Bangladesh has urged the European Union to take a more active role in creating conditions for the return of the Rohingya who have fled to it from neighboring Myanmar.
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This came during a meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Kalam Abdul Momen and European Union Foreign Policy Coordinator Josep Borrell.
This is on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a statement issued by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
“The approximately 1.1 million Rohingya refugees who are currently hosted by Bangladesh in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar for humanitarian reasons have become a heavy burden on the country,” said Abdul Momen.
At the meeting, which was held on Thursday, Momen demanded that the European Union take more effective measures to create a conducive environment in Myanmar for the sustainable return of the Rohingya.
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who fled Arakan after a brutal military campaign launched by Myanmar forces and extremist Buddhist militias in August 2017.
He explained that harboring such a large population “is costing Bangladesh enormous social, economic and environmental costs”.
For his part, Borrell thanked Bangladesh for its humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya.
He assured him that the EU would “work with Bangladesh and the international community to ensure the sustainable return of the Rohingya.”
Momen also raised the issue of the $100 billion annual climate fund pledged by developed countries, urging the European Union to honor its commitments.
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He stressed the need to share responsibility for those who have migrated because of the climate, referring to people who have left their homes and traditional jobs due to the consequences of climate change.
