The Rohingya Genocide: A Human Rights Tragedy

by Maryam Ali Business Advisor and Freelancer

The Rohingya genocide is a devastating human rights violation against the Rohingya people in Myanmar, a mostly Muslim minority group who face daily persecution from the nation's military forces. This article provides an overview of the violence experienced by Rohingya people, as well as an exploration of the causes and effects of this ongoing atrocity.

Who are the Rohingyas and What Caused the Genocide?

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group living in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Over 1 million Rohingyas live in the country and they have their own cultural and religious practices which blend Bangladeshi, Persian, Indian and Chinese influences. However, the government considers them to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh leading to discrimination, violence and displacement. This discrimination has caused a mass exodus of Rohingyas from Myanmar leading to a genocide that continues today.

The Human Rights Violations Facing Rohingyas Today.

The Rohingya minority faces extreme human rights violations on a daily basis in Myanmar, including mass killings, arbitrary detention, and displacement. Forced labour conditions are rampant and millions of Rohingyas suffer from deprivation in inadequate camps set up by the government. They are denied access to healthcare, education and other basic services, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Further, they are denied freedom of movement as they need permits to travel within the country or even visit neighboring Bangladesh, preventing them from seeking safety or accessing services that could potentially aid their situation.

How Has The International Community Responded?

Despite the overwhelming evidence of gross human rights abuses, the response from the international community has been insubstantial and inadequate. Most countries remained silent about the plight of tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled across borders to neighboring India, Bangladesh and Thailand. Since then, several countries have called out the Myanmar government’s blatant disregard for basic human rights and have imposed sanctions against it, while some have provided aid to Rohingya refugees. However, more needs to be done to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.

Advocacy As A Tool for Change.

As Rohingya refugees continue to suffer from human rights violations, there is an urgent need for global advocacy and awareness to bring about change. Advocacy can play a powerful role by raising awareness of the issues facing the Rohingya people, highlighting cases of abuse, and demanding action from those with power or influence. Activists, organizations, and individuals must use the tools at their disposal - such as media campaigns and public protests - to ensure that governments are held accountable for the atrocities committed against them. By standing in solidarity with the persecuted Rohingya minority, we can work together towards a better future.

Moving Towards Justice, Security, and Peace in Myanmar.

The key to a long-term resolution to the Rohingya crisis is taking action for justice, security, and peace in Myanmar. This means advocating for an end to abuses against the Rohingya people, establishing measures that will protect their basic rights and freedoms, and providing them with access to reparative justice and pathways for sustainable repatriation to their homeland. In addition, civil society need to be supported in demanding accountability from the government, building institutions of peace and international law enforcement must move swiftly towards ending military impunity. Lastly, educating individuals on the basics of human rights protections is essential in order to empower those suffering from persecution.