Permanent solution of the Rohingya crisis will not come unless Myanmar changes its citizenship law of 1982. It was mentioned in the reports of Kofi Annan commission that to ensure the citizenship of the Rohingyas, phase wise repatriation was the only way to overcome the crisis. Former official of International Organization for Migration (IOM) Asif Munir has advised Bangladesh to proceed on that basis.
On Wednesday (July 31) former official of IOM Asif Munir told this in an exclusive interview with bartatwentyfour.com.
Asif Munir told that in the wake of UN General Assembly session and under some pressure of the International communities Myanmar’s present show is just an eye wash. If it is fact then the solution of Rohingya crisis is far away. The solution lies in the reports of Kofi Annan. Plan shall have to be taken in the light of that report.
He mentioned that the Myanmar delegation on last July 28 visiting the Rohingya camps had said that we are ready to give citizenship to the Rohinyas. The delegation said that the citizenship will be granted according to the law of 1982. Besides, they demanded the proof of the staying of grand father, mother and children in Myanmar in granting citizenship. Similarly those who can show documents of National Verification Card (NVC) they will be given citizenship.
Asif Munir told that the citizenship law of 1982 is absolutely faulty. No Rohingya will get citizenship according to this law. This law is in force since 1982, if the Rohingyas would have got citizenship then they could get in a natural process. Then such crisis would not have cropped up.
Myanmar agreed to implement the Kofi Annan Commission reports except the clause of citizenship. Kofi Annan commission considered the citizenship law of 1982 as a barrier to ensure the citizenship to the Rohingyas. The Commission identified and recommended the amendment of the law of 1982. However, the Myanmar foreign secretary Mint Khoye commented that they are ready to grant citizenship subject to fulfilling some conditions.
However in view of the ensuing UN General Assembly session in September, Myanmar just tried to give some eye wash to all. It cannot be trusted.
If the Rohingyas return to Myanmar without citizenship then they will be again driven out from Rakhaine province.
Asif Munir advised Bangladesh government to create pressure on Myanmar in the next General Assembly session. If necessary Bangladesh should approach India, China and other big powers to mediate to make a definite time frame and repatriation plan which will be concrete to be implemented without any hindrance to ensure safe return of the Rohingyas.