The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group from Myanmar, have endured decades of persecution, violence, and displacement, testing the limits of human resilience. Their story, marked by unimaginable hardship, is a testament to the unbroken human spirit and a powerful reminder of the world’s collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable. Their experiences in other countries, international responses to the crisis, and advocacy efforts are crucial in understanding and addressing their plight.
The Rohingya people have a rich and complex history that spans over a millennium. Their ancestors originated from the Arabs, Mughals, and Portuguese, and they have been living in the Arakan region, which is now part of Myanmar, since the 7th century.
The earliest recorded Muslim settlements in the Arakan region date back to the 7th century, with Arab merchants and missionaries arriving in the area. Over time, these early Muslim settlers intermarried with the local population, forming the foundation of the modern Rohingya community.
Throughout history, the Rohingya have been influenced by various cultures, including the Bengali, Indian, and Southeast Asian traditions. They have also maintained their unique cultural identity, with their own language, customs, and traditions. The root of Rohingya marginalization lies in this complex and extended history, particularly in Myanmar (formerly Burma). The British colonial administration’s division of land and labour contributed significantly to the demographic makeup of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where the Rohingya reside.
This, combined with the lack of formalized protections for minority groups during the colonial period, laid the groundwork for the Rohingya’s marginalized status. They have their own distinct language, culture, and history and the absence of an inclusive pluralism renders them marginalized. Severe as it is, the Rohingya crisis often seems overshadowed by other global issues. Several factors contribute to this. For one, Myanmar is located in a region with limited global media presence, making it harder for the Rohingya crisis to receive sustained attention.
Second, the Myanmar government has restricted access to Rakhine State, making it difficult for journalists and human rights organizations to gather information and report on the situation. Thirdly, global attention span is limited, and other crises, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Palestine, Middle East, Africa (Sahel region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Sudan, as well as ongoing insurgencies and conflicts in other countries dominate headlines. In West Asia, there are the conflicts in Iran and Saudi Arabia, and internal conflicts in countries like Yemen. For now, Syria seems a bit settled. But who knows?! The Rohingya crisis which has been ongoing for decades has led to a sense of fatigue and desensitization among some audiences. Additionally, unlike some other global hotspots, Myanmar does not have significant economic interests or natural resources that would attract widespread attention. The Rohingya also lack political clout and are not recognized as citizens in Myanmar. This statelessness and lack of representation make it harder for their voices to be heard globally.
Unfortunately, and worst of all, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in some parts of the world contribute to a lack of empathy and attention for the Rohingya, who are predominantly Muslim. Despite these challenges, there are still many organizations, activists, and individuals working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for the Rohingya people’s rights. A crucial turning point in Rohingya marginalization was the 1982 Citizenship Law in Myanmar, which excluded the Rohingya from the definition of “national races,” effectively rendering them stateless. This law denied the Rohingya citizenship and basic human rights, further entrenching their marginalization. The Rohingya crisis has spread through South and SouthEast Asia.
In each country, their problems are compounded by internal political dynamics. India has not provided formal refugee status or protection, citing national security concerns. This is, despite hosting a significant Rohingya refugee population. Bangladesh has provided temporary shelter to Rohingya refugees, who face challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Rohingya refugees in Malaysia often live in urban areas, working informal jobs to survive, but face uncertain futures and limited access to resources. Thailand has provided temporary shelter to Rohingya refugees, but many face detention, trafficking, and exploitation.
These countries’ policies and practices contribute to the ongoing marginalization and vulnerability of the Rohingya population. In 2016, a military crackdown in Rakhine State led to widespread human rights abuses, including killings, rapes, and arson attacks on Rohingya villages. This triggered a massive refugee crisis. Today, the Rohingya remain in limbo, with many living in overcrowded and unsanitary refugee camps in Bangladesh. They continue to face violence, exploitation, and uncertainty about their future. The international community has condemned the Myanmar government’s actions, and there have been efforts to provide humanitarian aid and support to the Rohingya refugees. However, a lasting solution to the crisis remains elusive. The Rohingya have faced severe human rights abuses, including torture, at the hands of the Myanmar military and security forces. Rohingya men and boys were forced to work in labour camps, where they are subjected to physical and emotional torture. Rohingya women and girls were brutally raped, often in front of their families. Many are left with severe physical and emotional trauma. Rohingya villagers were beaten with rods, sticks, and guns, leaving many with broken bones and permanent disabilities.
Rohingya villages were burned to the ground, leaving families without homes or belongings. Rohingya men and boys were taken away by security forces, never to be seen again. Rohingya detainees were subjected to electric shocks, beatings, and other forms of torture. There are heart-rending stories that the Rohingya narrate to those who manage to visit them. Fatima (name changed), a Rohingya woman, fled Myanmar with her 3 children after her husband was killed by the military. She now lives in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, struggling to provide for her children. Abdul (name changed), a Rohingya man, was forced to flee his village after it was burned to the ground. He now lives in a refugee camp in Malaysia, working odd jobs to survive. Jamila (name changed) a Rohingya girl, was born in a refugee camp in Bangladesh and has never known life outside the camp and dreams of one day returning to her ancestral homeland. Rohingya villages have been burned to the ground, leaving families without homes or belongings. Rohingya men and boys were taken away by security forces, never to be seen again. Rohingya detainees were subjected to electric shocks, beatings, and other forms of torture. The international community has condemned the Myanmar government’s actions, and there have been efforts to provide enlarged humanitarian aid and support to the Rohingya refugees. However, a lasting solution to the crisis remains elusive. Condemnation is one thing and easy to do but the political questions are mired in complexity and extent. What lessons can be learned from international responses to similar refugee crises?
How can global advocacy pressure the Myanmar government to recognize the Rohingya’s rights and citizenship? Swift international action can help prevent the humanitarian crises from escalating. Collaboration among governments, international organizations, and NGOs is crucial for effective response and resource allocation. Ensuring access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities is essential for refugee dignity and well-being. The statistics of Rohingya suffering is mind-blowing. Over 1 million Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar since 2017, with the majority seeking refuge in Bangladesh. Estimates are that 900,000 refugees live in the congested Cox’s Bazaar making it the world’s largest refugee camp. These camps are overcrowded and under-resourced camps with people struggling in dehumanised conditions with no access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. 75% of Rohingya refugees are women and children who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.
Durable solutions must involve the UNHCR and UN Human Rights Council that have been working together to find durable solutions to this crisis. It is essential to increase international support and funding for the Rohingya crisis. This would enable the provision of adequate humanitarian assistance and support for durable solutions. In turn, Myanmar must cooperate in resolving the crisis by addressing the root causes of the crisis and providing guarantees of safety, security, and citizenship rights to the Rohingya. Regional and international diplomacy is crucial in resolving the crisis. This would involve engaging with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other regional countries to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis.
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) could find a mediatory and enabling role including monitoring and support in conjunction with western donor nations. Specifically, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) must persuade all parties to guarantee that refugees receive international human rights protection under international law. UNHCR must maintain emergency assistance, such as shelter, food, and medical care, to refugees and asylum seekers in crisis situations towards self-reliance. UNHCR must also work to find durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR advocates for refugee rights and interests with governments, international organizations, and civil society.
The Rohingya crisis has one comprehensive way forward. It requires collective action led by a Special UN commission operating on the foundation of compassion, justice and dignity, ensuring a safe sustainable future for the Rohingyas. Ranjan Solomon is a peace activist. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
