Cox's Bazar (Kutupalong)
Manuscrit, non publié à l’époque. Seul le prononcé fait foi. Les notes de travail ont été retirées.
Discours prononcé en anglais. Texte original, non traduit.
Honourable guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
This morning I paid a visit to the camp Kutupalong.
I witnessed the tragedy of the people who fled their homes in Myanmar – families, children, elderly people.
An influx of refugees on this scale within such a short period has put Bangladesh and the international community under enormous pressure to provide shelter and the most urgent services to over 650,000 people. The families that are arriving are seeking safety, but the region’s fragile infrastructure is already overstretched.
My priority is to gain a first-hand insight into this humanitarian crisis. And meet with Switzerland’s aid partners to get a better idea of the most pressing issues.
Switzerland has a long-standing and active humanitarian tradition. And a reputation for responding quickly and pragmatically to humanitarian emergencies.
As the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, it has always been ready to provide technical and financial support.
In order to help Bangladesh respond to this crisis, Switzerland has teamed up with UN organisations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other NGOs.
Swiss experts have been deployed to partner organisations so they can provide their specific technical expertise.
All these activities are closely coordinated with the respective authorities.
I would like to express my great appreciation for the enormous efforts being undertaken by the Government and the people of Bangladesh to welcome and host the communities from Myanmar.
Switzerland and its partners pledge their continued support. We are counting on continuing access for humanitarian actors to those in need – both host communities and new arrivals from Myanmar.
The agreement on repatriation between Bangladesh and Myanmar is a positive step towards a solution of the current crisis.
It will be important that all returns are voluntary, safe and dignified.
Our Embassy in Myanmar is assisting with efforts to establish a compliant environment for such potential return – however it will take time to put in place a lasting solution.
The needs in the camps are still enormous. I am worried about the impending cyclone and rainy season. A high degree of preparedness is needed to avoid devastation.
I am also concerned about the outlook for the younger generation and the situation of the women and children with little social safety in the camps. Their protection is of utmost priority. These questions need to be addressed and go beyond the emergency response.
Switzerland stands ready for further support in 2018.
“Switzerland ai song-kot-ee pashe thak-be.”
We are looking forward to continue working with our partners and to accomplish further activities aimed at benefitting all those suffering from this crisis.
I would like to express my gratitude to all partners of Switzerland in the response activities to this crisis.
Thank you!