UN warns against Rohingya returns, citing safety concerns
(dpa
Geneva ) - Myanmar's Rakhine state is currently not safe enough to allow for the return of Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said, reacting to the repatriation deal between the two countries.
"Refugees are still fleeing, and many have suffered violence, rape, and deep psychological harm," UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters in Geneva.
Most of the 622,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled since late August would return to destroyed homes and deep social divisions, he said, adding that aid agencies get hardly any access to Rakhine.
"It is critical that returns do not take place precipitously or prematurely, without the informed consent of refugees or the basic elements of lasting solutions in place," Edwards said.
Most of the 622,000 Rohingya refugees who have fled since late August would return to destroyed homes and deep social divisions, he said, adding that aid agencies get hardly any access to Rakhine.
"It is critical that returns do not take place precipitously or prematurely, without the informed consent of refugees or the basic elements of lasting solutions in place," Edwards said.