Rohingyan Crisis

Introduction to the Rohingya Crisis

The Rohingya Crisis is a severe problem happening in Myanmar, where the

Rohingya people, a Muslim minority, face discrimination and violence. They've
endured mistreatment for years, including denial of basic rights and forced
displacement from their homes. This crisis is significant because it reveals how
people's rights are being violated, leading to immense suffering. Understanding
the root causes of this crisis is crucial for finding solutions and helping the
Rohingya community. It requires global attention and action to address the
injustices faced by the Rohingya people and ensure their rights and dignity are
respected. Through awareness and advocacy, we can work towards a more
equitable and just future for all. It is the world fastest growing humanitarian crisis.
Villages are being burnt and the people are forced to flee for their lives into
neighboring Bangladesh. 2017 saw the massive exodus of refugees from
Myanmar to Bangladesh. More than half a million refugees moved across the
border to Bangladesh in just a span of 3 months in 2017.
Rohingya are an ethnic group those have lived here in Myanmar for hundreds of
years. These people have seen a cycle of persecution, discrimination, violent
repression. Most of the Rohingya people cannot read or write. Rohingya are the
biggest stateless community in the world as they are not considered citizens by
Myanmar. Without nationality they cannot travel and find jobs freely. They also
struggle to get formal education. Bangladeshi government have responded very
generously throughout the crisis gave them shelter, food and education. Apart
from Bangladesh many NGOS and international organizations are working to
make their lives better. Not only Bangladesh but India and Malaysia has also given
them refuge in their respective countries. Rohingya were denied citizenship 1982
by Burmese government, which sees them as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Pre WWII

Burma or presently known as Myanmar was a British colony and was a part of
British India until 1940. Burma was occupied by the Britishers in November 1824
after 3 wars gaining various parts of the country. They occupied all the areas
presently known as Myanmar. During these times people used to move back and
forth throughout the region. The migration was called internal by the British but
many Burmese didn’t saw it like that.

WWII

During WWII Japan invaded Burma in 1942. Rohingya part of the modern day
Myanmar was allied with the Britishers and wanted to become the part of East
Pakistan presently known as Bangladesh as they promised them to name Arkan as
Muslim national area. Burma was allied with the Japanese. As the British
retreated and the Japanese advanced the Rohingya people were considered illegal
migrants and were targeted and displaced by the Burmese and they believed that
they unfairly benefited from the British rule. In 1945 the Japanese were defeated
in Burma by Britishers by the help of Burma Nationalists and Rohingya fighters.
After the war the Rohingya felt betrayed because the promise of their autonomy
was not fulfilled. The Rohingya then wanted to become part of East Pakistan but
the government veto the decision and the Rohingya were termed as illegal and
were driven out of their homes and imposed restrictions on the movement of the
Rohingya. They were removed from government posts and replaced by Rakhine
Buddists.

Post WWII

In 1950s some Rohingya took up arms against the government an they were
quickly crushed. In 1962 there was a coup and Military junta took over the state.
General Ne Wins of the Socialist Programme Party took over and took even harder
line on the Rohingya by dissolving their social and political organizations. In 1977
things got even worst.

Operation Naga Min or Dragon King

The operation was rooted to drive out foreigner. The army began persecuting the
Rohingya. 200,000 fled to Bangladesh and the military junta said that them fleeing
to Bangladesh is a proof that they are illegal.

Citizenship act 1982

According to the act citizenship was given automatically to the people based on
the act. Accroding to the act anyone coming after the British rule was considered
illegal.

In 1991, 250,000 fled Burma due to the abuse from the military. In 2011 Myanmar
military junta was dissolved. Even though a democratic elected government was
installed things didn’t get any better for Rohingya. In 2017 all hell broke lose.
More than 700,000 fled to Bangladesh. Villages were burned a people were killed,
raped and deprived of basic human needs. Although the country leader Aung
Saan Su Ki denied the genocide.

Human Rights Violations

Arbitrary Killings
Rohingya people are subjected to killing by the security forces. Altough the
security forces deny that they targeted any civilians but they are fighting armed
militias.

