- UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledges continued support for Bangladesh hosting Rohingya refugees.
- Guterres emphasizes collaboration with ASEAN for a political solution in Myanmar.
- High-level conference planned to address Rohingya crisis and seek sustainable solutions.
- UN aims to enhance humanitarian aid and livelihood support for Rakhine communities.
- Guterres to visit Bangladesh in March 2025 to assess the situation firsthand.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh as it hosts over one million Rohingya refugees. In a letter dated February 25, 2025, to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Guterres acknowledged the severe impact of the crisis on Bangladesh and the region. He also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Guterres stated that the UN would continue to mobilize international support for Bangladesh. He emphasized his dedication to seeking a political solution to the crisis through collaboration with regional actors, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “I will continue to exercise my good offices, including through my Special Envoy on Myanmar, to work closely with ASEAN and other stakeholders,” Guterres wrote, highlighting the need for a safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Rakhine.
Guterres Pushes for Enhanced Aid and Global Cooperation
To boost aid efforts, Guterres directed senior UN officials to support the United Nations Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Specifically, they aim to maximize humanitarian assistance and livelihood support for those affected by the crisis. Furthermore, Guterres emphasized that the UN would engage through the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar. Ultimately, the priority is to ensure safe and rapid humanitarian access across Rakhine and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, a high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar is planned for 2025. Guterres hopes this conference will renew global attention and bring sustainable solutions. He stated, “We await the agreed outcomes and plans for the Conference to understand how the United Nations system can best support the process.” Additionally, the conference will explore the root causes of displacement and promote voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya.
In response to an invitation from Chief Adviser Yunus, Guterres will visit Bangladesh from March 13 to 16, 2025. During his visit, he will meet with Bangladeshi leaders and assess the situation in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. This visit not only highlights the UN’s solidarity with Bangladesh but also shows its commitment to addressing the humanitarian challenges caused by the crisis. Moreover, his presence aims to strengthen international cooperation and gather more support for Bangladesh.
Guterres consistently stresses the need for continued international attention and support. Therefore, he called on global leaders to collaborate and help Bangladesh manage the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, especially with ASEAN, to ensure safe conditions for the return of Rohingya refugees. Overall, his proactive approach reflects the UN’s unwavering support for Bangladesh and its efforts to find political solutions for the crisis.