Pope wants decisive measures over 'refugee crisis'


FE Team | Published: November 30, 2017 19:18:29 | Updated: November 30, 2017 20:27:32


Pope Francis addresses a meeting at Bangabhaban in Dhaka on Thursday. Reuters Photo

Pope Francis has sought decisive measures to resolve not only the political issue over 'refugee crisis' but also to provide immediate material assistance to respond to the humanitarian needs.

Visiting Pope made the call to the international community in his keynote speech referring to the refugee crisis at Bangabhaban in Dhaka on Thursday.

 “None of us can fail to be aware of the gravity of the situation, the immense toll of human suffering involved, and the precarious living conditions of so many of our brothers and sisters, a majority of whom are women and children, crowded in the refugee camps,” he said.

"In recent months, the spirit of generosity and solidarity which is a distinguishing mark of Bangladeshi society has been seen most vividly in its humanitarian outreach to a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine State, providing them with temporary shelter and the basic necessities of life," said the Catholic leader.

"This has been done at no little sacrifice. It has also been done before the eyes of the whole world."

According to bdnews24.com, the Catholic leader arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for his three-day visit after wrapping up his trip to Myanmar.

Some 625,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled the Rakhine state in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar since security forces responded to Rohingya militants' attacks on Aug 25 by launching a crackdown.

Before the latest exodus of refugees, Bangladesh has been home to over 400,000 Rohingyas over the last few decades.

Share if you like