(Part 2) High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar - General Assembly, 80th session

We shall now continue with the plenary segment of the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind delegations that in order to allow maximum participation by all, the time limit will be three minutes for national statements and five minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. The time limit for statements will be strictly enforced, including through microphone cut-off. Having said that, I will appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the six official languages. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. The devastating humanitarian situation of Rohingya is serious and pressing global matter, also affecting regional peace and stability. Amidst compounding humanitarian and security challenges, the joint visit to Cox's Bazar in March by Chief Advisor Yunus and the SG provided a crucial opportunity to renew the international community's attention and priority. Japan commends Bangladesh's continued acceptance and support of over 1.1 million forcibly displaced persons from Rakhine State, Myanmar. Through international partners, Japan supports Bangladesh's efforts in providing assistance to both Rohingya Muslims and host communities. Just yesterday, Japan signed an exchange of note with WFP as part of approximately 18 million U.S. dollars in funding for humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh this year. Given the prolonged displacement, it is significant the government of Bangladesh and the international community have agreed on enhancing self-reliance to improve the living standards of displaced persons, including through providing portable skills. Japan will continue to provide support for education, skills training, and community development, in addition to critical areas such as food. In order to ensure sustainable voluntary safe and dignified return of Rohingya to Myanmar, improved conditions and the restoration of democratic governance is essential. Despite calls for change, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate while civilians suffer in Myanmar. Japan has consistently called on Myanmar military to immediately stop the violence, release those who are detained, and swiftly restore Myanmar's democratic political system. Since 2021 coup d'etat, Japan supported the people of Myanmar by providing over 200 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian assistance through international organizations and NGOs, including Rakhine State. Japan will continue to urge the military government to uphold safe and unimpeded access, and will also actively provide humanitarian assistance and support for improving people's lives in a manner that directly benefits the people of Myanmar. Japan remains committed to working with the international community, including ASEAN, towards a sustainable solution to improve the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. The ongoing situation, worsened by natural disasters, including the catastrophic earthquake of 28 March 2025, have forced thousands of Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh and other countries in the region. Simultaneously, the dramatic increase of humanitarian needs, reduction in food aid for Rohingya temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh, which continues to host over 1.5 million refugees from Myanmar, requires special attention. We appreciate the continued efforts of Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees and strongly support the right of Rohingya to live in safety, dignity, and with full citizenship rights in their own homeland. The Islamic Republic of Iran stresses the need for sustainable solutions, including creating conditions for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced Rohingyas to their homeland. In this regard, the structural drivers of displacement, including issues of citizenship, equal protection under the law, and discriminatory policies, must be addressed by Myanmar officials. We also call upon the international community to renew its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring their protection and access to basic needs. We reiterate the importance of addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis, the discriminatory 1982 citizenship law, and emphasize the necessity of reviewing and reforming that law alongside repealing other discriminatory legislations. Also, we call for effective measures to be taken by national authorities in order to end conflicts in Rakhine immediately and to protect all human rights of Rohingya Muslims. This requires an immediate cessation of hostilities, increasing humanitarian assistance, and triggering the national reconciliation process and measures with participation of all national stakeholders. Mr. President, Iran supports the efforts conducive to a lasting solution to this complex crisis, especially those undertaken by OIC and ASEAN. In this regard, it is necessary to emphasize that all measures aimed at ending this crisis and protecting the rights of all minorities, especially the Rohingya Muslim, whose situation has become prolonged and multilayered, must be carried out with full respect for the national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Myanmar. In this context, the authorities of Myanmar can play a conducive and decisive role. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Czechia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the EU. We remain gravely concerned by the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, disproportionately affecting Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. The UN system must ensure a coordinated response across its human rights, humanitarian, and peacebuilding pillars. Credible UN reports describe indiscriminate aerial bombardments, mass killings, sexual and gender-based violence, and forced conscription. These atrocities demand full accountability. Humanitarian access remains severely limited due to bureaucratic barriers and underfunding. We urge Member States to fully support the humanitarian needs and response plan in line with humanitarian principles and call for expanded protection of aid operations, particularly in conflict-affected areas. We commend the UN Special Rapporteur and the Independent Investigative Mechanism and call on Member States to facilitate access to witnesses and evidence. Accountability must be pursued nationally and internationally, including through the ICC and the ICJ. The UN must strengthen its support for civil society actors who provide lifesaving assistance under dangerous conditions. Their inclusion in governance and peace process is indispensable. Condition in Rakhine state is not conducive to the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Rohingya refugees. Statelessness, denial of citizenship and systemic discrimination must be addressed. We call on Myanmar to implement the Advisory Commission's recommendations and urge greater international support for host countries. Mr. President, the UN must act with decisive, coordinated, and sustained efforts, bridging humanitarian needs with long-term development and peacebuilding to support the aspiration of Myanmar people for peace, justice.

And democracy.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

In the name of Allah, most gracious, most merciful. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, we express our full support for the convening of this important conference at a time when the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar continue to face harsh humanitarian conditions that call for a unified position based on human solidarity and the principles on which the UN was founded. My country reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of international law and the Charter of the UN, in particular with regard to the respect for human rights and the preservation of human dignity. We follow with great interest the developments of the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. United Nations resolutions, including GA resolution 79/182 have stressed the need to create conditions for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees to their homes. In this context, the Kingdom stresses the importance of providing a safe humanitarian environment that ensures respect for fundamental rights and opens the door to sustainable solutions. Mr. President, Based on its humanitarian responsibilities, the Kingdom was and remains one of the first countries to provide support to the Rohingya, whether through humanitarian and relief assistance deployed by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. in the areas of food, health, education, and shelter, or through its positions in support within the framework of the United Nations and the OIC, while expressing our deep appreciation to the People's Republic of Bangladesh for shouldering the heavy burden of hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees. My country stresses the need for the international community to share this responsibility through increased humanitarian and development support to host countries. Mr. President, a sustainable solution to this requires the voluntary, safe, and dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya refugees. In this regard, we stress the central role of the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies in supporting efforts to create conditions for such return. My country also calls on the Government of Myanmar to cooperate constructively with the UN and the international community, thereby contributing to addressing this humanitarian crisis in a spirit of transparency and shared responsibility. In closing, My country reiterates its firm commitment to work with the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and all regional and international partners to support all efforts to alleviate the human suffering of Rohingya Muslims and ensure their voluntary, safe, and dignified return to their homeland. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President. Australia is deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Myanmar. Millions of people have been forced from their homes and many more need a great deal of help. In a world of many crises, we must not forget this conflict, nor the plight of the Rohingya people. Bangladesh has generously hosted Rohingya for years. However, reduced donor funding is making an already dire situation worse, increasing tensions that fuel violence and crime, and forcing more people to risk dangerous sea voyages to find refuge. We urge all Member States to support the response to this crisis and increase their funding. In this regard, we acknowledge the announcements made earlier today by the United Kingdom and the United States. Australia has committed $370 million in humanitarian assistance over the next three years to the people of Myanmar, displaced Rohingya and their host communities in Bangladesh. This brings our commitment to Australian $1.26 billion since 2017, making it Australia's largest ongoing humanitarian response. We call on the international community and multilateral agencies to sustain lifesaving assistance to Myanmar and Bangladesh. We must also support Rohingya self-reliance. Helping Rohingyas build livelihoods and develop skills to support economic advancement will be key. We must also address the root causes of displacement. Australia wants to see Rohingyas return to Myanmar in a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable way. But Rohingya in Myanmar suffer ongoing targeted violence, including appallingly high levels of sexual violence, which particularly affects women and girls. The Myanmar military regime and other armed groups continues to restrict humanitarian access. The regime also denies the rightful citizenship of the Rohingya. Until this changes, Rohingyas cannot return home. Alongside other partners, Australia has repeatedly registered our serious concern about the political and humanitarian situation. We condemn the regime's widespread human rights abuses and atrocities. Australia calls for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, and safe and unhindered humanitarian access. And we reiterate our strong support for ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis, including through the Five-Point Consensus and the ASEAN Special Envoy, as well as the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. Australia is concerned that the regime's announced elections can be neither free nor fair, elections held without the regime engaging in genuine and inclusive political dialogue risk greater instability. We urge a peaceful transition of power in Myanmar to an inclusive civilian.

Government.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan.

