The Irish Congress of Trade Unions condemns the reported actions of the Government of Bangladesh in relocating more than 1,500 Rohingya refugees to an isolated island despite calls by human rights groups to stop the process.
Congress President, Gerry Murphy said: "We join with the UN and other human rights organisations to insist that Rohingya refugees must be able to make a free and informed decision about relocating to Bhasan Char based upon relevant, accurate and updated information which addresses issues of safety and protection from harm ."
Yvonne O"Callaghan, Chair of Congress Global Solidarity added: "Rohingya Muslims have fled waves of violent persecution in their native Myanmar and it is cruel in the extreme that their rights continue to be violated by this heartless act. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for countries (including the EU) to neglect their obligations under the 1951 UN Geneva convention and the 1967 protocol to provide legal protection to asylum seekers, as well as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration."
Congress urges the Irish Government to request the Bangladesh government to cancel the relocation plan.
