(New York, 29 August 2024) – The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice
Wairimu Nderitu, and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Mô Bleeker,
welcome the commitment made by Muhammad Yunus, new interim Prime Minister of the
People’s Republic of Bangladesh, to continue to support the Rohingya refugee population in
Bangladesh, in his first major government policy address, on 18 August 2024. Echoing the
message in the congratulatory letter sent by the UN Secretary-General to the new interim Prime
Minister, the Special Advisers reiterate the relevance of Mr. Yunus’ pledge to continue
protecting the Rohingya refugee community, who remains very vulnerable, even more at a time
when there is an increase of violence and conflict across Myanmar, with continued violent
targeting of the Rohingya.
The Special Advisers reiterate that the best lasting protection for the Rohingya minority is
integral peace, with the full respect for human and minority rights in their own country and in the
whole region. The Special Advisers reiterate the urgent need for a solid political solution in
Myanmar entailing a holistic process towards a sustainable peace based on the full respect of
human rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, origin, gender, age, and
political affiliation, the strengthening of the rule of law and active democratic participation for
all citizens. They encourage Mr. Yunus to actively engage in regional and international efforts as
a leader for sustainable peace in the region.
The Special Advisers also underline the importance of building a national and regional
prevention strategy aimed at advancing a strategic transformation towards sustainable peace
through the strengthening of a culture of peaceful management of conflicts, integral respect of
human rights and constructive management of diversity. The Special Advisers express their
encouragement to the Transitional Government of Bangladesh to make all possible progress in
this direction and express their willingness to support such efforts.
For media queries please contact:
Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect
http://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention
Email: osapg@un.org
