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UN General Assembly President Dr Khalilur Rahman has described the Rohingya crisis as a “grave human crisis,” stressing that violence cannot resolve conflicts and urging dialogue and negotiation.
“Violence will not solve any problem. It will only defer it and make it worse,” he said in an interview with UN News ahead of the General Assembly’s high-level week.
Khalilur said the Rohingyas had endured attacks, burned villages and destruction of their homes before being forced to flee Myanmar. He also highlighted their resilience and strong desire to return home.
Bangladesh is hosting more than 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to raise the protracted crisis at the UN General Assembly and seek stronger international support for its resolution.
A Bangladesh-hosted side event on the Rohingya crisis is scheduled for Sept 23, focusing on international cooperation for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the refugees to Myanmar.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said Bangladesh would again highlight the scale of the crisis and the international support it needs.
Khalilur, who began his one-year presidency of the 81st UNGA session with a focus on restoring trust in the UN, also called for safeguards on artificial intelligence and greater cooperation among member states on UN reform and financial sustainability.
He said the General Assembly’s ability to bring world leaders together remains one of its key strengths, providing a forum for dialogue on major global challenges.