“Some 58 percent of the refugees are children, many of whom are still traumatised by their experiences of violence,” said Forsyth, speaking from the Kutapalong refugee camp in southern Bangladesh. “It is critical that their rights and needs in terms of protection and aid are front and centre in any agreement to return families to Myanmar. More than half of the refugees are children. Until the safety and wellbeing of any child returning to Myanmar can be guaranteed, talk of repatriation is premature,” he added. “Conditions in the camps here are undoubtedly harsh -- the overcrowding, the shortages of clean water, sanitation, health care and education all carry a particular risk for children,” Forsyth said in a statement.

Source: bd News24 January 24, 2018 07:18 UTC