Mr. President, Excellencies, First, let me thank you for convening this important and timely high-level conference. It provides a crucial opportunity to once again draw the world's attention to the plight of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. The Kyrgyz Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims, who have endured immense suffering, persecution, and displacement over many years. We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing humanitarian situation, including limited access to basic services, continued restrictions on movement, and the lack of durable solutions for the displaced Rohingya communities, both within Myanmar and across the border. Protecting human dignity must be at the center of all efforts. We call upon all stakeholders to prioritize safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of displaced persons in accordance with international law. Humanitarian access must be ensured, and accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be pursued. Until this becomes possible, we express our deep appreciation to Bangladesh for generously hosting over a million Rohingya refugees. We call on the international community to increase humanitarian support to Bangladesh and other host countries. The Kyrgyz Republic strongly believes that dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive political solutions are the only viable path forward. As a country with a long tradition of inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, the Kyrgyz Republic knows the importance of mutual respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. We encourage all partners to redouble their efforts to promote these values in Myanmar. Finally, we emphasize the role of regional and international cooperation. The Kyrgyz Republic will continue to lend its voice in support of justice, dignity, and human rights for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Mr. President, almost 1 million Rohingya remain displaced. Many of them are stateless. They have been stripped of their most fundamental rights and condemned to perpetual exile. With that in mind, allow me to underscore three points. Firstly, Costa Rica condemns the fact that the Rohingya people have been stripped of their citizenship and rendered legally invisible. Statelessness constitutes an absolute denial of human dignity. It is something that we must eradicate in accordance with international law. Consequently, it is vital that the international community take urgent action and that it act with resolve to put an end to this situation, a situation which condemns these people to live without a homeland, without rights and without hope. My second point, Costa Rica demands special protection for Rohingya women and girls. They are the ones that suffer the worst violations of human rights, including sexual violence, forced marriage, and trafficking in persons. In terms of education, despite the fact that 80% of children between 6 and 11 years old do have access to learning centers, the gender gap appears when girls reach puberty and drop out of school. Moreover, owing to the humanitarian financing crisis, the education of some 230,000 refugee children is under threat. If no immediate action is taken, we will lose an entire generation. Thirdly, we insist that any return must be safe, voluntary, dignified. Conditions in Myanmar are worsening. Since April 2024, at least 150,000 people have fled to Bangladesh and other regions of ASEAN. The Arakan Army wages armed attacks, perpetrates summary executions, forced recruitment, and the displacement of entire villages. Myanmar has confirmed that only 180,000 refugees, 18% of the total, are eligible to return. That is an insufficient figure after years of delay. Without guarantees of security, citizenship, and basic services, there not no conditions for dignified return in place. Mr. President, eight years later, we must guarantee justice and accountability for the Rohingya people. Every person must be able to exercise their right to a nationality, to their fundamental rights, and to sustainable solutions. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, China attaches great importance the repatriation of Rakhine state's population displaced by upheaval. We support the humanitarian efforts of the UN system and humanitarian agencies, and we commend the government of Bangladesh for generously helping the displaced people over the years, despite its own challenges. For the repatriation to truly work, A phased approach is required that is based on dialogue and consultation between Myanmar and Bangladesh, repatriation arrangements agreed by both countries are the only ones that are actionable and sustainable. The international community's patience and continued support is vital to enhance dialogue and communication on top of what's been achieved so far, thus fostering mutual understanding and trust and creating the right conditions and environment for the repatriation process. China has been actively working on the diplomatic front to this end. We have provided multiple consignments of humanitarian aid for Myanmar and Bangladesh, and encouraged and helped them to reach multiple important understandings as for this high-level meeting, we have our reservations, as it's consistent with our position on this matter, namely, any action by the UN must respect the sovereignty and will of the countries concerned and must not involve forced intervention or imposed solutions. In more general terms, we oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues or public pressurization. Some member states made references to the situation in Myanmar. China supports Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, safeguarding its sovereignty, and development interests. We support Myanmar in post-earthquake reconstruction, improving its people's livelihoods, and we support efforts towards broad unity among political forces at home to restore stability and development. We support ASEAN as the main mediator in facilitating effective alignment between ASEAN's five-point consensus and Myanmar's five-point roadmap so as to contribute positively to resolving the Myanmar issue. China and Myanmar are connected by mountains and rivers. We sincerely hope for political and social stability and economic revitalization in Myanmar. China has always provided and will continue to provide support and assistance to that end, and we hope all parties concerned will make positive and constructive efforts in the same direction. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

President, the Russian Federation continues to oppose the practice of the adoption of selective unilateral resolutions on situations of human rights in specific countries. We believe this approach is ineffective, will not promote or protect human rights, and will only aggravate confrontations between states. Therefore, as you know, we did not support Resolution 79/278 adopted by General Assembly in March of this year. We did not see the point in holding a conference that would aim to lay the blame for the crisis and responsibility for resolving it solely on NIPIDAW's shoulders. These actions do not reflect reality and also do not help to resolve the Rakhine situation. The role of the international community in resolving this problem, which is rooted in the colonial pasts of neighboring countries Myanmar and Bangladesh, ought to lie in creating a favorable environment for the implementation of repatriation agreements between them, while respecting their sovereignty and not interfering in their internal affairs. At the same time, the priority should be placed on restoring peace and stability in Rakhine. Until a direct bilateral updated agreement on the gradual repatriation of Rohingya upon verification of identity is reached between Naypyidaw and Dhaka, supported by the UN, and until conditions are met for its implementation, the international community ought to refrain from carrying out any plans to establish humanitarian corridors or canals to repatriate Rohingya or any controversial projects on establishing so-called safe zones in Rakhine, Myanmar. These actions could only exacerbate the situation. We believe that Western states' efforts to exploit this longstanding problem for their own geopolitical purposes are counterproductive. The civil and legal status of forcibly displaced persons ought to be resolved in accordance with the domestic legislation of both countries. Pressure on this and other sensitive issues is not acceptable. We must continue measures to implement the trilateral memorandum between Myanmar, UNHCR, and UNDP regarding facilitating the return and settlement of repatriated persons. We should also support the efforts of ASEAN on this front, including through the special ASEAN ad hoc support team, as well as the ASEAN emergency response and assessment team, and the special mechanism for socio-economic projects in Rakhine. Russia, as a historic and sincere friend of both Myanmar and Bangladesh, opposes any attempt to interfere with their internal affairs or to exert pressure on their governments. Only direct and mutually respectful dialogue of the two neighbors can help to resolve longstanding problems between them. We intend to do all we can to help this process. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

