Rohingya refugees in camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, appealed to US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor for a safe return to Myanmar. On the afternoon of July 31, they stood peacefully in front of his motorcade with leaflets and placards during his camp visit, calling for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation. They also urged the international community to take prompt and effective action.

Rohingya youth Ahmad Ullah said refugees had endured uncertain lives in the camps for years and wanted to return only with citizenship rights, security and dignity guaranteed. Master Syed Ullah, an organizer of the United Council of Rohingya, thanked Bangladesh for its shelter but said future repatriation must guarantee full citizenship, equal rights, justice, security, international protection and Rohingya participation in decision-making.

The 11-member US delegation visited World Food Programme activities at Ukhiya’s Camp 4 and also toured Camp 8 West and Camp 6 before meeting officials at the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner’s office in Cox’s Bazar. APBn commander Riaz Uddin Ahmad said security arrangements were in place and the visit and Rohingya programme remained peaceful.