Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged Bangladesh to move over 300 Rohingyas, including at least 33 children, from Bhasan Char to Cox’s Bazar to be with their families.
The International rights group made the appeal in a statement on Thursday (July 9).
The HRW said the rescued refugees were sent to Bhasan Char temporarily to be quarantined. However, more than two months later, the refugees remain on the island, at risk of flooding and storms during the current monsoon season.
Brad Adams, HRW Asia director said, “Bangladesh authorities are using the pandemic as an excuse to detain refugees on a spit of land in the middle of a churning monsoon sea while their families anxiously pray for their return.”
“The government is inexplicably delaying aid workers’ access to support the refugees with immediate care, and refusing to reunite them with their families in the Cox’s Bazar camps,” he added.
Bangladesh actions to move more refugees to Bhasan Char would be a dangerous reversal of the government’s position, HRW said.
Meanwhile, Myanmar is yet to take concrete steps to enable safe and voluntary refugee returns. Donors and concerned governments should insist that the Myanmar government and military ensure the security and basic rights of Rohingya, ensure unhindered access for international humanitarian agencies to provide resources and monitor rights, and provide full citizenship for the Rohingya, with all accompanying rights and protections, Human Rights Watch said.