I'd like to thank the President of the General Assembly for organizing this high-level conference at a critical juncture. Indeed, the Republic of Korea remains deeply concerned by the escalation of conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We urge all parties to immediately cease violence against civilians and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The situation in Rakhine State remains particularly devastating. In this connection, the Republic of Korea wishes to express its deep appreciation to the people and government of Bangladesh, who continue to host more than one million Rohingya refugees, especially in light of the protracted humanitarian crisis they still face. As a part of the Asian community, the Republic of Korea has consistently worked to shed further light on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar at both UN Security Council and General Assembly, and prioritized humanitarian assistance aimed at improving the situation on the ground. Following last year's $23 million contribution for Rohingya refugees in Myanmar and Bangladesh, my government plans to provide an additional $10 million this year. Thank you. We also continue to support the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar. However, ongoing conflict and mounting civilian casualties in Myanmar continues to hamper home returns. At this pivotal moment, the international community must step up to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. We firmly back ASEAN's efforts to address this crisis and implement the five-point consensus. At the same time, The crisis in Myanmar should be regarded not only as a regional issue, but also international one. As such, the Republic of Korea strongly support enhanced cooperation between ASEAN and UN, especially by a coordinated engagement of the UN Special Envoy with ASEAN Special Envoy. As a proponent of the fundamental principles for human rights and democracy, The Republic of Korea actively and strongly support scaling up regional and international efforts toward approaching a peaceful resolution.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Let me extend our appreciation to you for convening this critical high-level conference at a time of competing global crises. This meeting is, of course, essential to ensure the plight of the Rohingya people and other minorities in Myanmar remains high on our collective agenda. The repercussions of this protracted crisis extend far beyond Myanmar's borders. directly affecting neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Thailand. As a transit country, we continue to receive Rohingya influxes by both maritime and land routes. In accordance with humanitarian principles, we remain steadfast in providing assistance to those in need. As a neighbor to both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Thailand is increasingly concerned over the worsening situation of Rohingyas. We match this concern with action. Since 2017, Thailand has contributed over $4 million to aid Rohingya displaced persons in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Just earlier this month, we made an additional contribution of 700,000 Thai baht to the World Food Program to bolster food security for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh. We urge the international community to uphold the principle of burden and responsibility sharing in the face of concerning financial limitations. While humanitarian aid is crucial, it is not a lasting solution. A sustainable resolution requires addressing the root causes of the crisis, which are linked to the broader political situation in Myanmar. This entails a genuine and inclusive process towards political reform, democratization, and the strengthening of institutions that uphold social justice and human rights. We do recognize the complexity of this process, but earnest dialogue, and most importantly, concrete action must begin now. We cannot afford further delay in ending the suffering and injustice. In this regard, we wish to recognise the vital role of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar and the ASEAN Chair's Special Envoy in their good office to promote inclusive dialogue, and Thailand will continue to work closely with them. Our collective and ultimate goal must be to create the creation of conducive conditions in Rakhine State to facilitate the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya. This is the only durable solution. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, dear colleagues. Let me first start with saying that the Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the EU statement. It has been four and a half years since the coup in Myanmar and eight years since the forced mass displacement of Rohingya. The Myanmar people, including Rohingya and other minorities, continue to suffer at the hand of Myanmar army and are facing a further deterioration of already dire circumstances. We call on the Myanmar military to immediately cease all violence, respect fundamental human rights, grant unhindered humanitarian access, and take decisive steps to restore Myanmar's democratic path. This path can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders involved. We also call for full accountability for human rights crimes and reiterate our full support for international justice mechanisms. We thank the Government of Bangladesh for continuing to provide shelter to over 1.3 million Rohingya and we commend other countries that have given refuge to those fleeing Myanmar. Bangladesh deserves our recognition and respect for the efforts of hosting such a large group for so many years. Unfortunately, conditions in Myanmar for a voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas are not present. Therefore, supporting Rohingya in the region, particularly in Bangladesh, remains of essence. As global humanitarian funding is facing unprecedented strain, particular attention should be given to education and livelihood opportunities of Rohingya refugees. We thank all Member States for coming together today to discuss our efforts to support Rohingya, including encouraging their self-reliance alongside much-needed humanitarian support. The Kingdom of the Netherlands supports the Rohingya through long-term, unearmarked funding to humanitarian organizations like UNICEF, WFP and IRC, as well as funding to the Central Emergency Response Fund. In addition, my country allocated an additional 1 million euros to UNHCR to specifically reach Rohingya in Bangladesh and Rakhine. In closing, the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Myanmar and commends them for their amazing resilience. They deserve a peaceful, democratic future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Netherlands. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Mr. President, South Africa is concerned at the persisting and serious humanitarian crisis affecting the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Secretary-General Guterres has reflected that the situation in Myanmar is, and I quote, "a stark reminder of the world's collective failure to find solutions," end quote. The humanitarian crisis is not only affected by the political and economic situation, but is being perpetuated by the lack of access to life-saving humanitarian assistance, including the lack of healthcare, education, and other essential social and welfare services, as well as ways to make a decent living and live a full life. South Africa reaffirms its support for the ASEAN-led efforts to chart a course out of the crisis by finding a peaceful and durable solution. This includes the five-point consensus, which is aimed at achieving an inclusive and durable, peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, thus contributing to peace, security and stability in the region. The efforts of the countries in the region are appreciated, especially Bangladesh for their generous efforts, including taking in refugees. South Africa wishes to express its appreciation to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar for its work and for the notable progress it has made in monitoring and investigating the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. We particularly commend the Mechanism for continuing to prioritize the collection of information on sexual and gender-based crimes, which disturbingly have been committed with, and I quote, "the highest levels of cruelty and harm to the victims," end quote. Mr. President, what is needed is immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to allow for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, there must be accountability for human rights violations and other violations of international law, including atrocity crimes. We support the case at the International Court of Justice brought by Gambia under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. South Africa reiterates that States Parties to the Convention are obliged to prevent and punish genocide. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies. Eight years after the mass displacement of over 1.1 million Rohingya, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. The escalation of conflict in the Rakhine state has forced hundreds of thousands more from their homes. Rohingya men and women face killings, forced recruitment, and systematic restrictions of their movements and freedoms. Camps and shelters remain overwhelmed with food shortage, disease, and inadequate humanitarian access. We commend Bangladesh for hosting thousands of refugees fleeing from Myanmar. We urge all parties, especially the Myanmar military, to grant full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors. Portugal recognizes the complexity of the challenges facing Myanmar. Yet, lasting and durable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of discrimination and without ending the cycle of impunity. This requires listening to the voices of the Rohingya men and women, whose participation is vital in any credible peace process. Accountability, recognition of the Rohingya's right of self-identification, the protection of women and girls are indispensable to building a future of dignity and equality. Portugal echoes the calls of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights and the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar. Excellencies, in concluding, the plight of the Rohingya Muslims and the situation of women in Myanmar are not only a test of our collective commitment to human rights, but also a matter of regional and international peace and security. Portugal reiterates its full support for the central role of the ASEAN in finding a resolution to the crisis in the country, including the work of the ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy, consistent with the five-point consensus, along with its reinforced cooperation with the UNSG Special Envoy. We welcome the ASEAN leaders' call for sustained extension and nationwide expansion of ceasefire in Myanmar as a step towards de-escalation with a view to ensure humanitarian access and for creating space for political dialogue. Portugal stands ready to work with all partners in Myanmar, in the region, and across the international community. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

President, Excellencies, The plight of the Rohingya people remains dire. Almost eight years since the mass atrocities of 2017, more than one million Rohingya continue to live as refugees in Bangladesh, while hundreds of thousands remain in Rakhine State under conditions of persecution, statelessness and insecurity. We are deeply alarmed by the recent developments of renewed violence between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, which has triggered forced recruitment, indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and starvation as a weapon of war. These acts are a tragic reminder that the Rohingya community continues to face existential threats. This demands our urgent attention and unified action. The humanitarian situation is equally alarming. In Bangladesh, international funding shortfalls have led to aid cuts in already overcrowded camps. Across Southeast Asia, Rohingya refugees are undertaking perilous sea journeys and face detention, deportation and trafficking. In Myanmar, restrictions on humanitarian access have exacerbated hunger and disease, leaving countless civilians without assistance. Malta calls for immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Myanmar, including cross-border operations to reach communities in need. We also stress the importance of accountability. The international community must support the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, as well as proceedings before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to ensure that perpetrators of atrocities are brought to justice. We also call for increased efforts to cut off the junta's access to arms, jet fuel, and resources that enable its repression. We commend Bangladesh for its generosity and resilience in hosting such a large refugee population. Yet, without addressing the root causes in Myanmar, there can be no durable solution. Safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return is only possible once Myanmar ensures full respect for human rights, citizenship, and security for the Rohingya. President Malta welcomes the recent appointment of the Secretary-General Special Envoy and encourages continued coordination with ASEAN, while noting the lack of progress in implementing the five-point consensus. Regional cooperation is vital, but it must be matched with genuine political will to end impunity and restore civilian governance. The Rohingya crisis is not only a national tragedy for Myanmar, but also a regional and global concern. It fuels displacement, trafficking, and instability across borders. The international community cannot allow the Rohingya to become a forgotten people. Multilateral efforts.

Thank you. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Malta. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious. Mr. President, first, my country aligns itself with the statement of the OIC, and we express the wishes of the state of Kuwait to you for the success of this important conference as the international community faces a humanitarian and moral serious test. We also express our thanks to His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh, for his tireless effort. to hold this conference with the wide support of the regional groups. The ethnic cleansing, systematic mass displacement, and denial of the most basic human rights that Rohingya Muslims have witnessed is a full-fledged crime against humanity. These policies have led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and their crowding in camps that lack the most basic elements of decent life, while violations inside Myanmar continue unabated in a scene that raises serious concerns about the stability of the region and the future of peaceful coexistence. Based on the Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international laws, and recalling previous resolutions on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, the State of Kuwait affirms the following. strong condemnation of all violations committed against Rohingya Muslims and other minorities and demanding their immediate and unconditional cessation; two, ensuring safe and full and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected people within Myanmar; three, stress that The Rohingya have the right to return to their homes in a voluntary, safe, and dignified manner. They should be empowered to fully exercise their civil and political rights without discrimination. Four, expressed grave concern at the escalation of hate speech, incitement to violence, and destruction of villages and homes, and stressing the principle of accountability and nonimpunity. Five, called for increased support to host countries, especially Bangladesh, which is shouldering a burden on behalf of the international community and is overstretched. The continuation of this tragedy without a radical solution not only undermines the stability of the region, but also shakes the foundations of our international system based on justice, dignity, and equality among peoples. There is no justice or peace without the Rohingya Muslims receiving their full rights and returning to their homes in a safe and dignified manner, I think.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Luxembourg.

