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<p>On 14 November I released a public statement expressing deep concern at reports
that returns of Rohingya refugees to Burma were imminent. I called on Bangladesh and
Burma not to return any refugees until the conditions were in place for voluntary,
safe, dignified and sustainable returns that uphold human rights. I am pleased that
no repatriations began on 15 November, but I remain concerned that such repatriations
might commence before appropriate conditions are in place. I agree with the UN Refugee
Agency (UNHCR) that the conditions for safe and dignified returns do not yet exist.
Neither is the access in Burma required for necessary independent monitoring by UN
agencies in place.</p><p>I contacted Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Ali on 15 November
to welcome the fact that repatriations had not taken place and received his assurance
that the Government of Bangladesh remained committed to the principle of voluntary
returns with UNHCR monitoring.</p><p>Previously, I spoke to Bangladesh Minister of
State Shahriar Alam and Burmese Minister for International Cooperation Kyaw Tin on
1 November and stressed the UK's assessment that conditions in Rakhine State were
not currently suitable for refugee returns.</p>
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