New York, 19 May 2023:  

"We urge the United Nations, ASEAN and regional countries to support the pilot repatriation  project and help the Rohingya returnees reintegrate in Myanmar"- said the Permanent Representative  of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith while  speaking at the Security Council aria formula meeting on Myanmar. The meeting convened by the  United Kingdom was held at the United Nations Headquarters today. 

Referring to the recent dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar, Ambassador Muhith  informed the Security Council that the two sides have decided to undertake a pilot repatriation project  under which a group of verified Myanmar nationals will return to Myanmar in the first batch. The  repatriation will continue and additional Rohingyas will be repatriated in successive batches. He  further informed that a group of 20 Rohingya visited Rakhine State on 5 May 2023 to see arrangements made in Myanmar for their return.  Citing the pilot project as an important step in the right direction, Permanent Representative  said that Bangladesh is taking all measures to ensure the voluntary return of the Rohingyas in family  units. Ambassador Muhith called upon the international community to remain vigilant so that the  returnees under pilot project are not exposed to further persecution.“The presence of humanitarian  and development actors in the Rakhine will act as an important confidence building measure. We also  urge the regional countries to support the returnees and help them reintegrate in Myanmar society,”  he added.  

The meeting held in in-person format was participated by all Security Council members and a  large number of member States from the ASEAN.  

The Council members discussed the current humanitarian challenges in Myanmar including in  the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. They also expressed support for the efforts of ASEAN in addressing  the multifaceted challenges of Myanmar. On the Rohingya issue, the majority of the members  expressed support for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their  homeland in Myanmar, while calling upon Myanmar to improve the condition in Rakhine.  

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