Thank you, Mr President.
The United Kingdom thanks the distinguished panellists for their presentations.
We share your deep concern regarding the human rights situation of Rohingya and members of minorities in Myanmar, which has deteriorated since the coup.
In May, the destruction of Cyclone Mocha caused devastation in Western Myanmar, with reports suggesting that over 3.4 million people were affected. This included a large number of deaths amongst the Rohingya, who were disproportionately affected due to the severe restrictions imposed by the military on their freedom of movement.
We now need to focus on ensuring humanitarian access, in order to deliver life-saving assistance. We remain deeply concerned that the military has continued to block humanitarian access to many areas since the coup.
Indeed, almost a quarter of the 600,000 Rohingya who remain in Rakhine State have been confined to IDP camps for a decade; face systemic discrimination; and continue to be denied citizenship and access to basic services.
Until conditions improve in Myanmar, we will continue to support the Rohingya living in camps in Bangladesh. Any return of the Rohingya must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable, in line with UNHCR principles. There can be no forced repatriation.
Since 2017, the UK has provided almost £30m for the Rohingya and other Muslim communities in Rakhine and over £350m to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh.
No one in Myanmar is untouched by the crisis. We reiterate our call on the military regime for the immediate cessation of violence, unhindered humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and the upholding of human rights.
Distinguished Panellists,
How can the international community amplify the voices of Rohingya in any discussions around durable solutions to the crisis in Myanmar?
