Upholding dignity and justice

Uniting for Rohingya human rights and sovereignty

Mahbubul Haque | Published: August 24, 2023 20:51:58

On the anniversary of the Rohingya genocide today (August 25), a collective call for justice and recognition of the sovereign rights of the Rohingya people resonates across the globe. This tragic chapter, initiated by the quasi civilian government of Myanmar six years ago, must not be forgotten. It is an opportunity for the international community to stand together and uphold the principles enshrined in international law that safeguard the rights of all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
The plight of the Rohingya community is an unsettling reminder of the imperativeness of safeguarding human rights, both individually and collectively.
Once accepted and integrated within Myanmar, these innocent people have suffered a cruel transformation into the 'unwanted' due to their ethnic and religious identity. The 1982 Citizenship Law marked the start of institutionalized statelessness, a stark contradiction to the principles of inclusivity and equal treatment.
The heart of this crisis beats with intolerance, not mere issues of migration. The Rohingya have endured an unrelenting sequence of de-legitimization, orchestrated persecution, and escalating atrocities that culminated in genocide. The United Nations poignant designation of the Rohingya as 'the most persecuted minority in the world' underscores the gravity of the injustice they face.
The world witnessed Myanmar's historic democratic shift in 2015 under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD).
While strides were made towards freedom of expression and association, the Rohingya and other ethnic Muslim minorities were inexplicably sidelined, branded as threats to national integrity. It is time for Myanmar's political landscape to embrace inclusivity, recognizing that diversity enriches a nation's fabric.
The events of October 9, 2016, and August 25, 2017, etched heart-wrenching scenes of violence and displacement into history. Families torn apart, villages razed, and unspeakable acts of brutality cast the Rohingya into a state of perpetual fear. Even now, after these years of unspeakable suffering, a substantial Rohingya population remains, facing daunting challenges in Rakhine State and beyond.
The absence of accountability on both national and international fronts for the perpetrators is deeply troubling. Justice delayed not only denies the wronged their rightful closure, but it perpetuates a cycle of anger and frustration that can sow the seeds of further violence. The global community must stand united in its demand for swifter legal action to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of the Rohingya are upheld.
Amidst the turmoil, the ASEAN community carries an essential role in addressing the prolonged Rohingya crisis. The chairmanship of Indonesia has brought forth initiatives for inclusive dialogue, fostering hope that forthcoming ASEAN summits will prioritize this urgent matter. Regional leaders have the power to spearhead change and compel action.
As we remember this heart-wrenching anniversary, we reiterate that no individual, no community, should suffer the grievous violations endured by the Rohingya people. It is a shared responsibility to seek justice, to hold the perpetrators accountable, and to secure safety for the Rohingya within Myanmar, Bangladesh, and beyond. The words of Rohingya leader Nurul Islam echo with determination: 'No genocide can be prevented without intervention'; Together, let us affirm our commitment to justice, sovereignty, and the rights of all.
Dr. Mahbubul Haque currently working as faculty member at Faculty of Law and International Relation in University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia, mahbubhmu@gmail.com