VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi conveyed the importance of strong political commitment to resolve the Rohingya conflict. This was conveyed at the Side Event meeting on Rohingya entitled "Have they Forgotten Us? Ensuring Continued Global Solidarity with the Rohingya of Myanmar" on the sidelines of the High Level Week of the 78th UN General Assembly Session, Thursday (21/9/2023).

"The fate of the Rohingya people is still unclear. The global situation and domestic conditions in Myanmar make this issue even more complex and difficult. A strong political commitment to resolve this issue is undoubtedly necessary," she said in a statement received by Indonesia Window here on Friday (22/9/2023).

To help Rohingya refugees, he encouraged a political solution considering the Rohingya issue is political. "The Rohingya issue is a humanitarian issue, but very political. Therefore, the only way out for the Rohingyas is through a political solution," the Foreign Minister said.

The resolution of the Rohingya issue must be an integral part of the solution to the political crisis in Myanmar. The Foreign Minister said that the inclusive national dialog efforts encouraged by ASEAN through the 5 Point Consensus must also include a settlement for the Rohingya people.

"The repatriation of Rohingya refugees must be facilitated voluntarily, safely and with dignity," she said.

On that occasion, he also conveyed ASEAN's commitment to continue helping the Rohingya. "ASEAN will never forget the Rohingya," she said.

Furthermore, he also encouraged to ensure the availability of humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees. According to him, in general, the people of Myanmar need humanitarian assistance, but assistance for the Rohingya is most needed.

"Currently more than 1 million Rohingya people are displaced and become refugees, while those who live in the Rakhine region also face a very difficult situation. They are vulnerable to becoming victims of organized crime," the foreign minister said.

In this regard, according to her, international support for the Rohingya people needs to be strengthened. "Right now, the Rohingya people are crying silently. Just because we cannot hear their cries, we must not remain silent," Retno said.

The Side Event meeting on Rohingya titled "Have they Forgotten Us? Ensuring Continued Global Solidarity with the Rohingya of Myanmar" on the sidelines of the High Level Week of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly was co-sponsored by Bangladesh, Indonesia, Canada, Gambia, Malaysia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. (VOI/Andy)