US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken has said that the United States remains committed to advancing justice and accountability for all the people of Myanmar.
In a statement marking the sixth anniversary of the "Genocide" against Rohingyas, he said the US will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in their aspirations for a "democratic, inclusive, and peaceful" future.
On August 25, the sixth anniversary of genocide against Rohingyas, the United States said they stand with the victims and survivors, he said.
Blinken reaffirmed their commitment to pursue justice and accountability for the atrocities committed by the Myanmar military.
"We are deeply grateful to the government and the people of Bangladesh for giving shelter and refuge to nearly one million Rohingya, as well as other countries in the region hosting Rohingya refugees," he said.
The United States has provided over $2.1 billion to assist those affected by the crisis in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the region since 2017, remaining the single largest donor of life-saving humanitarian assistance to those whose lives have been upended by the violence, he said.
The escalation of violence throughout the country has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation, particularly for members of ethnic and religious minority communities, including Rohingyas, he added.
Since December 2017, Blinken said, the United States has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and entities most responsible for the ongoing violence, according to the US Department of State.
In another statement on Friday, the US Embassy in Bangladesh said, “We commend the people of Bangladesh for their generosity and hospitality in continuing to host nearly one million refugees.”
“In response, the international community rallied to support Bangladesh in its efforts. The American people have contributed more than $2.1 billion since 2017 in response to the humanitarian crisis that unfolded across the region, including more than $1.7 billion in Bangladesh to support Rohingya refugees and the local communities that so generously host them, and we remain steadfast in our support,” it said.
The United States remains committed to finding solutions to the crisis, justice for its victims, and accountability for the perpetrators of these atrocities, through targeted sanctions, international pressure, and support to the national and international courts taking action against those responsible, it added.
The embassy continued, “Until conditions in Burma improve, we call upon the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid to one of the world’s most vulnerable and marginalised populations. We must continue to support the government of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi communities hosting Rohingya.”
“We applaud the generosity of other countries who are joining this international resettlement effort, and we hope the international community – beyond traditional resettlement countries – joins this important effort. Since 2009, the United States has warmly welcomed nearly 13,000 Rohingya from the region, including Bangladesh,” it said.
As this crisis enters its seventh year, it is of utmost importance that we persist in exploring all possible options to alleviate or end the suffering of Rohingya refugees throughout the region.
