A turning point in their marginalisation was the 1982 Citizenship Law in Myanmar, which excluded them from the definition of ‘national races’, effectively rendering them stateless
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 formalised protections for minority groups during the colonial period, laid the groundwork for the Rohingyas marginalised status. They have their own distinct language, culture, and history and the absence of an inclusive pluralism renders them marginalised. 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 organisations to gather information and report on the situation. Thirdly, global attention span is limited, and other crisis, 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 desensitisation 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 Rohingyas also lack political clout and are not recognised 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 organisations, activists, and individuals working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for the Rohingya people’s rights. A crucial turning point in Rohingya marginalisation 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 marginalisation.
The Rohingya crisis has spread through South and South East 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.
(Ranjan Solomon is a peace activist. The views expressed here are the writer’s own)
