Commonwealth member countries have called for a halt to all violence, restoration of normality and accountability of the perpetrators for gross violations of human rights in Myanmar's Rakhine State through an independent investigation. The heads of governments of the commonwealth states made the call in a joint communique unanimously adopted on the concluding day of the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on Friday (Apr 20).
The member states called for sustainable return of all displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their rightful homes in Myanmar under UNHCR oversight.
Besides, Commonwealth leaders called for creation of necessary conditions for their sustainable return in safety, security and dignity. Praising Bangladesh's role over the Rohingya issue, the leaders expressed full solidarity with the government and the people of Bangladesh affected by the influx of Rohingyas.
The statement said the leaders of the 53-country platform commended Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for providing shelter to the distressed humanity facing an existential threat.
The heads of governments also stressed actions to address the root causes of the current crisis, including through immediate implementation of the Kofi Annan Commission recommendations.
Opposing the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances, the heads of the member states expressed commitment to strengthen the effective implementation of the chemical weapons convention.
The leaders reiterated their pledge to strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regime against the spread and use of chemical weapons, the communique said.
They also condemned violent extremism in all its forms, expressed their continued support of the UN secretary-general's plan of action to prevent violent extremism.
- Source: Agency
