The United Nations (UN) can take some ‘practical actions’ to ensure early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, who are also known globally as Rohingya people, to their homeland.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen came up with the observation when newly-appointed Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Gwyn Lewis presented her credentials to the Foreign Minister at State guesthouse Padma in Dhaka.
The Foreign Minister welcomed Lewis to Bangladesh and expressed deep appreciation for long-standing cooperation between Government of Bangladesh and the UN in diverse fields ranging from development, peace and women empowerment.
What did the Foreign Minister say?
In the Tuesday meeting, FM Momen underscored the importance of starting the work of UN bodies in Bhasan Char following up the signing of a MoU between the Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR in October, 2021. Momen briefly touched upon the historical root and background of Rohingya crisis.
He thanked the UN bodies for standing beside Bangladesh with humanitarian assistance. Foreign Minister also highlighted the need for increased efforts from UN and other stakeholders to increase and maintain worldwide awareness about the plight of the Rohingya people. The Foreign Minister expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to send more peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping missions.
What Gwyn Lewis said?
Gwyn, on the other hand, handed over a letter from Secretary General António Guterres, thereby officially entering into her new role by succeeding Mia Seppo. Lewis also thanked the government for the warm reception given to her. She lauded the Government for its stellar performance in all developmental aspects.
Gwyn Lewis, an Irish national, has been working with the UN for around 20 years, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her prior assignments include working as the Director of UNRWA Affairs (UN Relief and Works Agency) in Palestine.
The two dignitaries also discussed other issues of importance, such as the need for global climate financing and Bangladesh’s crucial role in UN Peacekeeping operations etc.
