Hon’ble President of today’s event; Hon’ble Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Mr.Kazi Reazul Hoque; Country Director of the hosting organization (Save the Children)

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning to you all. It is indeed a privilege for me to be here today. I thank the organizers for inviting me to say a few words on a very pertinent issue- the concerns of the Rohingya children, which is an important element of a bigger issue.

Bangladesh is offering shelters to over a million forcibly displaced Myanmar residents- the Rohingyas. Unlike in the past, this time it has been the largest and fastest exodus of Rohingyas into Bangladesh particularly after August 2017. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a bold and timely decision to shelter them in Bangladesh territory.The international community praised Bangladesh for extra-ordinary generosity. However, their arrival in massive numbers is causing enormous social, economic and environmental strains in Bangladesh.

Distinguished Guests,

As you are aware, Bangladesh accords special attention to the welfare of children. Bangladesh’s early ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) back in 1990 attests to the seriousness with which the government looks at this issue. I must mention here that much before the emergence of international consensus on the subject, Bangladesh promulgated Children Act in 1974 to address concerns of the children during the time of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman- the Father of the Nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Around 58 per cent of the displaced people have been described as children (under 18 years old). I am happy to see that you have tried to capture their concerns in the report. It is, however, deeply disturbing to note that among the camp population, around 26,000 Rohingya children lost one of the parents and around 7,000 lost both. Currently they are under some kind of informal foster care. Many of the children might have witnessed brutal killing of their parents and thus are extremely traumatized.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Continued deprivation, persecution, disenfranchisement and military atrocities against the whole community of Rohingyas are the root causes of the crisis. We need to recognize that the problem has its origin in Rakhine State and its comprehensive solution has to be found there. Bangladesh is only unjustifiably bearing the brunt of it- till today as the flow did not stop.

The primary focus of our government has been to ensure safe, voluntary and sustainable return of the displaced persons including the children. Since November 2017 the government has successfully negotiated and concluded three agreements in order to repatriate these people. Bangladesh bargained hard to create space for international community to contribute in the whole process. Being mindful of the fate of the children, Bangladesh successfully negotiated and included provisions for repatriation of orphans, children born out of the unwarranted incidents and children under foster care by certification of Courts. Bangladesh has just handed over a list of 8032 individuals as first batch and waiting for the commencement of the repatriation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We acknowledge special requirement of the children in the camps. However, unfortunately we find that their future depends on the progress of overall repatriation process. We recognize that Rohingya children need to build their sense of belongingness in Rakhine State in their homes. Bangladesh is offering as best as it can, but it is not their home. It is the collective responsibility of all in the international community to help these children to get back to their homes.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The report captured various concerns expressed by the children. The need for better illumination of the camps is a genuine concern for children and adult alike. Concerns for safe water, sanitation and hygiene are also real. Bangladesh government with the help of the international community has been seeking to address these issues and conditions have improved significantly.You must have seen that there has not been report of large-scale disease outbreak, security crises or food scarcity in the camps. We tried to prevent these as top priorities. We believe, Bangladesh authorities along with international partners worked hard and succeeded in avoiding a situation of emergencies within an emergency.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I appreciate the compassion of the Rohingya children who acknowledged the need for creating more health facilities for the children from the host community as well. I suggest UN agencies and international organizations to create more provisions for host communities.

I can assure you that Bangladesh will continue to facilitate international assistance to the Rohingyas including the children. Bangladesh will not repatriate anybody without his or her will. At the same time I urge international community not to lose focus on Rohingya issue and continue to exert pressure on Myanmar so that Myanmar remains sincere and committed to the repatriation process and fulfill its obligation of creating conducive environment with ensured livelihood in safety and dignity in Rakhine State. Myanmar must be convinced to allow international humanitarian assistance into Rakhine State as well to ensure a healthy childhood of the returning children. I also request friends in the international community to continue to provide assistance to the Rohingyas including their children.

I thank you all. Joy Bangla; Joy Bangabandhu