UN adopts resolution over Rohingya crisis

The United Nations adopts a resolution for the protection of human rights of Rohingyas and other minorities in Myanmar. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations
The United Nations adopts a resolution for the protection of human rights of Rohingyas and other minorities in Myanmar. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations

The United Nations has adopted a resolution for the protection of human rights of Rohingyas and other minorities in Myanmar.

The resolution titled ‘Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar’ placed by the United Arab Emirates and Finland on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and European Union (EU) was handed over by the Third Committee of the 74th UNGA at the UN Headquarters on Thursday.

A general statement of Bangladesh delegation from New York says since this resolution urged the UN Security Council to take visible action to resolve the Rohingya crisis, it will put pressure on UNSC directly.

Blaming Myanmar for failing to repatriate Rohingyas, it also asked the country to take categorically 10 actions including manifesting ‘clear political will for the safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return and reintegration of Rohingyas’ and ‘creating the conditions necessary for return of Rohingya refugees.’

A 20-point recommendation was put forward in the resolution presenting possible solutions to Rohingya crisis and Myanmar’s actions in this regard.

Earlier this year, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina placed some recommendations in resolving the Rohingya crisis at the General Assembly. A few of the PM’s recommendations were included in the resolution.

As many as 140 countries voted in favour of the resolution while 31 countries voted against the move and nine nations remain silent.

A total of 102 nations including members of OIC and EU, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Mexico cosponsored the resolution. The resolution will be taken to the General Assemble in December for discussion.

Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh’s permanent representative at the UN speaks during the resolution. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations
Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh’s permanent representative at the UN speaks during the resolution. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations

“We look at this resolution not as a typical country specific resolution. We see it as a symbol of ‘custodianship’ of the international community to facilitate voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of abode in Rakhine in safety, security and dignity through a bilateral process. Creating conducive environment is the key factor as the Rohingyas told the world repeatedly and this resolution emphasizes that point,” said Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh’s permanent representative at the UN.

He also said, “We expect that this resolution will keep Rohingya’s hopes afloat till we have a definitive dispensation from the Security Council in the form of a resolution.”

As many as 140 countries vote in favour of the resolution while 31 countries vote against the move and nine nations observe abstention. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations
As many as 140 countries vote in favour of the resolution while 31 countries vote against the move and nine nations observe abstention. Photo: Bangladesh Permanent Mission at the United Nations

The term Rohingya Muslim has been included in the UN proposal for the first time.

The resolution also strongly puts forth certain actions to address the crimes committed by the Myanmar security and armed forces against the Rohingyas and the issue of ‘justice and accountability’. This might help restore trust and confidence among the Rohingyas.

Masud also said, “To this end, we appreciate the lodging of a case at the ICJ by the Gambia and ongoing efforts at the ICC. This will help bring real culprits to book.”