Rohingya crisis requires Myanmar to address root causes

 KUALA LUMPUR: Resolving the Rohingya crisis should not rest solely with Malaysia, as Myanmar must address its root causes to enable the safe and sustainable repatriation of the ethnic minority, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Mohamad said Malaysia continued to pursue diplomatic efforts at bilateral, regional and international levels to create conditions that would allow the Rohingya to return to Myanmar safely, voluntarily, in dignity and sustainably.

"The issue of repatriating the Rohingya can only be resolved by addressing the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar.

"At the bilateral level, Malaysia continues to engage with the Myanmar authorities to encourage measures supporting the Rohingya's return, with emphasis on guaranteeing their rights, protection and equal opportunities to rebuild their lives in their place of origin without discrimination or exclusion," he said in a parliamentary written reply on Tuesday (Oct 20).

He added that a lasting solution required commitment and concrete action by the Myanmar authorities to address the root causes of the crisis, alongside continued support from Asean and the international community.

As such, Malaysia would continue to play its part through diplomatic efforts and humanitarian cooperation in support of this goal, he said.

At the regional level, Mohamad said Asean continued to uphold the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the main framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

He said emphasis remained on three components of the consensus, namely ending violence, expanding access to humanitarian assistance without discrimination, and promoting inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar.

"The Asean Chair's Special Envoy on Myanmar also continues efforts to push for the meaningful implementation of the 5PC, sustaining Asean's efforts since 2021 towards a practical and lasting solution to the crisis.

"As a next step, Asean is also identifying additional initiatives to complement existing efforts, with the aim of securing Myanmar's acceptance and cooperation in restoring peace and stability in the country," he said.

On the humanitarian front, Malaysia supported Asean's efforts through the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) to assist people affected by the conflict in Myanmar, he said.

"Asean also works with the United Nations and other international partners to extend the reach of aid and ensure it reaches those in need," he said.