Kelley Anne Eckels-Currie, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar met the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary (Bilateral) Md Nazrul Islam at the Ministry on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the secretary congratulated her on assuming the important mandate and welcomed her to Bangladesh, reads a press release.
Nazrul expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar, particularly the plight of the Rohingyas. He particularly highlighted the grave situation in Rakhine State, including continuing violence and forced displacement.
The secretary briefed the special rapporteur on Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian support to over 1.2m forcibly displaced Rohingyas and reiterated that their early repatriation to their original homes in Myanmar remains the only durable solution.
He underscored the importance of creating conditions conducive to repatriation, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access and mobilising sustained international support for both the Rohingyas and affected host communities.
Eckels-Currie thanked the Government of Bangladesh for accepting her request to visit the country. She commended Bangladesh’s longstanding generosity and humanitarian efforts in hosting a large number of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Acknowledging the considerable challenges faced by Bangladesh as a host country, she appreciated its continued commitment to providing humanitarian assistance despite resource constraints. She also underscored the importance of sustained international attention to the plight of the Rohingyas and efforts towards a durable solution to the protracted crisis.
The secretary assured Eckels-Currie of Bangladesh’s full cooperation during her visit and continued support in the discharge of her mandate.
Eckels-Currie was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026, succeeding Thomas H Andrews, who served as special rapporteur from 2020 to 2026. She officially assumed the mandate on 01 May 2026.
