Swiss President for dignified return of Rohingyas

Cox's Bazar Correspondent: Swiss President Alain Berset has put emphasis on voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their places of origin.

He also expressed his concern over about outbreak for the younger generation and the situation of the women, children who need increased protection.

The Swiss President told this to the reporters during his visit to Kutupalang camp of the district on Tuesday.

He also said Switzerland calls for the full implementation of the report of the Advisory Commission chaired by Kofi Annan to protect Rohingyas and ensure their safe return to Myanmar.

He said a refugee crisis of this scale had put Bangladesh and the international community under enormous pressure to provide shelter and the most urgent services to more than 688000 people.

“Switzerland is working closely with Bangladesh, UN agencies and other development partners in order to respond to this crisis,” he added.

President Berset, now on a four-day official tour, arrived in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday morning to gain a first-hand insight into the ongoing humanitarian crisis and listened to stories of sufferings from Rohingyas.

He visited the camp where he met with Rohingyas who have fled Myanmar in recent months.

The Swiss President also visited the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital which received Swiss contributions.

President Berset extended his appreciation for the enormous efforts being undertaken by Bangladesh government to welcome and host the communities from Myanmar.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Swiss Ambassador in Dhaka Rene Holenstein accompanied the Swiss President in Cox's Bazar.

risingbd/Cox's Bazar/February 6, 2018/Sujauddin Rubel/A K Azad