World Bank addresses its position on Rohingya repatriation
World Bank has addressed the Rohingya issue on its website today.
In the form of question-and-answer, World Bank addressed its position on Rohingya repatriation, its Refugee Policy Review and other issues.
Also read: Rohingyas in Bangladesh: No question of their integration with locals
The questions and answers are as follow:
1. What is the World Bank's position on the repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population?
The World Bank is helping Bangladesh address the needs of the displaced Rohingya population until their safe and voluntary return to Myanmar. The World Bank is also supporting Bangladesh to minimize the impact of the influx on the host communities.
2. How much has the World Bank committed to support Bangladesh to address the challenges created by the influx of the displaced Rohingya population?
The World Bank has committed $590 million for Bangladesh to address the health, informal education, safety net, water and sanitation, and basic infrastructure, including climate resilient roads, solar street lights, and disaster preparedness needs of both the displaced Rohingya and host communities in Cox's Bazar.
The World Bank's research and analysis are also providing insights for understanding the challenges and development priorities in Cox's Bazar.
3. Is this support a loan or a grant?
The entire $590 million financing is on grant terms. This is not a credit.
4. What is the purpose of the Refugee Policy Review?
The Refugee Policy Review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the World Bank financing for the refugee and host communities.
This review has been done in each of the 14 World Bank member countries that are currently hosting displaced population.
5. How was the Refugee Policy Review done?
The review was done by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) following the Refugee Policy Review Framework. UNHCR collected baseline information on the existing policies, practices, and programs.
6. Does the Refugee Policy Review make specific recommendations to Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya population?
No, the review does not make any country-specific recommendations.
Recently, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that World Bank sent a letter attaching a document that spoke of Rohingys' freedom of movement, birth certificate, privileges of education and job, and infrastructure.
Although the document was not Bangladesh-specific, the government informed World Bank that it won't agree with these suggestions, the foreign minister had said.
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