Fall 2017 Intern Blog Series: Rohingya, What is Happening?

If you just read that title and were like, “What? I’ve never heard of this,” or “Who are the Rohingya?” you aren’t the only one. Despite the United Nations Humans Right Chief calling the actions taken by the Myanmar military against the Rohingya population “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing” many world leaders have remained silent on the subject. I believe it is important that we shed light on this issue along with any other human rights violations in order to spread awareness. The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic group that is located in Myanmar’s Rhakine state; however, the Myanmar government has not recognized them as citizens since 1982 and has passed discriminatory laws against them. The violence that has been occurring against the Rohingya is said by the United Nations Human Rights Agency as part of a “longstanding pattern of violations and abuses”. In 2012, the rape and murder of a Buddhist led to widespread attacks on the Muslim Rohingya population and then in October of 2013 thousands of men attacked the Rohingya villages. Following these events, a Rohingya insurgency was uncovered and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army produced a few counter attacks on Myanmar police, army, and border security. Since then, Myanmar’s army has killed and forced Rohingya from their homes, sometimes burning entire villages. The stateless Rohingya people are being forced to flee to Bangladesh. If you would like to help displaced Rohingya refugees or find solutions to this growing problem you can donate to organizations aiding in the efforts in Myanmar or volunteer your time and efforts. A few organizations working to aid those affected in Myanmar are the International Rescue Committee and Unicef. Donations received are going to help aid refugees who have been displaced find safe spaces, clean water, and provide other humanitarian aid. Hannah J.]]>