US concerned over relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasan Char

The US has expressed concern about the relocation of 1,642 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char and plans to carry out further relocations.

"The United States concurs with the UN that any such relocations must be fully voluntary and based on informed consent without pressure or coercion. Bangladesh has stated that Rohingya refugees may return to camps on the mainland if they choose," Cale Brown, principal deputy spokesperson at the US Department of State, said in a statement yesterday.

The Bangladesh government says the housing facility in Bhashan Char has flood embankment, cyclone shelters, schools, hospitals, playground, livelihood options and a much safer place than that of the Cox's Bazar refugee camps where conflicts between locals and refugees and within refugee communities have increased.

Besides, there are risks of landslides, gender-based violence, human trafficking and illegal drug trading, it said.

The US said it appreciates Bangladesh's hosting of the nearly a million Rohingya. At the same time, the Bangladesh government needs to demonstrate respect for the human rights of refugees in Bhasan Char, including freedom of movement, by facilitating refugees' ability to move to and from Cox's Bazar.

Refugees on Bhasan Char should have access to livelihoods and basic services, such as education and health care, Brown said.

With the UN and likeminded donors, the US has asked for Bangladesh to accept the UN's offer of thorough and independent technical and protection assessments to determine the safety, feasibility, and desirability of relocating refugees there, the US official said.

The US also calls again upon Myanmar to create the conditions conducive for Rohingya refugees' voluntary, safe, and dignified return.

"We are coordinating closely with the international community, in consultation with affected communities, to promote such efforts," Brown said.

The US, the leading contributor of humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas, said it also supports the pursuit of comprehensive solutions for Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons.

"We encourage the government of Bangladesh to continue coordinating with the international community to ensure funding for this crisis response and to work toward durable solutions in a manner that is consistent with international norms and respects the human rights of each individual."