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DW: During your visit to Bangladesh last week, you spoke with government officials of Rohingya Muslims who fled the persecution in Myanmar. Do you see any progress in managing the refugee crisis?
Niels Annen: During my visit, I at least felt some optimism. Bangladesh and Myanmar communicate with each other on the return of refugees. China and India also provide badistance for housing construction. However, it will still be a long time before the refugees can return. The Rohingyas are still not sure of being safe in Myanmar.
Read more: Myanmar and the UN sign an agreement on the return of the Rohingyas
Myanmar military high-ranking officials involved in Rohingya atrocities: Amnesty International [19659005IncourttermecelasignifiesthatBangladeshwillbegettinghargeunmillionfugeesThisisahugechallengeforthecountrywiththeorganizationsof"AgreatdealofpolicyisalsoneededtomoveforwardMyanmarmustfulfilltheconditionsnecessaryforavoluntarysustainableandsafereturnofRohingyainRakhineStateTheinternationalcommunitycanandwillhelp
Niels Annen with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hbadan Mahmood Ali
Although Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed an agreement for the return of refugees, progress has been slow. How are you optimistic about a quick fix for this crisis?
Various UN committees are extremely determined to find a solution, and Germany is very active as a member country of the United Nations Human Rights Council, and as of 2019, the Security Council of the UN. Together with the EU and other partners, we are ensuring that this crisis remains at the top of the international agenda.
Although finding a quick fix is in the best interests of the people involved, we must remain realistic. The biggest fear in Bangladesh is that they will be left alone with a million refugees, while the international community is heading for new crises.
Myanmar does not want to recognize the Rohingya as citizens. Where do you see an effective solution to the crisis?
Unfortunately, in Myanmar, there is still reluctance towards the Rohingyas and resistance against their return – both at the state level and at the community level. To overcome these obstacles, we need positive incentives, but also international pressures. We are talking to Myanmar's neighbors, influential countries like China and India, so that they are more involved in finding a solution and contribute to a change of mentality in the country. Myanmar about the Rohingyas.
Can Germany and Europe also contribute more?
Up to now, Germany has supported the Rohingyas in Bangladesh with over 20 million euros in humanitarian aid and an additional 4 million so-called transitional aid for things like building schools.
After the adoption of the 2018 federal budget, other humanitarian aid is planned as well as cooperation for stabilization and development.
The EU and other European countries, as well as donors, are also investing considerable sums. Representatives of aid organizations told me in Dhaka that after the direct needs of refugees have been met, longer-term measures need to be taken, for example providing education and the possibility to earn an income. However, money alone is not enough. We need a coordinated diplomatic and political approach.
Niels Annen is Minister of State at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This interview was conducted by Hao Gui
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