Rohingyas must return to Myanmar: Minister 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday stated that although Bangladesh continues to provide temporary shelter to the persecuted Rohingyas from its commitment to Human Rights, they must be repatriated soon. 

"Rohingyas are Myanmar nationals and they must return to Myanmar," he reiterated.

He made the remarks in a video statement delivered at the high-level segment of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, said a press release. 

The minister noted that the Human Right Council and the international community need to constructively engage with Myanmar for the early commencement of repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. 

"Human Rights Council should emerge as a bastion to defend human rights following the principles of universality, impartiality and non-selectivity," he added.

He underscored the need to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on the Rakhine State, ensure accountability and justice and more importantly, creation of a conducive environment in Myanmar.

Highlighting the adverse impact of climate change on human rights, the minister emphasised ensuring climate justice for the victims of climate change. 

He restated Bangladesh's call to create a new Special Rapporteur on climate change.  

The Foreign Minister elaborated how, with a whole of society approach, Bangladesh effectively handled the Covid-19 pandemic-induced impacts respecting the rights of the people. 

The 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council commenced in Geneva on 22 February 2021. This session will continue till 23 March 2021.