Editorial
Refugee issue at OIC meet
Bangladesh makes its point
The International Ministerial Conference on Refugees in the Muslim World held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan has had a special import. For one thing, it was the first of its kind under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with UNHCR very relevantly as one of the co-organisers. For another, the overwhelming number of Muslim refugee in Muslim countries have so far been drawn less than desired level of international attention. As though they are consigned to the periphery of mainstream refugee concerns.
In this backdrop, Bangladesh's foreign minister Dipu Moni brought into a sharp focus the issue of Myanmar refugees that Bangladesh has been hosting for the last two decades.
Bangladesh being at the receiving end was rightly concerned over the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. The issue impacted Bangladesh in two ways: First, although herself a developing country, she couldn't shake off a certain humanitarian concern; secondly, it was clearly an economic and social burden on a developing country like Bangladesh.
But Dipu Moni placed on the table concrete proposals to address the refugee issues across a broader spectrum. Her suggestions went down well with the other delegations who followed up with their own statements.
Particular mention may be made of our foreign minister highlighting the necessity of international dialogue and engagement with non-OIC countries. She laid emphasis on identifying the root causes of protracted refugee situations and addressing them at the source. Also, she articulated the principle of international burden-sharing, given 'the shrinking global space for asylum and a growing trend of asylum fatigue.'
As for burden-sharing, the host countries need to be engaged in decision-making and analysis of deficit and disconnect relating to refugee protection. Bangladesh thought that the financial and economic contributions of the host countries should be accounted for in the official records and discourses on protection. It is not enough to recognise such needs appropriate mechanisms will have to be evolved to meet them under UNHCR umbrella of which OIC can be a political partner.
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