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The Security Council has discussed the Rohingya issue at least four times since August, when the recent refugee crisis began to unfold. In one of those discussions, representatives from Bangladesh and Myanmar were invited to discuss the issue. The government official added: “Myanmar signed a repatriation deal with Bangladesh on November 23 for taking back the displaced Rohingya people. The Human Rights Council also adopted a strong resolution against Myanmar on December 5 over the issue. “Under the circumstances, members of the security council have scheduled a closed-door meeting, where Jeffrey Feltman will brief them about the current situation in Myanmar.
China’s stance on Rohingya crisis
Another government official said China has veto power in the UN Security Council, and it has so far prevented the UN from taking a firm stance against Myanmar. “China has been requesting Bangladesh not to involve the international community in the ongoing Rohingya crisis issue, and they did not change their stance,” the official said. The official pointed out that despite overwhelming evidence of widespread human rights violation in Rakhine state, China continued to back Myanmar by voting in favour of the country in the UN Security Council.Also Read- China and its economic stake in Rakhine
On December 5, China made a statement at the UN Human Rights Council saying Bangladesh and Myanmar have signed a bilateral agreement, and any further resolutions against Myanmar would complicate the repatriation process. “Myanmar has more of China’s support than Bangladesh regarding the issue, but we will continue to hold discussions with China to resolve the humanitarian crisis,” the government official concluded.This article was first published on Bangla Tribune
