Unhindered humanitarian access denied in Myanmar, feasibility of voluntary returns unknown

The Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed terms two months ago for the voluntary return to Myanmar of more than 600,000 Rohingya refugees — but necessary safeguards are still not in place, and refugees cannot be sure of their safety if they do return, the UN said on Tuesday.

Refugees from Rakhine State continue to arrive in the Cox's Bazar area of Bangladesh, but access for aid agencies and the media remains restricted.

Adrian Edwards, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson, called on Myanmar to allow "unhindered humanitarian access" in Rakhine State to ensure the right of refugees to return to a reasonable environment.

"Access would allow for assessment of the actual conditions and the long-term viability of the returns, as well as to help address the legitimate safety concerns for any refugees contemplating their return there."

He added that "there has been considerable anxiety among the population".

On an encouraging note, Myanmar has committed to following the recommendations of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, which calls for peace and security for all communities, said Mr. Edwards.

He added that without this "the risk of dangerous and rushed returns into a situation where violence might reignite is too great to be ignored".

UN Radio/GBCONLINE
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