The United Nations refugee agency has condemned an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar about minority Rohingyas.
Under the agreement, Bangladesh would return thousands of Rohingya Muslims to Rakhine state in Myanmar. The ethnic group began fleeing that area in August 2017 to escape violence.
The return is to begin next month. However, the U.N. refugee agency said conditions in Rakhine are not right for a safe, respectful return.
A UNHCR spokesman said that the UN will not assist with such refugee returns because Rakhine state is unsafe for Rohingyas.
He said Rohingya and other Muslims in three Rakhine towns suffer difficulties and poverty because of restrictions on their movement. He added that the area is filled with “fear and mistrust.”