Rohingya deserve to be treated as full citizens

There is a tragedy and a humanitarian crisis that is unfolding on a massive scale in Myanmar. The Rohingya Muslims in the country are facing a brutal attack on their very existence, and it is time that the international community took a firm stance on the matter.

Given the serious deterioration of the Rohingya’s situation, the UAE was one of the first nations to highlight their plight and send them aid. President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered that immediate aid be distributed to the displaced Rohingya Muslims.

In addition, the UAE has called on the international community to take immediate steps to stop the violence that has been going on for a long time. Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday expressed the UAE’s extreme concern over the killings of thousands of the Muslims in Myanmar.

The tragic situation of the Rohingya started when the military junta amended the country’s constitution in 1982, thus branding the minority community as non-citizens. From then on until today, this group has only experienced suffering and deprivation. They have been denied personal and religious freedoms and their basic human rights abused. Such treatment has initiated an exodus to neighbouring countries and the resultant refugee status.

Today, Rohingya Muslims need immediate assistance. But the root cause of the tragedy must be eliminated and that begins with addressing their rights as full citizens.