Mohammadi News Agency News – Features – Photo
MNA Exclusive Desk: Rohingya community leaders have rejected an agreement between the United Nations and government of Myanmar for the return of refugees who fled violence in Rakhine state.
Having seen a leaked text, the leaders say it does not address their concerns and will not help in the repatriation of the refugees.
“The agreement is on the issue of return of the Rohingya to their homes. Strangely, they did not bother to consult the Rohingya community before going for the deal. In the agreement there is no commitment from the Burmese government to fulfill our key demands as a precondition for our safe return to our homes. It is against the interest of the Rohingya,” Bangladesh-based Rohingya political activist Ko Ko Linn said.
After the authorities in Myanmar launched a crackdown in Rakhine in October 2016, many Rohingya Muslims fled to neighbouring Bangladesh. Following further military action in August 2017, in which Myanmar’s soldiers were accused of rape, murder and arson, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya crossed to Bangladesh.
In June, the Myanmar government announced it had reached an agreement with the UN that would quicken the process of repatriating the Rohingya. But the resulting memorandum of understanding was kept secret by its signatories.
After the text of the MoU leaked online, Rohingya leaders and activists say it fails to address the key concerns of the community. Source- News Agency.
