CPA calls for urgent action to resolve Rohingya crisis

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) today called for urgent action from the international community to resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

The 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) today issued a statement adopting a consensus in this regard during its concluding session at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka this evening.  

The members of the parliaments of the Commonwealth countries may equivocally condemn the atrocities committed against Rohingyas in Myanmar which amounts to genocide, the statement read.

CPA, in its statement, demanded that Myanmar must take back its people immediately and create condition for sustainable resettlement of the Rohingyas ensuring their safety and dignity.

The recognition of the Rohingyas and long lasting solution of the crisis and their rights and citizenship must be addressed in light of the recommendations made by the Kofi Annan Commission, the statement read.

The participants called upon the Myanmar government to stop the violence and practices of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine state immediately, unconditionally, it said.

Sustainable return of the displaced Rohingyas, who took shelter in Bangladesh and other countries, will have to be ensured by Myanmar within the shortest possible time.

It also appreciated the efforts of Bangladesh government, particularly the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her decision to keep the border open for Rohingyas and to help one million distressed Rohingyas with shelter, food, sanitation, water, medical attention and others.

The participants of the conference reach the consensus on issuance of the statement as it could not pass any resolution on Rohingya crisis.

To pass a resolution, a notice will have to be submitted at least 60 days before beginning of the conference as per the rules of CPA, its outgoing Chairperson Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said today.

As the Rohingya issue is a very recent matter, it was not possible to submit a notice in this regard, said Chaudhury, also the speaker of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.