Mr. President, Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union. We wish to add a number of remarks in our national capacity. We thank the speakers that took the floor during the opening segment, particularly civil society representatives. They delivered deeply moving testimony. This high-level conference on the situation of and other minorities in Myanmar is a timely one. The humanitarian situation in Myanmar has never before been so dire. The ceasefires announced following the earthquakes last March have remained dead letter. Today, around 20 million people require humanitarian aid and more than 3.6 million people have been internally displaced. Moreover, Myanmar remains a hotbed of illegal activity, namely drug production and cybercrime, and that has regional and global repercussions. Impunity remains the norm. In Rakhine State, the escalation of the conflict has worsened the situation of the Rohingya and other vulnerable communities. Stripped of citizenship, caught in the crossfires, subject to forced recruitment and abuse, many Rohingya have fled. Attempts to flee by boat have culminated in hundreds of deaths or missing persons. However, in spite of that fact, no concrete measures have been taken to tackle the root causes of that displacement. Mr. President, Luxembourg expresses its full solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Our solidarity has taken the form of financial support extended to the humanitarian response in the region, including Bangladesh. This year, Luxembourg has supported WFP projects as well as some under the United Nations High Commission of Refugees to the tune of 1 million euros. Luxembourg also supports the NGO Friendship, an NGO who works in education in emergency situation. They also work on disaster prevention and crisis preparedness. We also support the program of the UN High Commission of Human Rights in Myanmar. The people of Myanmar in all of their diversity place hope in the international community's support to realize their legitimate aspirations to peace, dignity, human rights, and a democratic transition. Today, we once again convey our full support to them. Luxembourg stands shoulder to shoulder with the people in Myanmar in their quest for peace, justice, freedom, and sustainable development. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Luxembourg. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Vietnam.

Mr. President, Vietnam welcomes this important conference and shares a deep common concern over the prolonged crisis in Myanmar. Years of violence compounded by natural disasters have caused immense suffering to the people of Myanmar, especially the vulnerable ethnic and religious communities. Mounting casualties, mass displacement, and restricted humanitarian access not only endanger Myanmar's future, but also undermine regional peace and stability. This complex situation, deeply rooted in history, requires a comprehensive and balanced approach. Vietnam has been closely following the development in Myanmar. Our approach prioritised the well-being of all affected communities, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and the creation of conditions conducive to peace, national reconciliation, and sustainable development. Any solution must respect Myanmar's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while ensuring that its people can determine their own future. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, end the violence immediately, and pave the way for a sustained nationwide ceasefire. In Rakhine State, addressing root causes is critical to preventing further displacement and achieving lasting solutions for the affected communities. Safe, voluntary, and sustainable returns must be guaranteed, alongside continued humanitarian assistance for all vulnerable groups, including the internally displaced. Vietnam stresses the urgent need for full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. We commend Malaysia as ASEAN Chair and the Chair's Special Envoy for advancing this engagement. We encourage stronger coordination between ASEAN and the United Nations, including between their respective special envoys, as well as between ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance and relevant UN agencies on the ground. Mr. President, Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Asia and stands ready to contribute to building trust and fostering constructive dialogue among all stakeholders of the crisis in Myanmar. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria.

Mr. President, we align with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria remains gravely concerned by the worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and stress the need the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State to be addressed in an urgent and comprehensive manner. Systematic abuses by the military against the Rohingya and other minorities including killings, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary detention, and forced displacement, are alarming. This year alone, over 125 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, while many others risked their lives at sea. We commend Bangladesh's generosity in hosting more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, while prospects for durable solutions remain distant. Repatriation must be safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable. Issues such as statelessness, denial of citizenship, and systematic discrimination must be addressed without delay. We are deeply disturbed by restrictions on humanitarian access, which prevent life-saving aid and risk famine and malnutrition. We call for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law. We condemn all abuses against civilians by all parties and call for an immediate end to violence and the release of all political prisoners. Accountability for crimes against Rohingya and other groups is essential to ending impunity and preventing further atrocities. Bulgaria supports the ongoing work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and calls for enhanced dialogue between the General Assembly and the Mechanism during the 80th session. We support inclusive dialogue with the meaningful participation of all stakeholders to restore democracy and the rule of law. Bulgaria commends ASEAN's efforts. including the five-point consensus and values the work of its special envoy in coordination with the UN special envoy. We also support continued EU engagement. In closing, sustained global support is essential to address the urgent needs of refugees and host communities. Bulgaria reaffirms its solidarity with the Rohingya and all communities suffering grave violations. We remain committed to international efforts for accountability, humanitarian access, and the restoration of peace, democracy, and dignity in Myanmar. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.

President, Pakistan aligns itself with the OIC statement delivered by Turkey. This high-level conference comes at a critical moment. The plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar remains one of the most urgent humanitarian and human rights challenges of our times. These deliberations provide an opportunity to reaffirm our collective resolve to pursue a balanced and pragmatic way forward, seeking solutions anchored in compassion and shared responsibility through dialogue and engagement, all while respecting Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. For too long, the Rohingya have endured displacement and limited access to rights and services. The recent upsurge of violence in the Rakhine State has further intensified their suffering, forcing many to flee and worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Pakistan commends Bangladesh and other host countries for their generosity in sheltering displaced Rohingya. We empathize and share their burden, as Pakistan itself has hosted millions of refugees for decades, and we recognize the immense strain that this entails. For a lasting solution, it is essential to address the root causes of this crisis. Full implementation of the Advisory Commission's recommendations, particularly on pathways to citizenship, would enable safe and dignified return. A holistic and inclusive approach owned by Myanmar and supported by ASEAN is vital for durable peace and reconciliation, thus creating the conditions for the early return of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. Pakistan stands ready to work with all partners, including the UN, ASEAN, and the OIC, to meet the humanitarian needs and to promote lasting peace and stability in Myanmar. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland.

Thank you, President. Ireland aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. We welcome this high-level conference on the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Ireland is deeply concerned by the human rights situation across Myanmar. There are credible reports of killings, forced displacement and acts of torture being committed against the Rohingya Muslims as well as other minorities in Myanmar. We are also disturbed by the increasing reports of villages and homes being destroyed. Ireland condemns the ongoing and increasing use of sexual and gender-based violence by the military, affiliated militias and other armed groups. Such acts in their totality inflict extensive physical and psychological damage on victims and survivors from the Rohingya and other minorities, particularly after years of systematic abuses at the hands of the military. Ireland reiterates our call for the military and all armed groups to immediately cease all human rights abuses and attacks against civilians. We also call on them to release those arbitrarily detained, sentenced or prosecuted and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. We regret that conditions are increasingly unconducive to a safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return of Rohingya refugees, and we reiterate that those conditions must be in place before repatriation efforts are undertaken. Ireland commends the remarkable courage, resolve and bravery of civil society and human rights defenders in Myanmar, who have continued to voice their dissent despite intimidation and reprisals. While there remains a long road to achieve sustainable peace and national reconciliation, Ireland is encouraged by international efforts towards ensuring accountability and justice, including the ongoing processes at the IIMM, the ICJ and the ICC. We reaffirm our support for the efforts of the United Nations and ASEAN, including the full and effective implementation of the Five Points Consensus. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Mr. President, first of all, Cambodia would like to express appreciation for PAA for organizing this high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. Cambodia also recognize the continuous cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar on their bilateral repatriations efforts. for displaced persons and wishes to underscore the following key element of our stance. First, Cambodia remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. Acts of violence and armed attacks by any parties must cease, as they have led to the tragic losses of life and the displacement of a large number of people. We emphasize that the voluntary repatriation of displaced persons must be carried out in a state of safe, secure dignified and sustainable manner in line with the international humanitarian principles. Second, Cambodia support the ASEAN Secretary General's role as humanitarian assistance coordinators together with ASEAN mechanism led by the AHA Centers in delivering humanitarian aids and recovery efforts. We value ASEAN's mobilization of additional support to the affected communities as a foundation for lasting stability and inclusive development of the entire Rakhine State. Finally, Cambodia reaffirms its support for the important roles played by the ASEAN Special Envoy and the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar. We encourage Their continuous engagement with all stakeholders and fostered dialogues builds confidence and advance peace, reconciliation, and durable solutions for affected populations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