Forced Displacements

In 2017 over 750,000 people were displaced and were forced to leave their homes
to migrate. More than 1 million live in Bangladesh and mostly in Cox Bazar.
Continuous waves of operations and atrocities by the government have made
their lives difficult.

Sexual Violence

Rohingya women and girls have been subjected to targeted sexual violence
including rape and sexual assault. The horrific acts are often used as a tool of
intimidation, control and humiliation, causing immense physical and psychological
harm to the victims.

Denial of Citizenship and Civil Rights

Rohingya are denied citizenship under citizenship act 1982 of Myanmar. This
leaves them stateless, depriving them of the basic rights such as healthcare,
education, jobs.

Restrictions on freedom of movement

Rohingya are restricted to move within the state with curfews and checkpoints.
They are limited too certain part of the country.

International Response

The international response to the Rohingya crisis has been multifaceted involving
humanitarian aid, diplomatic efforts and calls for accountability.

Humanitarian Aid
Various internatonal organizations including UN as UNHCR along with NGOs and
humanitarian groups, have provided vital assistance to Rohingya refugees, This aid
included food, shelter, healthcare, and education services in refugee camps

Diplomatic efforts

Diplomatic efforts have been made at both regional and global levels to address
the Rohingya Crisis. This includes diplomatic engagements by neighboring
countries like Bangladesh and international forums such as the United Nations
Security Council (UNSC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The UNSC has held multiple discussions and issued resolutions concerning the
Rohingya Crisis. These resolutions often call for an end to violence against the
Rohingya, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and accountability for
human rights violations.

The United Nations established a Fact-Finding Mission to investigate human rights

violations and abuses in Myanmar, including those against the Rohingya. The
mission's findings have helped raise awareness and inform diplomatic discussions
and actions.

Regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

(ASEAN) have been involved in diplomatic efforts related to the Rohingya Crisis.
ASEAN has facilitated discussions among member states and engaged with
Myanmar to address the humanitarian and human rights aspects of the crisis.

Sanctions and International Pressure

The United States has imposed targeted sanctions on individuals and entities
associated with the Myanmar military and government, including military leaders
and businesses linked to the military. These sanctions include asset freezes, travel
bans, and restrictions on financial transactions.

The EU has also implemented targeted sanctions on individuals and entities

involved in human rights abuses and violations in Myanmar. These sanctions
include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting military officials and others
responsible for violence and repression.

UK has imposed sanctions on specific individuals and entities implicated in human

rights violations in Myanmar. These measures include asset freezes and travel
bans on individuals linked to the Myanmar military.

Canada has imposed targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in

human rights abuses and violations in Myanmar. These sanctions include asset
freezes and travel bans on military officials and others responsible for atrocities.

Australia has also implemented targeted sanctions on individuals and entities

associated with the Myanmar military and government, including asset freezes
and travel bans.

While not a specific country, the United Nations has called for targeted sanctions
and measures against individuals and entities responsible for human rights
violations in Myanmar. The UN has also called for an arms embargo and other
measures to address the crisis.

These sanctions and measures aim to exert pressure on the Myanmar government
and military to address the root causes of the Rohingya Crisis, uphold human
rights, and ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence and repression.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rohingya Crisis represents one of the most pressing

humanitarian challenges of our time, characterized by severe human rights
violations, discrimination, and violence against the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
The crisis has deep historical roots, marked by cycles of persecution, forced
displacement, and denial of citizenship and basic rights.
The international response to the Rohingya Crisis has been multifaceted, involving
humanitarian aid, diplomatic efforts, and calls for accountability. While significant
strides have been made, challenges persist, including the need for sustained
diplomatic engagement, increased humanitarian assistance, and meaningful
accountability measures for perpetrators of atrocities.

Efforts to address the Rohingya Crisis must prioritize the protection of human
rights, the promotion of justice and accountability, and the creation of conditions
for the safe return and integration of Rohingya refugees. Collaborative and
concerted action from the international community, regional organizations, and
civil society is essential to achieve lasting solutions and ensure the rights and
dignity of the Rohingya people are respected and upheld.