Last month marked a somber anniversary in the history of the Rohingya people. It has been eight long years since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya were forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State to neighboring Bangladesh by the Myanmar military. This forced exodus has been described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with countless lives lost and families torn apart. However, as the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial not to forget the plight of the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. That is why the United Nations General Assembly has decided to convene a High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar on September 30.
The idea for this conference was first floated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in 2018. Since then, the OIC has been working tirelessly to garner support from the international community for this conference. Their efforts have paid off, with the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution in December 2020, calling for the convening of this high-level conference.
The main objective of the conference is to shed light on the dire situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar and to explore solutions to address their plight. It will also serve as a platform for the international community to come together and discuss ways to hold the Myanmar government accountable for their actions and to ensure justice for the victims.
The Rohingya, who are predominantly Muslim, have faced decades of discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country. Despite living in the country for generations, they have been denied citizenship and basic human rights, including access to education, healthcare, and employment. The situation escalated in 2017 when the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown against the Rohingya, leading to mass killings, sexual violence, and the burning of their villages. This forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, where they continue to live in overcrowded refugee camps.
The conference will provide a platform for the Rohingya and other minorities to share their harrowing experiences and for the international community to hear their voices. It will also serve as a reminder that the international community has a responsibility to protect and support these vulnerable communities.
One of the key objectives of the conference is to urge the Myanmar government to take concrete steps towards ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the Rohingya refugees to their homeland. This includes granting them citizenship, protecting their rights, and providing them with a safe and secure environment to live in. The international community must also push for accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya and other minorities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The conference will also focus on the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The overcrowded and unsanitary refugee camps are facing severe challenges, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The international community must step up and provide much-needed aid to alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable communities.
In addition to discussing the situation of the Rohingya, the conference will also shed light on the plight of other minorities in Myanmar, including the Kachin, Shan, and Karen communities. These groups have also faced discrimination and violence at the hands of the Myanmar military and have been forced to flee their homes. It is crucial to address the situation of all minorities in Myanmar and ensure that their rights are protected.
The upcoming High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar is a crucial step towards finding a lasting solution to this humanitarian crisis. It is a testament to the international community’s commitment to standing in solidarity with the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar. Let us hope that this conference leads to concrete actions and brings justice and peace to these vulnerable communities.
