Myanmar’s IORA membership bid rejected
Myanmar’s membership at the Indian Ocean Rim Association was declined as Bangladesh opposed it, citing Myanmar’s non-cooperation and lack of commitment to repatriate Rohingyas.
A Bangladesh delegation expressed its objection to Myanmar’s membership at the senior officials’ meet of the Association, mentioning that “the ground reality of Myanmar’s non-cooperation and lack of commitment to repatriate Rohingya refugees have not changed since the last meeting.”
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) -- a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the region -- held its 21st Council of Senior Officials in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 5-6, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
The statement comes at a time when repatriation of the Rohingyas has not been possible though Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal in November 2017, after some 7,50,000 Rohingyas fled a brutal military crackdown and took shelter in camps in Cox’s Bazar. They joined some 3,00,000 others, who had fled earlier waves of violence in Myanmar.
The 2017 violence was termed ethnic cleansing, having elements of genocide. Rohingyas say conditions in Rakhine were not conducive for safe and sustainable return. There is also no guarantee of citizenship.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has been facing financial, social and environmental challenges due to the arrival of Rohingyas in large numbers.
At the IORA meeting, Bangladesh said Myanmar has failed to demonstrate its willingness to be a responsible state, and lacks respect for international norms and rules.
Rear Admiral (retd) Khurshed Alam, secretary (maritime affairs unit) at the foreign ministry, led a Bangladesh delegation to the meeting attended by delegations from 22 IORA member states and nine dialogue partners.
Some Southeast Asian countries supported the application of Myanmar’s membership for the IORA, but it was declined as IORA charter says decisions on all matters and issues at all levels will be taken on the basis of consensus.
During the meeting of the Council of Senior Officials (CSO), vice chairmanship for the tenure of October 19, 2019 to October 2021 was officially handed over to Bangladesh.
Subsequently, Bangladesh will assume the charge of the chair from October 1, 2021 for two years.
UAE officially assumed the charge of chair for the tenure of October 2019-October 2021.
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