The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Mô Bleeker, welcome the commitment made by Muhammad Yunus, new interim Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, to continue to support the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh, in his first major government policy address, on 18 August 2024. Echoing the message in the congratulatory letter sent by the UN Secretary-General to the new interim Prime Minister, the Special Advisers reiterate the relevance of Mr. Yunus’ pledge to continue protecting the Rohingya refugee community, who remains very vulnerable, even more at a time when there is an increase of violence and conflict across Myanmar, with continued violent targeting of the Rohingya.

The Special Advisers reiterate that the best lasting protection for the Rohingya minority is integral peace, with the full respect for human and minority rights in their own country and in the whole region. The Special Advisers reiterate the urgent need for a solid political solution in Myanmar entailing a holistic process towards a sustainable peace based on the full respect of human rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, origin, gender, age, and political affiliation, the strengthening of the rule of law and active democratic participation for all citizens. They encourage Mr. Yunus to actively engage in regional and international efforts as a leader for sustainable peace in the region.

The Special Advisers also underline the importance of building a national and regional prevention strategy aimed at advancing a strategic transformation towards sustainable peace through the strengthening of a culture of peaceful management of conflicts, integral respect of human rights and constructive management of diversity. The Special Advisers express their encouragement to the Transitional Government of Bangladesh to make all possible progress in this direction and express their willingness to support such efforts.