The Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar requires urgent assistance and support from the international community. It is clear that the rights of this minority group are still being continuously violated regardless of the fact that their plight has been brought to light of late. Hence, immediate action for the protection of the rights of the Rohingya is a must.
Once again, recent clashes have become a reminder of the plight of the Muslim Rohingya and their dire struggle as a community. A new wave of sectarian violence between Buddhists and the Rohingya broke out last week in the western part of the country. At least 67 were killed and many more injured as a result and more than 1,000 houses were set on fire. The government sent in additional security forces in an attempt to contain the unrest. Curfews have continued to be in place since last May when violence against the Rohingya escalated dramatically.
Last week’s clashes once again highlight the plight of the Rohingya as a minority that has been discriminated against for a very long time. The systematic persecution of this group has been well organised and its brutality has reached all facets of life. This group had been targeted decades ago with a systematic policy of elimination.
This has to stop. Sending extra troops and fortifying security in the Rakhine region — the home of the Rohingya — is not enough. It will prove to be inadequate. Without addressing the root cause of the current situation, the problem will continue and so will the bloodshed.
The leadership of Myanmar has pledged a new beginning for the country. It has reached out to the opposition to mend fences and open a new page of dialogue and cooperation. It is the responsibility of this leadership as much as that of all those who had once called for rights and freedom for the people of Myanmar to ensure that the rights and the safety of the Rohingya turn into a reality.
