A delegation from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), comprising current and former lawmakers from Southeast Asian nations, visited the Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday (September 2).
The eight-member delegation, led by APHR Vice-President and former Malaysian MP Charles Santiago, arrived at Camp 16 in Ukhiya in the morning.
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammad Mizanur Rahman accompanied them during the visit.
Among the delegation were APHR board members—Malaysian MP Wong Chen, Thai MP Rangsiman Rome, and former Philippine lawmaker Raul Manuel—along with four APHR officials.
Following discussions with Camp-in-Charge (CiC) officials, the delegation met with Rohingya leaders, including five members of the newly elected Rohingya Consultative Council.
Speaking after the meeting, council president and Rohingya leader Syedullah said, “The discussions emphasized the need to mobilize international cooperation and support to ensure safe repatriation. We also raised the issue of releasing the Rohingya detained in Malaysia and other countries.”
According to him, the visiting ASEAN MPs assured Rohingya leaders of their cooperation in resolving the crisis and facilitating safe repatriation.
Later, the delegation visited the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) in Camp 18 and interacted with women and youth representatives from the refugee community. They also toured different parts of the camp to witness living conditions firsthand.
Officials at the RRRC office said the delegation had arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday evening (August 31).
On Monday, they met with Commissioner Mizanur Rahman to discuss the “current situation of the Rohingya crisis.”
The team also held separate meetings with UN agencies and representatives of local and international NGOs engaged in humanitarian operations in Cox’s Bazar.
After concluding their camp visit in Ukhiya this afternoon, the delegation departed for Cox’s Bazar town. They are scheduled to fly to Dhaka on Wednesday (September 3), where they will hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Although APHR is a network of ASEAN lawmakers, it is not an official ASEAN organ. However, the group maintains representation within ASEAN processes.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
