Perpetrators must be held accountable

Australia has said the perpetrators of violence against Rohingya must be held accountable, and called for justice for those who suffered.

“We urge Myanmar to take action on human rights violations. We welcome the establishment of Myanmar's Commission of Enquiry, which needs to be provided with authority to respond comprehensively to abuses,” the Australian High Commission in Dhaka said yesterday.

In a press statement, the high commission also said it has supported the UN Fact Finding Mission and its independent investigation, and encouraged Myanmar to engage with the findings of the mission and any other evidence of abuses.

“We will respond to its final report when presented at the Human Rights Council in September,” the statement said.

Appreciating Myanmar's first step in agreeing to work with the UNDP and UNHCR to create conditions in Rakhine state conducive to repatriation, Australia called on Myanmar to allow UN agencies the full access they need to implement it effectively.

“Let us also honour the late Kofi Annan by renewing our efforts to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, which he led,” said the statement.

The statement, issued marking one year of Rohingya crisis (August 25), said it is the region's largest humanitarian emergency with over 900,000 displaced Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar, and more than 530,000 remaining in Rakhine State.

“Many are women and children, who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, have lost family members and have no means to support their most basic needs without international assistance,” the statement reads.

It said Australia is focused on the plight of the Rohingyas and affected communities in Bangladesh and Myanmar, adding that $70 million of their humanitarian assistance provides emergency supplies to Rakhine State and food, shelter, clean water and essential health services to Cox's Bazar.

“Our support prioritises the needs of women and children, who remain vulnerable to violence and exploitation, including trafficking,” the statement reads.

The Australian government also thanked UN agencies and NGOs for their tireless work in the face of difficulties on the ground and reiterated the need for full, unhindered humanitarian access.