President, eight years ago the Myanmar military caused mass displacement of the Rohingyas. Four and a half years ago, the same military overthrew the democratically elected government. The consequences are increased human suffering and regression in all areas of development and human rights. 3.5 million people are internally displaced. The consequences are that humanitarian needs are rising dramatically. The Rohingya and other minorities are particularly affected, and many minority-populated areas remain active conflict zones. Restrictions prevent humanitarian aid from reaching conflict-affected areas. This is unacceptable and must end. Many have been forced to flee across borders. More than one million Rohingya remain displaced in Bangladesh. President, we are grateful to Bangladesh for its efforts to ensure the basic needs and rights of the Rohingya refugees. We acknowledge the resilience of the Rohingya in the face of their ongoing hardship and displacement. We hear the voices promoting their repatriation. But refugees need an environment that allows for voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return. This is currently not the case in Rakhine State. Rakhine is affected by armed conflict, a military-imposed blockade, ethnic tension, and a severe humanitarian crisis with no imminent solutions in sight. We welcome efforts to facilitate the refugees' access to work and livelihoods while in Bangladesh. This will support their ability to live with dignity and self-reliance, both in Bangladesh and in Myanmar, when conditions are conducive for return. At the same time, we encourage the provision of time and space for confidence-building processes between the different stakeholders in Rakhine. President, a solution for the Rohingya can only be found within the context of a broader solution to the political and security crisis in Myanmar. We reiterate our call for an immediate end to all attacks against civilians and urge all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. We call for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and encourage others to join in the funding efforts. We continue to support efforts to promote genuine, constructive and inclusive dialogue that includes women and.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.

Mr. President, Poland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. Eight years have passed since the brutal attacks by the military against the Rohingya people in Myanmar, which led to a displacement of over a million people seeking refuge mainly in Bangladesh, but also in the other neighbouring states. As a country that provides safe harbor for war refugees from Ukraine, Poland understands and supports the efforts to improve lives of displaced persons by relevant international institutions and national governments. And we play our part. The situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in their home country has unfortunately further worsened since the military coup in 2021. Attacks against civilians persist. The humanitarian situation in Rakhine remains grim, with destruction of homes, displacement and famine. Continuous atrocities, including against women and children, are committed both by the military and other actors of the conflict. We are particularly concerned by the attacks against civilians using advanced technologies, including drones, as well as airstrikes. Such deadly means of warfare would not be available to the perpetrators without support from other state actors, including Russia, which seems to be sharing its own terrifying know-how from the brutal invasion of Ukraine. We urge all Member States to act responsibly and refrain from enabling the Myanmar military's actions against civilians with political and material support. We support the calls by the EU for a global embargo. We welcome the international community's efforts to address the situation, including by the ASEAN, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, and multiple UN agencies. We commend the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice. Upholding human rights, protection of civilians and vulnerable groups, including religious minorities, are among Poland's priorities for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Staying true to those commitments, Poland strongly condemns abuses of the human rights of the people of Myanmar, notably the Rohingya. We call for an immediate cessation of attacks against civilian population and allowing unimpeded humanitarian assistance to all in need. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, on behalf of Denmark, I thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important high-level conference. Denmark aligns itself with the statement made by the EU. This conference comes at a critical time. Eight years after the mass displacement of Rohingya communities in 2017, their suffering remains one of the gravest humanitarian crises of our time. Alongside them, other minorities and communities continue to face human rights abuses, escalating conflict and violence. The objectives of this conference are clear: to mobilize political support, sustain international attention, and address the root causes of this tragedy. For Denmark, three priorities must guide our action. First, all parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Denmark calls on all parties to allow full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and we encourage neighbouring countries to facilitate cross-border trade, benefiting the economies of all sides. Second, durable solutions cannot be based on premature repatriation. Instead, the root causes of displacement in Rakhine must be addressed. Anything less risks repeating the tragedies of the past. Denmark remains steadfast in our support for the UN Special Envoy, and we firmly support the role of ASEAN in finding a solution to the crisis. Denmark also acknowledges the heavy burden shouldered by Bangladesh. Until safe returns are possible, we must work to empower and strengthen the self-reliance of refugees. In the face of declining humanitarian aid, supporting such initiatives can reduce aid dependence while equipping them for durable solutions. Third, Myanmar suffers from a lack of accountability and the perpetration of impunity. Denmark reiterates the importance of the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the ICC and ICJ for pursuing accountability efforts to bring justice. The military regime has announced plans for elections. Elections without prior political dialogue uniting the people of Myanmar. They risk exacerbating existing divisions and escalate violence. We recall the need for implementing Security Council Resolution 2669 and urge all members of the Council to prioritize Myanmar on its agenda. In conclusion, the Rohingya people and other minorities deserve a future built on rights, justice and dignity. Denmark stands ready to work with all partners to help secure that future. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate, representative of Denmark. And now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Mr. President, The Philippines strongly condemns the continued acts of violence in Myanmar and urges all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence and create an environment conducive for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Philippines is concerned with the negative impact of the prolonged conflict in Myanmar on the Rohingya and other minorities. The Philippines steadfastly supports the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. The sustainable resolution of the conflict requires the inclusive participation of all stakeholders in Myanmar. We also expect the government of Myanmar to ensure the safety and security for all communities in the Rakhine State, and facilitating the voluntary return of displaced persons in a safe, secure, and dignified manner. The Philippines also hopes that the gradual lifting of the state of emergency will translate into cessation of violence, eventually leading to an inclusive political dialogue with all Myanmar stakeholders, including the various ethnic groups. The elections set for December must be fair, free, peaceful and inclusive to be considered credible. An inclusive and transparent national political dialogue with stakeholders is needed prior to the elections to help contribute to ensuring free and fair elections. We support the work of the Special Envoy for the ASEAN Chair and the contributions of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General and other external parties. The Philippines supports initiatives such as those conducted by Thailand to provide enhanced humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. Such initiatives should involve the AHA Center and, if necessary, the Red Cross and/or Red Crescent. Earnest efforts must be made to ensure that such assistance reaches all those in need. Finally, the Philippines remains committed to assisting Myanmar through the Complementary Pathways Program, which provides scholarships to Rohingya refugees. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia. You have the floor.

Mr. President, Slovenia aligns with the statement of the European Union. Eight years after the Myanmar military launched its campaign against the Rohingya population, their suffering continues. Slovenia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing armed conflict, the widespread and systematic human rights violations, the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and the rise of organized crime in Myanmar. These factors continue to fuel displacement both within the country and beyond its borders. The situation in the Rakhine State is particularly alarming. Civilians, including the Rohingya, are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, facing devastating humanitarian consequences and grave human rights violations and abuses, including forced recruitment. Slovenia reiterates its strong call for the immediate cessation of all violence, including against the Rohingya, and for full respect of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. The protection of all civilians is essential to any genuine path towards peace, justice, and reconciliation in Myanmar. Ethnic and religious minorities, particularly the Rohingya, remain among the most vulnerable populations, including those living in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Slovenia commends Bangladesh for its continued generosity in hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees. Its humanitarian efforts, carried out in cooperation with the UN agencies, deserve strong international support and solidarity, especially as humanitarian needs remain overwhelming and funding continues to fall short. We would like to emphasize that conditions are not met yet for any voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons. Slovenia strongly supports ASEAN's central role in resolving the conflict. We welcome the enhanced cooperation between UN, ASEAN and other special envoys. We hope this conference serves as a renewed call for strong international commitment to ensure the protection for the Rohingya and other minorities, to address the root causes of their displacement, and to work urgently and collectively towards a durable solution for the Rohingya and all people of Myanmar. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Slovenia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia. You have the floor, sir.

