Bhasan Char relocation plan
Diplomatic Correspondent, Dhaka
26 March, 2019
The United Nations (UN) yesterday urged the government not to relocate any Rohingyas to Bhasan Char before reaching a consensus with the international community on the modalities of any such relocation. Appreciating the government’s move to decongest the overcrowded settlements of Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, the UN in a press release said they were discussing with the government the “critical protection and operational issues” and these matters should be considered before any such relocation.
The UN also said any relocation to Bhasan Char must be on a voluntary basis and that refugees should have relevant, accurate and timely information on the project from the government so that they can make free and informed decisions.
“The UN appreciates the Bangladesh government’s efforts to seek alternative locations for refugees to settle down, which could help decongest the overcrowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar. The UN’s position is to engage constructively with the government on Bhasan Char,” it added.
“We are discussing with the government the critical protection and operational issues that should be considered before any relocation takes place, in order to ensure that the refugees would be able to live in safe and sustainable living conditions on Bhasan Char,” the release stated.
“We are seeking clarification about the modalities of any relocation, the living conditions that would be provided, and the basic rights and services that refugees would be able to access if they decide to relocate to Bhasan Char, as well as issues of governance and access to the island for the UN and partners,” it said.
The viability of any refugee relocation to Bhasan Char and the possibility of establishing a humanitarian response operation on the island would require thorough assessments, including technical assessments of the island and careful planning, the UN release mentioned.
“We are also examining the potential operational implications of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including the requirements, timeframes and costs involved in providing services,” it said.
The UN further said the views and
concerns of the refugees must be heard and addressed as part of the consultative process.
Some days ago, when the government announced that one lakh Rohingyas would be relocated to Bhasan Char, the international community opposed the idea, saying it should not be done without reaching a consensus with them on issues like security of these people in an area which often face natural calamities. After that, several meetings were held between the government and the international community, but no conclusion was arrived at.
Even a few days back, senior secretary of the disaster management ministry, Md Shah Kamal, told The Independent that the relocation of the Rohingyas would not be possible right now, as the construction of cyclone centres had not been completed and the government and the international community were yet to reach a consensus on the matter.
The UN also said any relocation to Bhasan Char must be on a voluntary basis and that refugees should have relevant, accurate and timely information on the project from the government so that they can make free and informed decisions.
“The UN appreciates the Bangladesh government’s efforts to seek alternative locations for refugees to settle down, which could help decongest the overcrowded settlements in Cox’s Bazar. The UN’s position is to engage constructively with the government on Bhasan Char,” it added.
“We are discussing with the government the critical protection and operational issues that should be considered before any relocation takes place, in order to ensure that the refugees would be able to live in safe and sustainable living conditions on Bhasan Char,” the release stated.
“We are seeking clarification about the modalities of any relocation, the living conditions that would be provided, and the basic rights and services that refugees would be able to access if they decide to relocate to Bhasan Char, as well as issues of governance and access to the island for the UN and partners,” it said.
The viability of any refugee relocation to Bhasan Char and the possibility of establishing a humanitarian response operation on the island would require thorough assessments, including technical assessments of the island and careful planning, the UN release mentioned.
“We are also examining the potential operational implications of setting up a humanitarian response on Bhasan Char, including the requirements, timeframes and costs involved in providing services,” it said.
The UN further said the views and
concerns of the refugees must be heard and addressed as part of the consultative process.
Some days ago, when the government announced that one lakh Rohingyas would be relocated to Bhasan Char, the international community opposed the idea, saying it should not be done without reaching a consensus with them on issues like security of these people in an area which often face natural calamities. After that, several meetings were held between the government and the international community, but no conclusion was arrived at.
Even a few days back, senior secretary of the disaster management ministry, Md Shah Kamal, told The Independent that the relocation of the Rohingyas would not be possible right now, as the construction of cyclone centres had not been completed and the government and the international community were yet to reach a consensus on the matter.
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