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Myanmar urged to implement Rohingya repatriation plan
Geneva (Switzerland), Aug 8 (IANS) The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday urged Myanmar to take back the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
On June 6, the UNHCR and UNDP signed a memorandum of understanding to create favourable conditions for Rohingya refugees to return to their places of origin or of their choice.
“Two months since the signing of the tripartite MoU between UNHCR, UNDP and the government of Myanmar, both UN bodies are urging Myanmar authorities to make tangible progress to improve conditions in Rakhine State,” the agencies said in a joint statement.
“The Myanmar government’s willingness to take the lead in the implementation of this agreement is critical to creating conditions conducive for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees,” said the statement cited by Efe news.
The UN agencies earlier said that the MoU was the first step in helping the government create safe conditions by supporting development projects in Rakhine, home of majority of the 800,000 people who fled their homes to escape sectarian violence in Myanmar.
“The government has taken some encouraging steps since the MoU was signed (…) However, substantial progress is urgently needed in three key areas (…) granting effective access in Rakhine State, ensuring freedom of movement for all communities; and addressing the root causes of the crisis,” the statement said.
The agencies said their officials should be granted unrestricted access to all parts of the state and be able to interview local communities.
They also requested for basic services to be provided to all state communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity or nationality.
The UN reported that members of the Rohingya community still do not have freedom of movement, cannot work, neither go to school nor have access to health services, largely due to Myanmar authorities’ refusal to grant them citizenship rights.
The Rohingya exodus began on August 25, 2017, following an attack by a Rohingya rebel group to which the Myanmar Army retaliated with a violent military campaign in Rakhine against this mostly Muslim ethnic minority.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had described the crackdown as “ethnic cleansing” with elements of genocide.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.