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Religions for Peace express serious concern for Myanmar refugees

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 25 Aug 2019, 10:01 pm

Lindau, Germany: The Religions for Peace (RfP) leaders from Myanmar and Bangladesh held track II consultations on the refugee problem affecting the two countries at the 10th World Assembly of Religions for Peace today in Lindau, Germany, which concluded today. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo represented Myanmar.

Religions for Peace in partnership with the Foundation Peace Dialogue of the World Religions and Civil Society convened the Religions for Peace (RfP) 10th World Assembly is one of the world’s most representative, multi-religious gathering of religious communities – from 20-23 August 2019 supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Bavarian State.

RfP expressed serious concern over this tragedy that has fallen upon the people and also expressed firm determination to build confidence, and strive to find a peaceful and just solution to the tragedy affecting more than a million human beings compelled to flee to Bangladesh and sheltered in different refugee camps there.

The Bangladesh-Myanmar joint statement issued through a press communique, said, “We view the implementation of the bilateral agreement signed between the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh on the return of the refugees, and the tripartite agreements with UNHCR and UNDP respectively as fundamentals for a peaceful and just resolution of the problem. The recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission Report are considered vital for resolving this humanitarian issue.”

The RfP leaders of both the countries recognize that it is necessary to create conditions needed for the voluntary return of the refugees. We reiterated our support that returnees be settled in the places of origin or nearby places, be given access to basic services, freedom of movement, and sustainable livelihood conditions.

Earlier this month, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar, on a week-long visit to neighbouring Bangladesh had referred to the plight of the million plus Myanmar Rohingya refugees as “Modern Exodus” in Southeast Asia during a homily in a parish Church in Tejgon, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Every 5-7 years, Religions for Peace convenes a World Assembly for the purpose of forging a deep moral consensus on contemporary challenges, electing a new World Council and advancing multi-religious action across and beyond the Religions for Peace network.