Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a deal agreed between Myanmar and Bangladesh to start repatriating Rohingya refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46313/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the months since military security operations began in Rakhine State, Myanmar in August 2017, approximately 720,000 refugees, mostly Rohingya, have fled to Bangladesh. The people and government of Bangladesh have demonstrated extraordinary generosity in receiving such a large influx of refugees. I remain very concerned at the ongoing situation in Myanmar and the plight of these refugees who are living in extremely precarious conditions in overcrowded refugee camps. Ireland remains unwavering in its wish to see conditions that will enable the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of these Rohingya refugees to their places of origin in Myanmar in compliance with international human rights norms and the principle of non-refoulement. I note that the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on the repatriation of the Rohingya between Myanmar and Bangladesh and between Myanmar and the UNDP and UNHCR are important first steps on this path of return. I hope that they will be followed by constructive dialogue between international partners and the government of Myanmar, while also allowing the voices of the refugee community to play a key role in determining their future.

However, I do not believe that current conditions on the ground in Myanmar are conducive to allow for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of members of the Rohingya community.

In that regard, recent reports of an arrangement between Myanmar and Bangladesh for the return of up to 5,000 refugees in the near future are of concern. UNHCR have stated that the conditions in Rakhine state are not yet conducive for a return to Myanmar and I am also concerned that UN agencies have not been included in the discussions leading to this reported arrangement.

Therefore, I call on Myanmar to take the critically necessary steps to create such conditions before taking any further or premature steps towards repatriation.

In this regard, I echo the calls of international partners, including the EU, for the full implementation of the findings of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State (The Annan Commission) which provides a roadmap for sustainable and community-led peacebuilding in Rakhine State.