UN Special Envoy Calls for Political Settlement in Myanmar to Aid Rohingya Return

Julie Bishop, the United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, urged for an early political settlement to facilitate the return of the Rohingya to Myanmar, Selangor Journal reported. Her remarks came during a meeting with Md. Touhid Hossain, adviser for foreign affairs to Bangladesh’s interim government, in Dhaka.

Since fleeing a military crackdown in August 2017, over 1.2 million Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district. Bishop, on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, plans to visit Rohingya camps to maintain global attention on the crisis.

Hossain emphasized the UN’s critical role in achieving a sustainable solution, warning that ongoing instability could threaten regional peace and security. He noted that around 100,000 additional Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh amid escalating conflicts in Myanmar.

Both officials agreed to collaborate towards a meaningful outcome from an upcoming UN conference addressing Rohingya and minority issues, stressing the need for international support to rebuild Myanmar.