UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and actor Cate Blanchett has urged Myanmar to create decent conditions in Rakhine Sate for the safe return of Rohingyas.
The UNHCR envoy said the conditions right now in Rakhine state are clearly not conducive to the safe and voluntary return, or the dignified return of the refugees who have fled to Bangladesh.
She said there are unending reports of violence and intimidation against the Rohingya communities.
"I heard some of those stories myself whilst I was in Bangladesh," she said.
The UNHCR ambassador observed that this is the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.
"The Rohingyas have experienced unspeakable violence and human rights abuses. Not only they are refugees --they are stateless refugees," said the Academy Award-winning actress.
"Ultimately, I think, the key here is to address their statelessness," she said in an interview, reports UNB.
Cate Blanchett was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in May 2016.
She was also named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2007.
Cate recently travelled to Bangladesh with UNHCR to draw attention to the situation of the Rohingyas.
Responding to a question, she said the international community, private sector, the public, all of them must continue to support Bangladesh in caring for these refugees -- over half of whom children.
"Their resilience is incredible but more international support is urgently needed for the refugees and the communities in Bangladesh so generously hosting them," said Cate.
Asked about Bangladesh's contributions, the envoy said there is no doubt that the Bangladesh government and host communities in the Cox's Bazar area have shouldered this enormous challenge and responded first to this crisis.
It has done an incredible amount to support the refugees who have fled such unspeakable violence in Myanmar, she said.
Asked about her role, the UNHCR envoy said as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHC she can be a witness to the situation for refugees all over the world and use whatever platform she has to bring global attention or raise money to help them.
