If sanctions are not possible, the international community and Myanmar's neighbours must unite to create additional pressure to stop the fighting and pave the way for democracy."

Foreign Advisor Touhid said, "We are very clear and you also know what the UN secretary-general’s stance is, which is completely in line with Bangladesh's position.

“We want them to return with dignity, with their rights, and security guaranteed.

“The secretary-general has just reiterated this to you, and we believe that the United Nations is willing to help us in every way in this regard. Similarly, many of ‘our’ international friends are with us."

He said, "We all agree that the solution to this problem lies on the other side of the border. Now is the time for us to impose pressure on the Myanmar authorities collectively.

"I am not just talking about the government authorities, because a new reality has been created in the border areas. So we have to convince all of them and apply appropriate pressure so that they can go back to their native land."

In a written statement at the press conference, the UN SG expressed his gratitude to the interim government and the people of Bangladesh, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, for the warm welcome.

He said, “Every year, I undertake a solidarity visit and spend time with Muslim communities living in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them, and to help shine a global spotlight on their plight.

This year, I decided to come to Bangladesh to express my solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who host them.

“Fasting and having an Iftar together with you are the proof of my deep respect for your religion and your culture.”