Tom Andrews, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, met on Thursday with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka.
During the meeting, Andrews commended Dr. Yunus for his role in raising the Rohingya issue on the international stage. He noted that the upcoming global conference on the Rohingya crisis, scheduled for September 30 at the UN Headquarters in New York, was made possible through the Chief Adviser’s initiative.
Andrews stated, “Bangladesh’s generosity in providing shelter and assistance to the Rohingya is unparalleled worldwide. Your leadership is particularly commendable in sustaining hope for a long-term solution.”
The Chief Adviser expressed hope that the forthcoming UN conference would bring effective progress toward resolving this protracted crisis. He also expressed concern that declining international support is making it difficult to provide basic services, such as healthcare and education, to the Rohingya population, and urged the Special Rapporteur to be more active in ensuring adequate funding.
Andrews highlighted Bangladesh’s positive role in engaging various stakeholders through dialogue. However, he expressed disappointment that efforts to establish a UN humanitarian channel in Rakhine State to create a safe environment have been hindered by disinformation campaigns. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that sustained efforts could lead to a durable solution.
Andrews is currently visiting Bangladesh and will participate in a stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar on August 25. The dialogue will be inaugurated by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.