Commending the Government of Bangladesh for its compassion during the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and commending Pope Francis for his message of peace.

commends the Government of Bangladesh for its admirable compassion and tolerance in accepting Rohingya refugees;

commends the United Nations agencies, nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners, and all aid workers providing relief to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and urges the Government of Bangladesh to continue to help coordinate critical humanitarian work and ensure ease of access for those carrying out such efforts;

urges the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Burma to consult and coordinate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, and NGO partners on any and all safe and voluntary repatriation efforts;

urges the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of Burma to address the flaws of the November 23, 2017, Memorandum of Understanding on repatriation through consultation and agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;

urges all parties involved in the repatriation process to reject any actions which could continue or worsen the harsh conditions faced by Rohingya refugees, including the confinement of the Rohingya in camps, contained ghettos, or villages were movement is restricted in Burma, or on the flood-prone Bhashan Char island in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh, or any other location that would result in further isolation; and

commends Pope Francis for his thoughtful remarks about the future of Burma that respects rule of law, the democratic order, and the dignity and rights of all of its people.