Myanmar says 1st camp for Rohingya will be ready next week
Posted January 15, 2018 6:00 am
BANGKOK (AP) - A top Myanmar official said Monday that a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week.
More than 650,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh since Myanmar's military launched a brutal crackdown in August following attacks on police posts by a militant group. Though Myanmar's army claimed it was a clearance operation against the terrorists, the United Nations, United States and others have said the operations were "ethnic cleansing" to remove the Rohingya from the country.
Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement in November to repatriate Rohingya and set up a working group last month to oversee the repatriation of people who had fled violence in the northern part of Rakhine state in western Myanmar.
Win Myat Aye, the minister of social welfare, relief and resettlement, said Myanmar was hosting a one-day meeting Monday with Bangladesh officials in the capital Naypyitaw to discuss the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps.
Officials plan to start the repatriation process from Jan. 23.
"We are planning ahead to be able accept the returnees from next week and we are sure that this will be done on time," Win Myat Aye said.
The U.N. refugee agency said it is not involved in the process but is willing to play a "constructive role" in the process if allowed, specifically in registering the refugees and helping determining whether they are returning to Myanmar voluntarily.
"Our involvement in the process and our full access to areas of return in Myanmar can help to build confidence for all concerned, including the refugees," said Vivian Tan, UNHCR's senior regional communication officer.
In the November agreement, Myanmar's civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, pledged to take measures to halt the outflow of Rohingya to Bangladesh and restore normalcy in the region. The U.N and rights groups have urged the Myanmar government to ensure the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees.
Many have questioned whether Rohingya would return to Myanmar under the current circumstances.
Japan's foreign minister on a visit to Myanmar last week urged Suu Kyi's government to guarantee the safe and voluntary return of the refugees.
State-run media in Myanmar reported Monday the 124-acre Hla Po Khaung camp will accommodate about 30,000 people in 625 buildings and that at least 100 buildings are to be completed by the end of the month. It would be the first camp built in the repatriation process.
Rohingya Muslims stand idle on a mud mount at their Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim boy stands in a queue outside a food distribution center at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim refugee prays on an embankment at Nayapara refugee camp 69 kilometres (43 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
Rohingya refugee children play on a mud mount at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
Rohingya Muslims carry firewood on their head as they walk towards their tent at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim boy with others stands in a queue outside a food distribution center at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya boy holds his sibling as they sit on the side of a dirt road at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
Rohingya Muslims women wait outside a food distribution center at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim family carry firewood on their head as they walk towards their tent at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim boy stands in a queue outside a food distribution center at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
Rohingya Muslim refugees wait to receive food materials at a distribution center at Balukhali refugee camp 50 kilometres (32 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed.(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim boy plays in a ditch at Jamtoly refugee camp 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim man walks past make shift tents at Jamtoly refugee camp 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
The Associated Press
A Rohingya Muslim father plays with his child outside his make shift tent at Jamtoly refugee camp 60 kilometres (37.5 miles) from, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Myanmar officials say a camp to house Rohingya Muslim and Hindu refugees who return from Bangladesh will be ready by its promised deadline next week. Myanmar and Bangladesh are discussing the logistics of how many Rohingya will be allowed into Myanmar and how they will be scrutinized to be placed in the camps. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence that has been described as ethnic cleansing. Observers doubt Rohingya will return to Myanmar willing unless their safety is guaranteed. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
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