UNB, Dhaka

Sat Feb 19, 2022 12:50 AM/ The Daily Star

United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for RefugeesKelly T Clements yesterday said Bhasan Char has the potential to become atemporary stay for Rohingya refugees.

She said there has been clear improvement in the conditions andavailability of services since UNHCR and UN partners began supporting thegovernment last October.

However, its sustainability will depend on scaling up healthand education services, improving access to livelihoods and income generatingactivities, and above all, continuing to ensure the voluntariness ofrelocations to the island and regular family visits to and from the mainland,Clements said.

With return to Myanmar unlikely in the immediate future,UNHCR has underscored the need for a more comprehensive approach tohumanitarian support.

This includes alternative solutions for Rohingya refugeessuch as resettlement to third countries for the most vulnerable with specificprotection needs, and complementary pathways overseas which could includeemployment and educational opportunities, said the UN refugee agency.

UNHCR reaffirmed its commitment to continue to support bothBangladeshi and Rohingya communities, while calling on the internationalcommunity to stand by the government and people of Bangladesh until thesituation in Myanmar allows for a safe, dignified, and sustainable return.

Kelly T Clements and UNHCR Director for Asia and the PacificIndrika Ratwatte undertook a joint visit to Bangladesh from February 13 to 18.

They visited the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar where over 1.1million Rohingya refugees reside, as well as to the island of Bhasan Char, andmeetings with senior government officials, local and international partners.

Clements called for continued international support forRohingya refugees, and the government and people of Bangladesh.

She reiterated UNHCR's commitment towards voluntaryrepatriation and other solutions, while underlining the need to buildresilience and invest in refugees' capacities in preparation for a future safeand voluntary return to Myanmar.

Throughout their visit, the Deputy High Commissioner andDirector for Asia and the Pacific reiterated their sincere appreciation to thegovernment and people of Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees who have soughtprotection from violence and persecution in Myanmar.

The delegation spoke with refugees to understand their needsand challenges, and the contributions they wish to make to their own future.

On their first visit to Bhasan Char, the delegationrecognised the positive work being done by the government and local civilsociety partners on the island.