President, the convening of this conference is long overdue as the Rohingya has been subjected to persecution for decades. As the conflict in Myanmar worsened, the security and humanitarian situation faced by the Rohingya and other minorities continues to deteriorate. The latest influx of 150,000 Rohingyas into Cox's Bazar reflects this grim reality. Today, we have an opportunity to improve the fate of the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. The gravity of this crisis demands our urgent attention and resolute action. President, about 73% of refugees worldwide are hosted by low- and middle-income countries with limited resources. This is also true in the case of the Rohingya. It is imperative that the global community recognises this disproportionate burden. We must galvanise global solidarity to enhance burden sharing. Our collective efforts are extremely crucial to avoid negative socio-economic impacts that can jeopardise the stability of host countries. Thus, Malaysia urges the global community to deliver, based on the principle of burden and responsibility sharing, their commitments under the 2018 Global Compact on Refugees. President, to truly address the Rohingya crisis, we must confront its root causes. The 1982 Citizenship Law has systematically denied the Rohingya people their fundamental rights. Let us be clear. Attempts to erase the Rohingya's identity, faith, history, and heritage clearly violate international human rights law and must be rejected. Only through a genuine political recognition can we hope to forge a path towards lasting peace, justice, and dignity for all. Rohingya people and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar deserve their rightful place within Myanmar's society. The international community must show solidarity and support a clear, coordinated, and sustained humanitarian and political response to achieve this goal. We must work together towards finding a sustainable solution, which includes an environment conducive for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees to their places of origin in the Rakhine State. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Mr. President, Kenya welcomes the timely convening of this Barents gathering and conveys its appreciation to the organizers for ensuring inclusive and meaningful participation. Standing in solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups who continue to ensure suffering, Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to human dignity, justice, and international law. We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Myanmar. The continued displacement, statelessness, and denial of fundamental rights to minority communities, particularly the Rohingya, demand urgent and sustained international attention. Kenya commends the Government of Bangladesh for its remarkable compassion and generosity in hosting displaced populations. We underscore the importance of equitable burden sharing, and urge the international community to uphold its collective responsibility in addressing this global challenge. In addressing the challenges faced by the minorities in Myanmar, the needs and voices of women and youth must be recognized and integrated across humanitarian, peacebuilding, and policy efforts. While women and youth are disproportionately impacted by displacement and discrimination, they also play a critical role in fostering inclusive and sustainable peace. Ensuring their protection and empowerment is fundamental to our collective commitment to justice, dignity, and lasting solutions. Mr. President, guided by our constitutional commitment to human rights and consistent with the principles of the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Kenya calls for protection of all civilians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, and urges full respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. Two, it supports inclusive political dialogue in Myanmar that reflects the country's diversity and promotes national reconciliation. Three, encourages regional and international cooperation, including efforts by Asians and Bangladesh to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced persons. Kenya reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and supports mechanisms that promote accountability and justice. Finally, Kenya believes that durable peace in Myanmar must be anchored in justice, inclusion, and respect for human dignity. We stand ready to work with all partners to advance these shared goals. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Maldives.

President, for far too long, the crisis in Myanmar has been pushed to the margins of global concern, overshadowed, underreported, and too often ignored. Yet the suffering is immense. The conflict is escalating. Lives are being uprooted with terrifying speed and brutality. Out of sight does not mean out of suffering. 15 million people face hunger, with up to 2 million at risk of famine. This is not a slow-moving emergency, but an urgent, human-induced catastrophe unfolding in real time. The Moldes believes that in the face of grave international crimes, We cannot and must not remain idle. The Maldives' decision to submit a declaration of intervention before the International Court of Justice reflects this commitment. We commend The Gambia, representing OIC, for its strong leadership in bringing this vital case forward. The Maldives calls for an immediate end to all forms of violence across Myanmar. A comprehensive and lasting ceasefire is essential to open the path towards dialogue, trust-building and reconciliation. We must also address the root causes. Denial of citizenship, entrenched discrimination and lack of access to education, healthcare and freedom of movement must be tackled decisively. Until conditions for voluntary, safe, dignified and and sustainable return are met, we urge the international community to scale up humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees, especially in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char, where needs far exceed resources. We commend Bangladesh for all it is doing in support of this community. Let this be the moment when nations stand united the turning point for Rohingya, for vulnerable communities, and for the promise of a peaceful and inclusive Myanmar. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Maldives, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria. You have the floor, madam.

President, excellencies, distinguished delegates, Nigeria welcomes this high-level conference at a critical moment in our fragile global landscape, where the inalienable rights of our fellow human beings continue to be violated. Eight years since this grave injustice began, the Rohingya community remains the largest stateless population in the world. We must ask ourselves, Where do the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar truly belong? Nigeria recalls the Charter of the United Nations and the human rights pillar of OAU 80, which bind us as members of this organization. We commend the UN for sustaining global attention on the plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. As a country that has endured conflicts and emerged stronger through dialogue, inclusion, and respect for diversity, Nigeria approaches this issue with moral and historical responsibility. Exclusion, systemic discrimination, and silence in the face of injustice have no place in today's world. We remain deeply concerned about the multilayered humanitarian crisis confronting the Rohingya, displacement, statelessness, restrictions on movement and livelihood, denial of education and services, and the continued violation of human rights. Nigeria reiterates its firm position, anchored on legal and moral principles, that these injustices constitute grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, a position publicly expressed by the former president His Excellency, late Muhammadu Buhari, at the 72nd session in this Assembly in 2017. Excellencies, the protracted crisis in Myanmar is a stain on our collective conscience. We have a moral and legal duty to act decisively to protect the human rights of the Rohingya population and prevent further atrocities. Nigeria reaffirms its call on the government of Myanmar to take credible steps to address the root causes, ensuring safe and voluntary returns, restoring citizenship rights, guaranteeing justice, and creating an inclusive political environment. We commend the government and people of Bangladesh for their generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees under difficult circumstances. This compassion reminds us that, before anything else, we are first human. They must not bear this burden alone. We also acknowledge the sustained efforts of ASEAN, particularly through the Five-Point Consensus, as well as the tireless work of other regional actors. These initiatives provide a foundation for broader engagement, but must be matched by measurable progress and stronger international response. Nigeria support the role of international mechanism to ensure that verified allegations of violations are addressed fairly and transparently. Let our words translate into concrete actions. The time for a new dawn of hope and justice is now. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria, and I give the floor now to distinguished representative.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Panama.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies. The situation of the Rohingya Muslims and that of other minorities in Myanmar remains one of the most gravely serious human rights and forced displacement crises of our times. Millions of people have found themselves stripped of their fundamental rights, forced to endure violence, exclusion, exile and erasure. They have been forgotten. Entire families have been obliged to flee their homes in search of the bare minimum necessary for a dignified life: security, education, food, healthcare and livelihoods. all of them must be adequate in order to rekindle hope in the midst of an uncertain present and future that is what they're searching for this tragedy serves as a reminder that human dignity cannot be tied to borders religious affiliation or ethnicity the international Community has a shared responsibility to act decisively to protect the most vulnerable to guarantee humanitarian assistance and to support a safe voluntary and dignified return of refugees the UN Commission for Human Rights has warned that the fate of the Rohingya is a clear example of systematic persecution and structural discrimination. Consequently, lamenting what is happening and speaking out against it is not enough. We must act decisively, with conviction and coherently. Human rights violations cannot go unpunished. Victims must receive justice and redress, and an unequivocal message must be conveyed, that is that the countries of the world represented here will not be complicit with silence or inaction. It is only in doing the above that we can break the cycle of violence, exclusion, and displacement, a cycle that has marked this people for generations. We support closer cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN in accordance with Chapter 8 the UN Charter. This work should be guided by the conviction that genuine peace can only be built on the basis of justice, solidarity and respect for human dignity. We reiterate our commitment to the staunch and unfettered defence of human rights. diplomacy and multilateralism as fundamental pillars of our foreign policy. It is only in that way that we will be able to achieve a stable, just, and inclusive peace, one in which every person can fully exercise their rights and live free of discrimination and persecution. Let us ensure that this meeting is not just one more appeal to the world's conscience, but rather a living commitment to the fact that humankind will never abandon those calling for dignity, justice, and hope. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Panama.

I give the floor to the observer of the observer state of the Holy See.

