FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROHINGYA STUDENTS NETWORK -RSN DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR ROHINGYA RAPE VICTIM AND CALLS FOR AN END TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN HUMANITARIAN SETTINGS
Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, April 10, 2023
The Rohingya Students Network -RSN is gravely concerned about the recent reports of rape of a Rohingya girl by a Bangladeshi humanitarian worker, Saiful Islam, who works in the health project under "Mukti Cox's Bazar," a local NGO. The RSN calls for justice for the Rohingya rape victim and an end to sexual violence in humanitarian settings.
Sexual violence, exploitation, & abuse are serious human rights violations that have no place in any society, particularly in the context of humanitarian response. The RSN condemns all forms of sexual violence and calls upon all humanitarian organizations and workers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and respect for human rights, including the prevention and response to sexual violence.
The RSN urges the Bangladeshi authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the rape case, and to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions in accordance with international law, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), as well as the relevant national laws. In this regard, we call upon the authorities to prosecute the perpetrator under section 9 of the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act, 2000, which criminalizes rape and prescribes severe punishment for the offense. The RSN also calls for the provision of comprehensive support and protection services to the victim and her family.
The RSN further calls upon all donor organizations and individuals to withhold funding from Mukti Cox's Bazar until they can demonstrate that they have taken adequate measures to prevent and respond to sexual violence in their programs and projects. Donors have a responsibility to ensure that their funding does not contribute to or perpetuate human rights violations, including sexual violence.
As interconnected network of Rohingya students, we are committed to advocating for the protection of the rights of the Rohingya community and all vulnerable populations. We stand in solidarity with the rape victim and all survivors of sexual violence, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard, and justice is served.
Email: ark.students.net@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/rostudentsnetwork/
Twitter: @NetworkRsn
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