Indonesia Calls For Stronger Global Action On Rohingya Crisis
By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Indonesia has urged for stronger international support for countries hosting Rohingya refugees, warning that without a greater commitment, the humanitarian crisis risks dragging on for decades.
Foreign Minister Sugiono told a high-level United Nations (UN) conference in New York on Tuesday (Sept 30) that wealthier nations must play a greater role, including offering more opportunities for resettlement.
“For eight years, Rohingya refugees have lived in uncertainty. We must not allow this to turn into decades of despair. The international community must share responsibility,” the ministry said in a statement quoting him.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, aimed to rally political momentum to safeguard the rights of Rohingya Muslims and pave the way for their safe and dignified return to Myanmar.
Sugiono stressed that the Rohingya crisis could not be separated from Myanmar’s wider political turmoil, and urged inclusive dialogue in line with ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus peace plan.
He also warned that refugees were increasingly vulnerable to trafficking and people-smuggling syndicates operating across the region.
Indonesia, he said, would continue to act firmly against such groups but could not face the challenge alone.
“ASEAN and the Bali Process must continue to be strengthened as regional platforms to address irregular migration and protect vulnerable communities,” Sugiono added.
The Bali Process is a non-binding regional forum that supports international efforts to combat people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.
-- BERNAMA