Mr. President, the Holy See welcomes the convening of the high-level conference to address the critical situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. According to the latest data, there are more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees displaced and stateless from Myanmar, with some 89% seeking asylum in Bangladesh. While the humanitarian outreach offered by Bangladesh, together with neighboring host countries, constitutes a generous response to this grave crisis, the overall response remains under serious threat due to insufficient funding. Without the urgent provision of funds, access to critical services, notably basic health care, food assistance and education, will face major disruptions in the coming months. This could create further openings for exploitation. Bridging the gap between humanitarian needs on the ground and the current lack of funding is an essential short-term strategy, also aimed at easing pressure on host countries. It is necessary that all actors ensure unrestricted and indiscriminate access to the humanitarian aid that is provided in accordance with the international humanitarian law. There is an urgent need to work on long-term solutions with a view to addressing the root causes of the crisis and moving towards national reconciliation and integration. Holy See firmly believes that religious differences should not fuel division but rather promote unity, forgiveness and nation building as religions can help uproot conflict, encourage dialogue, support justice and give a voice to all who suffer. Mr. President, every human being possesses a God-given dignity and as well as fundamental rights, including the right to nationality and to live in safety. While unequivocally condemning all forms of discrimination, persecution, and violence based on ethnicity or religion, the HRC urges all parties to uphold international human rights, to take concrete steps to protect ethnic and religious minorities, and to respond to Pope Leo's call, and I quote, to engage in inclusive dialogue, the only path that can lead to a peaceful and enduring solution. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the observer state of the Holy See, and now give the floor to the observer of the International Organization for Migration. Sorry, Austria was coming first. Sorry. Sorry, my mistake. The distinguished representative of Austria. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Austria aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. It is unacceptable that roughly 1.3 million Rohingya refugees remain in Bangladesh, including around 200,000 who are de facto stateless. A further 125,000 have been displaced since the beginning of this year. Most of them are dependent on humanitarian aid and are disproportionately affected by monsoon floodings and landslides. Let me use this opportunity to thank Bangladesh for all their efforts to alleviate the suffering of those refugees. Mr. President, against this dire backdrop, allow me to highlight three elements to this effect. First, we call on the Member States and parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law, human rights, including children's rights, and refugee law. Upholding international law remains non-negotiable. Second, we must use the tools at our disposal to break the circle of impunity and hold those responsible to account. We must do more to support the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice in their efforts to bring justice to the victims of atrocity crimes in Myanmar. Third, we must dedicate ourselves to facilitating the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees currently hosted in Bangladesh. This can only be achieved by ensuring a pathway to their legal status, guaranteeing their fundamental rights and creating the necessary conditions for their security within Myanmar. I thank ASEAN, and especially its current chair, Malaysia, for its efforts to find political solutions for the situation in Myanmar. Mr. President, in closing, be assured that Austria will continue to stand with the Rohingya and remain a steadfast supporter of their humanitarian needs. Let their plight be a powerful reminder that it is our shared responsibility to fight for the rights of minorities everywhere. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Austria, and I give now the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Organization for Migration.

Mr. President, for more than eight years, Bangladesh has carried an extraordinary responsibility, hosting over one million Rohingya.

Their generosity commands our deepest respect and strongest support.

At last month's stakeholders dialogue in Cox's Bazar, Rohingya representatives clearly voiced their wish to return, but only when return is safe, voluntary, and sustainable.

Until then, despair is mounting.

Without hope, many risk turning to dangerous coping mechanisms, including irregular migration routes. IOM is present every day, providing life-saving assistance, protecting the vulnerable, and supporting skills and livelihoods. But humanitarian lifelines are fraying.

Greater efficiency itself cannot substitute for the resources urgently required.

Action must be taken on two fronts.

Preserve lifelines in Bangladesh and address root causes in Myanmar.

Implementing the Advisory Commission's recommendations remains essential.

Regional actors, including ASEAN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have vital roles to play. Coordinated, inclusive efforts are needed to ensure conditions for safe return and rebuild trust. Mr. President, fatigue must not give way to neglect. The cost will be measured not only in human suffering, but also in regional instability. The Rohingya are not asking for charity, but for safety, dignity, and a future.

IOM stands with them.

And with all committed to ensuring they are not forgotten.

Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished observer, the International Organization for Migration, and I give the floor now to the distinguished observer of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, As we convene at this high-level conference to mobilize support for the Rohingya and other minority communities in Myanmar, we must ensure sustained international attention to their humanitarian needs, whether in Bangladesh, Myanmar, or across the region. We owe them more than words of solidarity, but sustained support that protects their dignity and restores their hope. In Cox's Bazar, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, BRCDS, supported by the IFRC, operates across all 33 camps in Bhasan Shar. Every day, they provide shelter, healthcare, water and sanitation services, and protection, while leading on disaster risk management to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters. Given our experience in Cox's Bazar, first the IFRC wants to thank the government of Bangladesh and host communities who face costs in their ongoing solidarity with the Rohingya people. Yet despite efforts, we must acknowledge that conditions in Cox's Bazar remain fragile and fully dependent on humanitarian aid. Families continue to live in shelters beyond capacity and are exposed to disasters. Protection and security risks are growing and the hard truth is that shrinking funding is threatening food rations, healthcare, water and sanitation services and fuels violence and pushing families towards dangerous coping strategies. Second, we need to prioritise both life-saving humanitarian assistance and invest wisely and sustainably in longer-term interventions to reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience, empower communities and ultimately diminish reliance on aid. BDRCS, for example, supports the Rohingya people with skills building, livelihood training and inclusive community programming. More of this is needed. Third, we need to support local and national organizations such as BDRCs, represented here by its Secretary General. Local and national humanitarian actors can and should increasingly play innovative, community inclusive and cost effective lead roles. In closing, Mr. President, when conditions allow, return must be voluntary, safe, and dignified, and approached with realism and responsibility. Until then, we continue our efforts to support and provide dignity to the Rohingya people and other minorities in Bangladesh and in Myanmar, along with protection, and throughout the region and elsewhere, who may live in daily fear and face discrimination. The IFRC and our entire network of the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, including BDRCs and the Myanmar Red Cress, stand ready to support. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished observer of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and I give the floor now to the observer of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson, Excellencies. This high-level conference provides a vital opportunity to address the immense suffering endured by the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities of Myanmar. The Rohingya have endured decades of persecution. They have been denied citizenship, restricted by discriminatory laws, and deprived of basic human rights. Since the violence of 2017 that forced over 700,000 Rohingya into exile, most of them to Bangladesh, Their situation has remained one of insecurity and statelessness. The military junta continues its campaign of human rights violations to perpetuate the exclusion of the Rohingya people by weaponizing discriminatory laws, administrative practices, and violence to erase their identity and render them stateless. The 2021 military coup halted the democratic aspirations of Myanmar's people, as well as the Rohingya's hopes to participate in shaping Myanmar's future. Therefore, for International IDEA, the Rohingya crisis is not only a humanitarian and a human rights crisis, it is a crisis of democracy and inclusion. A federal democratic framework that guarantees minority rights, equal citizenship, and participation of women and youth is essential for lasting peace. Without inclusion, there can be no reconciliation. Without democracy, there can be no justice. We commend the efforts of Myanmar's pro-democracy actors to create an inclusive Myanmar under the Federal Democracy Charter, and the interim government institutions' commitment to citizenship for the Rohingya. The path forward must be guided by democracy, equality, and human rights. That means ending all violations of international law and ensuring full human rights protection for Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. addressing the root causes of the crisis through reform of discriminatory laws, policies, and administrative practice; ensuring accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya; guaranteeing safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Rakhine State; and including Rohingya communities in shaping Myanmar's future. Excellencies, this conference is a call to action. Myanmar is a neglected crisis, and the Rohingya, its forgotten people. Humanitarian support must continue. Diplomatic pressure must intensify. The international community must support democratic actors committed to rights-based solutions for the Rohingya. International IDEA stands with the Rohingya people, with Myanmar's minorities, and with all those who seek a future of equality, dignity, and democracy. The rights of the Rohingya are not negotiable. Their recognition is essential for justice and for Myanmar's democratic transformation. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished observer of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and I now give the floor to the distinguished observer of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, It is with deep sense of duty that I take the floor at the High-Level Conference convened to address one of the most pressing humanitarian and human rights crises of our time: the plight of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Today, we gather not only to review the suffering that continues to unfold in Rakhine State and beyond, but to move forward with a concrete, time-bound plan to ensure justice, accountability, and above all, dignity. Excellency, the situation remains alarming. Despite repeated calls by this very Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and the Security Council, Rohingya communities continue to face grave violations of human rights, including forced displacement, denial of citizenship, systematic segregation, and violence. Yet, I must underline, this crisis is not only a Myanmar crisis. Its implications stretch far beyond borders, affecting regional peace, stability and trust. Mr. President, the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa stands in solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims and all minorities facing persecution. Our mission is rooted in the belief that basic human dignity, including access to safe drinking water and sanitation, is inseparable from promotion and protection of human rights. No displaced person should be left without clean water, no refugee child should be denied the right to education, and no woman should carry the compounded burden of statelessness, displacement and unsafe living conditions. We therefore call for a comprehensive time-bound plan, which is the resolution A/RES/79/278, accountability mechanisms, urgent humanitarian assistance, stronger regional and international cooperation, and full participation of Rohingya voices, women, youth, and community leaders. Let us be clear. The Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar are not asking for charity. They are demanding what is their right. Mr. President, the world's moral credibility is being tested today. We cannot allow indifference to triumph. We must ensure that the name "Rohingya" is no longer synonymous with displacement, deprivation, and despair. The Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa is ready to work with member states, United Nations agencies, and civil society partners. As we conclude, Let us recall the words inscribed in the Charter of the United Nations to reform faith in human rights. Excellencies, the urgency is now. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa. And I give now the floor to the distinguished representative for the Kishan and Development Foundation.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, thank you so much for supporting me to be here. Education and Development Foundation, EDUC is a global development humanitarian organization working in 18 countries in Asia, Africa, America, and Europe, and a member of Child Fund Alliance. and committed to ensuring safe, equitable, and quality education for children in vulnerable contexts, and supporting directly more than 1 million children worldwide. Educo has been one of the key actors in the Rohingya response since the onset of the crisis. and supporting 70,000 children directly. We extended our sincere appreciations to the government of Bangladesh for its unwavering humanitarian support and remarkable generosity in hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, over half of whom are children. As one of the most persecuted minorities in the world, the Rohingya have faced massive violence and forced displacement. They remain in Bangladesh without legal refugee access to formal education, the right to work. The Rohingya fully depend on humanitarian aid for their survival, which is rapidly sinking. Meanwhile, prospects for safe, dignified, and voluntary return remain bleak. With the root cause of displacement, the denial of Rohingya citizenship still unresolved, they are totally stateless. Mr. President, the conflict is continued, this escalating, conflict and deepening humanitarian needs have made increasingly untenable for Rohingya in their country of origin, promoting more to flee than at any time since 2017. Mr. President, we urge to all stakeholders, including governments, UN bodies, civil society, and donors to act decisively and collectively to ensure continued humanitarian and development support, child protection, durable solution, right-based solution, and dignified deportation. We believe that protected displacement must not mean protected neglect. Thank you so much from the EDUCCO and NGO platform in Bangladesh. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Education and Development Foundation. The next speaker is the representative of Independent Diplomat.

