Madame President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Germany welcomes that today's Conference draws attention to the terrible situation of the Rohingya, a situation unfortunately far too often overlooked.

The Rohingya bear the heaviest burden of Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict. Other ethnic and religious minorities are also gravely affected. The situation in Rakhine State remains a deep concern for us. The humanitarian situation on the ground, we heard it today, has further deteriorated and has become unbearable.

We observe increasing repression, including forced recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence, perpetrated by the military, but also by other armed groups. We call on all groups to fully respect human rights and adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Madame President,

We wish to express our deep gratitude to the neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh, which continues to host over one million Rohingya despite enormous social and economic challenges.

This generosity calls for our respect and solidarity.

Conditions in the refugee camps in Bangladesh remain challenging. We urge all countries, that are able to do so, to actively support efforts to improve the situation.

Since 2017, Germany has contributed 106 million EUR in humanitarian assistance to improve the situation of the Rohingya in Rakhine and in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Additionally, Germany has provided over 250 million EUR for development-oriented assistance to strengthen the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The projects are being implemented in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, in host communities, and in Myanmar.

Madame President,

we recognize Bangladesh’s desire to find a sustainable solution to the humanitarian and refugee crisis. This requires that the preconditions for a safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified return to Myanmar are met and the civil conflict in Myanmar has come to an end.

We call upon the military authorities in Myanmar to end the violence, cease repression, allow full humanitarian access, release political prisoners, and engage in a genuine, inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders.

Germany remains committed to supporting ASEAN’s efforts to foster dialogue and keep this crisis high on the international agenda.

I thank you.