Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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84. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which concerns regarding the safe repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar can be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48085/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 in very difficult circumstances. 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 have been important first steps on this path of return.

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

In that regard, I am concerned by the recent arrangement between Myanmar and Bangladesh to begin the return of up to 5,000 refugees in the near future. I note the concerns expressed by UNHCR, who are on-the-ground, and the fact that UN agencies have not been included in these discussions. I also note concerning reports that many of the refugees concerned do not wish to be repatriated given conditions on the ground in Rakhine State.

Therefore, I call on Myanmar and Bangladesh to reconsider this arrangement and to take the necessary steps to create such conditions before taking any further or premature steps towards repatriation. I urge the parties to undertake further dialogue with international partners while also allowing the voices of the refugee community to play a key role in determining their future.

I also echo the calls for the full implementation of the findings of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.