Tokyo stands by Dhaka's efforts

Japan will continue to cooperate with Bangladesh closely and extend its full support in resolving the humanitarian crisis created over the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas who fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar.

Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii, who arrived in Dhaka early yesterday on a brief visit, said this during an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.

The vice minister left Dhaka yesterday afternoon.

“The issue is of great concern for Japan and we have grave concerns about the human rights and humanitarian situation on the ground, the suspected killings of people, and the fact that 400,000 people are in reality displaced as refugees," said Iwao.

Expressing Japan's pledge to stand by Bangladesh, he also said, “We will of course continue to support Bangladesh's various efforts in tackling this issue.”

He earlier visited Myanmar from September 21 to 23 and conveyed Japan's position to the Myanmar leadership over the restoration of security in a manner consistent with the rule of law and full respect for human rights; ensuring early humanitarian access for people of all communities; and quick implementation of the final recommendations of Rakhine Advisory Commission headed by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Regarding his meeting with Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam yesterday morning, Vice Minister Iwao said he commended Bangladesh government's generosity in response to the humanitarian crisis and appreciated the country's continued efforts to reach out to the affected population.

“I conveyed [that the] Japan government commends Bangladesh's effort and stands by [it] firmly... We've decided to extend emergency grant aid of three million dollars through international organisations for the people destabilized due to the situation in Rakhine State and fled to Bangladesh.”

Responding to a query, Iwao Horii said during his visit to Myanmar he conveyed Japan's strong concerns over the human rights and humanitarian conditions on the ground, the reported allegations of killings of civilians, and the fact that over 400,000 people were displaced since August 25.

Furthermore, he said Japan will support Myanmar's efforts to implement the recommendations for peace and stability by the Rakhine Advisory Commission.

Asked whether Japan would provide more assistance to Bangladesh in addition to the emergency grant he had mentioned, the Japanese minister said this time around they have decided to provide US$ one million to Myanmar and US$ three million for Bangladesh for humanitarian assistance on the ground.

Replying to another query regarding the possibility of Japan playing a more proactive role in putting international pressure on Myanmar for taking back its nationals who were forced to flee and take shelter in Bangladesh, Iwao said during his visit to Myanmar he urged its government to restore security in Rakhine State and implement the recommendations of the final report of Rakhine Advisory Commission.

“The Myanmar government seemed to understand my request and I will continue to spread the message not only to Myanmar, but also to other concerned parties.”

Asked whether Japan will pursue the UN Security Council -- that meets today (Thursday) -- for issuing a stronger statement to mount pressure on Myanmar so it takes early steps to resolve the crisis, Iwao Horii said Japan will state its position in the meet expressing its deep concerns over the human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine State and highly commend Bangladesh's efforts.