Refugees International Marks Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day: Global Attention Needed As Violence Worsens 

Statement from Refugees International Fellow and Rohingya activist Lucky Karim:

“The situation for the Rohingya in Rakhine state has gotten worse than ever, I am very concerned and heartbroken with the recent attacks against the Rohingya community especially in my hometown Maung Daw. I have also heard from my family, friends, and community members about the wholesale destruction of Buthidaung. We need the world to pay attention. We need the United States and other countries with influence to speak out, pressure those targeting the Rohingya, and ensure that those fleeing are provided refuge.

Only humanitarian aid and protection can save the remaining members of the community. Rohingya refugees are fleeing to save their lives. They want to return to their homes in safety and dignity. But, as another Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day is marked, it remains far from safe to do so.”

Statement from Director for Africa, Asia, and the Middle East Daniel Sullivan:

“Refugees International calls for global attention and aid for the Rohingya community as Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day is marked by a year of increasing targeted atrocities.

Seven years ago the majority of the Rohingya community was forcibly displaced from their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, in what the United States and others have recognized as genocide. Today, the Rohingya still in Rakhine are facing the worst levels of violence since that time at the hands of Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army (AA). Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh continue to face attacks by criminal and armed groups and limited aid, movement, and educational opportunities.

In Rakhine state, increased fighting between Myanmar’s military junta and the AA over the past year has both caught Rohingya in the middle and seen them targeted. The AA has advanced and burned homes in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and other towns, recently using drones to bomb villages. The junta has forcibly recruited Rohingya and bombed villages in retaliation. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have been newly displaced, including several who have tried to flee into Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, recent political turmoil marked by protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has raised uncertainty about the future of the Rohingya there. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for further assistance for the Rohingya, but refugees continue to face rampant insecurity and restrictions. Militant Rohingya groups in the camps continue to extort and kill refugees in the camps and refugees face movement restrictions, limited aid, and only minimal livelihood and education opportunities.

As violence against the Rohingya hits a new peak, it is vital that the United States and influential countries in South and Southeast Asia pressure the junta and AA to end atrocities and make clear that they will be held accountable. Countries like Bangladesh, to which Rohingya are fleeing, must keep their borders open, refrain from refoulement, and – supported by international donors – provide food and medical assistance as well as livelihood and education opportunities.” 

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Etant Dupain at edupain@refugeesinternational.org.