Rohingya Muslims urge UN to intervene against military genocide in Myanmar

Myanmar has faced ongoing violence and turmoil, particularly against the Rohingya Muslim minority. For decades, the Rohingya have endured severe oppression and violence, leading to their displacement and humanitarian crises. A significant event occurred in August 2017, when attacks by a Rohingya insurgent group prompted a brutal military crackdown that forced over 740,000 Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh. The Myanmar military is accused of perpetrating heinous acts, including mass killings and sexual violence, which have been characterized by international entities as ethnic cleansing and genocide. Despite the plight of the Rohingya being recognized by the international community, effective responses have been lacking. At a recent United Nations high-level meeting, Rohingya representatives voiced their frustrations and called for immediate action. The founder of the Women’s Peace Network-Myanmar stated that the cycle of violence must end, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to safeguard the Rohingya population and ensure their basic rights. The Rohingya have been denied citizenship since 1982, being labeled as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. This status, along with decades of systematic discrimination, has contributed to their plight. Although Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist, the Rohingya Muslims have persisted in maintaining their identity and hopes for a secure future in their homeland. The circumstances worsened in February 2021 when the military ousted the elected government, leading to widespread protests and violent reprisals. This upheaval further complicated the situation for the Rohingya as armed conflict erupted across the country, particularly in Rakhine state, where tensions were already high. A U.N. official recently noted that approximately 1.2 million Rohingya are currently sheltering in Bangladesh, with many in dire conditions. Furthermore, since renewed hostilities in Rakhine state between the military and the Arakan Army, an additional 150,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh seeking safety. Amid this turmoil, international entities, including the United Nations, continue to advocate for the Rohingya’s plight, yet the government prepares for elections under military control, further sidelining the Rohingya and exacerbating their marginalization. Rohingya representatives have called for the establishment of a U.N.-supervised safe zone in Rakhine to ensure peace and safety, but without political representation and citizenship, lasting solutions remain elusive.