Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the state of human rights in Myanmar, began his first assignment on December 13-19 in Bangladesh.
According to a press release published from Geneva, “the Rohingya desire nothing more than to return to their homes in Myanmar when conditions allow for their safe, dignified, and sustainable return.”
The Special Rapporteur will travel to Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar’s Rohingya camps, and Bhasan Char Island, where many Rohingya have been resettled.
Andrews will meet with government officials, UN officials, representatives from civil society organizations, and, most significantly, Rohingya community members.
“While the Myanmar regime continues to systematically violate the people’s human rights,” Andrews said, “it is important that the international community support those who have been forced to escape their homes in Myanmar for Bangladesh.”
His visit, he said, will provide an important chance for him to meet with relevant government officials, foreign organizations, and civil society organizations in Myanmar.
“In particular, I’m looking forward to meeting with Rohingya people, to listen to them, offer assistance, and collaborate with them on long-term solutions and accountability for the atrocities committed by Myanmar’s military against them,” Andrews said.
The findings of the Special Rapporteur will be included in his update to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022.
