20, Jan 2018 | CJP Team

Andrej Mahecic, spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), said at press briefing that UNHCR had noted the meeting between Bangladesh and Myanmar, which involved discussing the implementation of the bilateral agreement for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. “To ensure that the refugees are heard and their protection guaranteed in Bangladesh and on return in Myanmar, we are willing to be part of these discussions,” Mahecic said, adding that “In any refugee situation, UNHCR hopes that refugees will be able to return home when they themselves choose to.” Mahecic noted that some Rohingya refugees have told agency staff that ” they would need to see positive developments in relation to their legal status and citizenship, the security situation in Rakhine State, and their ability to enjoy basic rights back home.” Mahecic explained that “major challenges have to be overcome,” including “ensuring that refugees are informed about the situation in their areas of origin and potential return and consulted on their wishes; that their safety is ensured throughout – on departure, in transit and on return; and that the environment in the areas of return is conducive for safe and sustainable return.”