President, distinguished.

Guests, peace in Myanmar rests on the recognition that the Rohingya are equal members of Burmese society, equally deserving.

Of education, citizenship, human rights, and justice. This conference and the powerful Rohingya voices that we heard today are a stark reminder that the Rohingya are integral to Myanmar's past, its present, and its future, and they deserve the full support of the international community.

Because when Rohingya speak, whether it's to the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

Calling for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees, demanding equal citizenship in Myanmar, or insisting on accountability, member states bear the responsibility not merely to listen, but also to act to uphold international law.

The fact is, true action has been lacking.

As diplomats, experts, and activists have convened in these halls, The Rohingya have remained stateless, displaced, and denied their most fundamental rights. Your Excellencies, the gap between our stated principles and our collective responsibility has allowed atrocities to continue with impunity, and it has deepened the suffering of far too many people. The Rohingya, and indeed all minorities in Myanmar, deserve better than that. This conference is a reminder that we all can and must do better.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of Independent Diplomat. I welcome the representative of the Sasa Kava Peace Foundation.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Sossopis Foundation and our mother foundation, the Ripon Foundation, we would like to send our gratitude for your tremendous effort to reprioritize this Rohingya refugee crisis. Since 2017, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Nippon Foundations working together, and we already spent almost the $10 million for humanitarian assistance and livelihood model. We actually prioritize the Bashansore model for their sustainable livelihood. We are convinced that humanitarian aid alone is not enough. We have needed the collective effort to resolve the burden of the country of Bangladesh. Beyond the humanitarian efforts, both the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Nippon Foundation have actively engaged in the providing research, fostering dialogue for the peaceful and dignified repatriations of Rohingya refugee people. So I would like to mention the one important thing is here, Nippon Foundation and our chairman, Mr. Sasakawa, already contributed the two ceasefire between the and Arakan Army, the two eyes. So as a Japan-based international think tank and philanthropic foundations, our mission is guided by a philosophy. It's peace, prosperity for all people on the Earth. We believe that this is one of the most tremendous humanitarian crises in our time. So, in closing, allow me once again to thank you for your tremendous leadership to reprioritize this Rohingya refugee crisis for a sustainable solution. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to talk here.

Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Sasa Kaba Peace Foundation. And as the final speaker, I give the floor to the representative of Rohingya National League.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished guests, and Rohingya community brothers and sisters, As-salamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu. I think a new political page is opened up today for the Rohingya people in this gathering. Thank you very much for giving me opportunity to address at this esteemed General Assembly. Mr. President, For decades, the Rohingya people have been subjected to systematic persecution, discrimination, and violent campaigns of ethnic cleansing. These abuses have escalated to the level of genocide, as documented by the United Nations and multiple human rights organizations. Neither the Burmese military nor the Arakan Army, AA, recognizes the Rohingya people as an indigenous community. Both have committed great atrocities, human right abuses, mass killings, arbitrary arrest, and forced displacement against our people. The military regime is responsible for repeated mass killing, forced displacement, and destruction of Rohingya villages. The Arakan Army, which claims to fight for the rights of Arakanese people, has shown no respect for the rights or presence of the Rohingya people. Instead, they continue to harass, marginalize, abuse, and kill our people on a daily basis. Mr. President, The Rohingya are being pushed to the brink of extinction, and the world cannot remain silent. In this gathering today, I would like to pinpoint the following reasons: 1. Justice and accountability. We demand full international accountability for the genocide and crimes against humanity committed by both the Burmese military regime and the Arakan Army against the Rohingya people. All perpetrators must be brought to justice through the international legal mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice. 2. Restoration of full citizenship rights. We demand the immediate restoration of full citizenship and political rights for the Rohingya people under Myanmar's law, in line with international human rights standards. We are the indigenous people of Arakan and must be recognized as such. 3.

I thank the speaker of the representative of Rohingya National League. We've heard the last speaker in the plenary segment. I will now deliver my closing statement. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as we close this high-level meeting, I thank all of you for participating and commitments to renew our collective attention to the situation in Myanmar. Today's high-level meeting underlined how important it is to uphold the situation of the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities, because eight years is way too long. and because the situation is so dire. When listening to voices like Maung Zawet Dola, a Rohingya Muslim formerly living in Cox's Bazar, we could hear the pain in his voice and in so many other voices of these eight years. We could hear the pain of eight years not being able to return home. We could hear it also in the report of the Special Envoy on Myanmar stating that, I quote, "The violence continues between the military and ethnic armed organizations and people's defense forces," meaning that people cannot return even though they wish so much. We have heard also what it means that UNICEF had to suspend a major segment of its education program for both Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities in Cox's Bazar. We could understand the pain, what it means when High Commissioner for Human Rights puts it in numbers, that nearly a third of the country's population, some 15.2 million people, are facing acute food insecurity this year. That represents an increase of almost 2 million people in a year. It was so important that Lucky Karim, a Rohingya refugee formerly living in Cox's Bazar, added the questions we have to face. How do we prepare for repatriation when people in Rakhine State are starving, suffering from the impacts of conflicts, and really trying to flee? How do we prepare for political solutions in Rakhine State if we do not have a counterpart willing to engage in conversations about our future? I would like to thank you, Excellencies, and the Member States for reacting to these important questions, even though we cannot answer them all by today. But making clear in so many statements that for far too long, the world didn't care. That for far too long, Rohingya Muslims have been subject to violence, armed conflict, and targeted persecution. That for far too long, we have faced this lack of funding. So it was important to hear today some concrete contributions by member states to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and also those proposals to address the root causes of the conflict and chart the way forward. It was important that the Special Envoy on Rohingya and other minorities and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar underlined that the international community must step up to support efforts to bring peace and scaled-up funding. Now is the time to translate this momentum into action. Three priorities are clear from today's discussions. First, we must provide adequate and sustained financial support to deliver basic necessities for refugees and internally displaced persons, including food security, health services, and education. Second, we must remember that refugees want to return home to their communities, families, and livelihoods, but that we need an environment where they can return home in dignity, voluntarily and safe, meaning also to end impunity and enabling their full participation in society. And third, a sustainable resolution on the crisis means building trust with an inclusive peace process. This includes ensuring citizenship and fundamental rights and freedoms for all. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear participants of the civil society, and especially, dear Rohingya people, today was just a starting point. We have to do more. And therefore, an action-orientated summary from this discussion is forthcoming. I thank everybody again for today's participation. And by closing the session, maybe we should all remind ourselves how thankful we can be that we can just go home and say, have a good evening. By this, the High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned. Have a good evening.