BCBS holds 1st webinar on Rohingya crisis resolution

Bangabandhu Centre for Bangladesh Studies in Canada (BCBS) in cooperation with Conflict and Resilience Research Institute Canada organized its first webinar on Rohingya crisis resolution on Tuesday (April 6). 

The key points of the panelists' discussions in the webinar titled ‘Evolving Rohingya Crisis and International Responses: Canada’s Role in Repatriation and Accountability Initiatives,’ are as follows:  

• The Rohingya crisis might turn into a broader regional and global security issue if not resolved sooner.
• Canada must step up with pragmatic ‘actions’ and genuine ‘willingness’ regarding continuing humanitarian assistance, imposing effective economic sanctions and stop investing in Myanmar, and support the ICJ case.
• A call for urgent multi-lateral action would enable like-minded actors to intervene in actualizing safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Rakhine.
• A call to Canada for re-activating the all-parliamentary working group and fill up the vacant ‘special envoy’ position so that practical means to intervene in the crisis can be undertaken.
• A call for a joint statement in the Parliament requesting Canadian Government to take a leading role in the resolution of the crisis, including a negotiated diplomatic solution using ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) where both Bangladesh and Canada are members.
• A need to explore the possibility of the ‘Aceh model,’ which would guarantee the rights of minorities in Myanmar under a viable confederation within Myanmar.
• A need to address the educational needs of thousands of Rohingya children growing up in the camps might end up being the ‘lost generation.’ 

Following distinguished guests were in attendance during the inauguration ceremony:

• HE Honorable Foreign Minister of the government of Bangladesh, Dr. AKM Abdul Momen.
• HE honorable High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Canada, Dr. Khalilur Rahman (Chief Patron of BCBS).
• Honorable Senator Marilou McPhedran CM, Province: Manitoba, Independent Senators Group
• Heather McPherson, Honorable Member of Parliament (NDP), Edmonton Strathcona, Alberta
• Brad Redekopp, Honorable Member of Parliament (Conservative), Saskatoon West, Saskatchewan
• Professor John Packer, Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution.

Dr Kawser Ahmed (executive director, CRRIC) moderated the session.