A leaked agreement copy of the United Nations and host country reveals Rohingya refugees are not guaranteed to move freely to the mainland.
The agreement also indicates that the UN would be “permitted unhindered access” to the population and further relocations would be voluntary.
In a statement on Friday, Fortify Rights said, it had examined the agreement, called on the UN and Bangladesh to revise it to include freedom of movement to the mainland.
Ismail Wolff, the group’s Regional Director said, “UNHCR’s lifesaving services are essential and needed on the island, but the agency must ensure it is not propping up a refugee prison with this agreement.”
Earlier, Rohingyas have called for freedom of movement between the remote and flood-prone island and the mainland Rohingya refugee camps near the Cox’s Bazar. Lately, dozens have died attempting to flee on rickety boats.
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