Rohingyas should not be sent to a third country: US official Mackenzie

Approximately 12,000 to 13,000 Rohingyas from Bangladesh and various other countries in Southeast Asia have been resettled in the United States so far.

While the Rohingyas have indeed been granted rehabilitation in the US due to humanitarian reasons, it is essential to acknowledge that relocating them to a different country is not a sustainable solution in the long run.

Mackenzie Rowe, the regional refugee coordinator for the US embassy in Dhaka, made the above statement during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

The US embassy in Dhaka held a press conference to commemorate World Refugee Day on 20 June.

Mackenzie Rowe provided an update on the number of Rohingyas who have found refuge in the United States.

According to Rowe, approximately 12,000 to 13,000 Rohingyas have been resettled in the country thus far. More Rohingyas will likely be accepted in the future.

Bangladesh has provided refuge to a significant number of Rohingya people who were forcibly displaced from Myanmar. However, these individuals cannot return to their home country due to the worsening conditions in Rakhine state.

Amidst the deteriorating security situation in the camps of Cox's Bazar, a troubling trend has emerged: Rohingyas are embarking on perilous journeys across the sea, enticed by the promises of human traffickers.

The Rohingya population has become a significant concern for Bangladesh, India, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

The Biden administration has recently announced plans to rehabilitate the Rohingyas to mitigate potential risks. The Rohingyas have been included in the process of providing refugees from different corners of the world with shelter in the US.

When asked about the decline in the security situation, Mackenzie Rowe expressed concern over any activities that hinder humanitarian assistance at the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar.

We are collaborating with partners to ensure our support is directed towards those most in need.

During the press conference, US official Mackenzie Rowe addressed the issue of holding individuals accountable for their actions regarding human rights violations.

When asked about the matter, Rowe emphasised the importance of ensuring that those responsible face appropriate consequences.

She emphasised the importance of accountability in establishing a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

Mackenzie Rowe emphasised the United States' dedication to spearheading global initiatives to ensure that individuals who commit human rights violations against civilians are held accountable.

In her statement, she emphasised that the United States is the most significant contributor of humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the Rohingya refugee crisis in the surrounding area, encompassing Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Over 740,000 Rohingyas sought refuge in Bangladesh as they escaped from the mass killings, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing that were taking place in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

According to recent data, the United States has provided a significant amount of aid to the Rohingyas, totalling nearly USD 2.4 billion since 2017.

The United States has allocated a substantial amount of funds, USD 1.9 billion, to provide aid to the Rohingya refugees seeking shelter in Bangladesh and the surrounding communities.