UN Says No Involvement in Talks on Humanitarian Corridor to Rakhine

Arakan Now

The United Nations has clarified that it is not involved in any talks to create a humanitarian corridor from Bangladesh to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, said the decision lies with the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar, not with the UN. She added that no agreement has been made yet, though the UN welcomes any effort to help people affected by the conflict in Myanmar.

She made these remarks at a DCAB Talk organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club.

In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres mentioned discussing the idea during his visit to Bangladesh, but said it needs approval from all parties involved in the conflict.

“There is no humanitarian corridor in place. We haven’t been part of any such discussions,” Gwyn Lewis said.

“It’s between governments. The UN can support once it’s set up, but there’s a legal process involved.”

On Bangladesh’s Political Situation

Gwyn Lewis also spoke about the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. She stressed the need for inclusive elections, meaning everyone – including women, young people, ethnic minorities, and all religious groups – should be allowed to vote.

When asked if that includes political parties like the Awami League, which was banned by the interim government after last year’s uprising, she said:

“It’s not about any political party. It’s about the right of all people to participate.”

She refused to comment on the ban of the Awami League, but said the UN had previously recommended not banning any political party, as it can lead to unrest.

Lewis praised the Consensus Commission, which is holding talks with all groups. She said the interim government is handling the process well and the UN is offering technical support to the Election Commission, though it won’t decide the election schedule.

New UN Human Rights Office in Bangladesh

She also shared that the UN Human Rights Office will soon open a small office in Bangladesh. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been finalized, and they are waiting to sign it.

“We support the government’s reform efforts, but those are fully up to them,” she said.

DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present at the event.