Entire int’l community should stand together over Rohingya repatriation: EU

Bangladesh, Help Refugees, Human Rights, Myanmar, Refugees Issues, Religious Rights, Turkey

European Union (EU) ambassador to Bangladesh Rensje Teerink on Wednesday said the whole international community should stand together to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis with focus on their voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar, reports UNB.

“It’s crystal clear that they want to go back home (Myanmar). They don’t want to stay at camps. We should stand behind it,” she said adding that repatriation would be the best solution.

The EU ambassador said it is not a matter of pointing finger at the EU that it is not doing enough but look at other countries.

“Of course, it’s not easy geopolitically. Look in the region and look at other countries. Look at India and China, indeed many of the countries in ASEAN,” said the ambassador sharing the necessity of working together.

Ambassador Teerink said more should be done and there is no doubt about it.

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The EU envoy was interacting with members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at a city hotel.

Spanish ambassador to Bangladesh Francisco Asis Benitez Salas, Italian ambassador Enrico Nunziata, Dutch ambassador Harry Verweij, Swedish ambassador Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Dennis ambassador Winnie Estrup Petersen also spoke at the DCAB Talk.

DCAB president Angur Nahar Monty and general secretary Touhidur Rahman were present at the meeting.

The EU ambassador also talked about Bhasan Char relocation, migration and trade issues. She said she did not want to make any comment on Bhasan Char relocation before the visits by UN technical and humanitarian protection teams to Bhasan Char.

Ambassador Teerink said they are still waiting to see whether they can address the Rohingya issue in a better way as Myanmar has just seen its national elections.