Desk report: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for more effective international action to ensure the protection of civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and facilitate the repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homeland, Myanmar.
She made the call while addressing a high-level panel discussion at the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday (June 18, local time).
Emphasizing the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, invest more in conflict prevention, and strengthen coordination among humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development initiatives, the State Minister also highlighted the growing issue of technology-enabled harassment and abuse against women and adolescent girls.
She reiterated her call for the establishment of a global platform to address such threats.
The State Minister expressed deep concern over the negative impact of the ongoing funding crisis on Rohingya women and adolescent girls.
Stressing the importance of continued international cooperation to achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, she urged the international community to support the swift return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.
On the sidelines of the event, the State Minister held a courtesy meeting with Dr. Nguyen Minh Vu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation, and ways to strengthen collaboration in multilateral forums.
