The Rohingya Crisis: History, Persecution and International Response
The Rohingya, often described as “the world’s most persecuted minority,” are a people whose history is deeply intertwined with the complexities of colonialism, nationalism, and religious identity. Understanding their journey is crucial to grasping their current stateless plight and the enduring challenges they face.
Historical Roots and Identity
The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group native to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where they have lived for centuries. Historical records suggest their presence in the region dates back to the 15th century, when Muslim traders and settlers were welcomed by the Kingdom of Arakan (now Rakhine). However, during British colonial rule (1824–1948), migration within the empire led to an increase in the Muslim population, a fact later exploited by Burmese nationalists to frame the Rohingya as “illegal immigrants.”
Myanmar’s post-independence governments have refused to recognise the Rohingya as one of the country’s 135 official ethnic groups, rendering them stateless under the 1982 Citizenship Law. This exclusion marked the beginning of systemic persecution.
Why Are the Rohingya Persecuted?
Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya is shaped by a mix of historical grievances, political manoeuvring, and entrenched social divisions:
1. Colonial Legacy and Nationalism: The migration of Muslims during British rule, though internal to the empire, created resentment among Burmese Buddhists, who viewed the Rohingya as remnants of colonial exploitation.
2. Religious and Ethnic Division: Myanmar’s identity is closely tied to Buddhism, with extremist nationalist groups propagating the idea that the Rohingya threaten the country’s Buddhist culture. These groups, such as Ma Ba Tha, have portrayed the Rohingya as invaders seeking to Islamise the nation.
3. Political Opportunism: Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw) has exploited anti-Rohingya sentiment to strengthen its control. By framing the Rohingya as a “security threat,” the military rallies nationalist support while diverting attention from broader governance failures.
4. Resource Competition: Rakhine State is rich in resources and strategically located near the Bay of Bengal. Displacing the Rohingya has allowed the state and local elites to take control of these resources without resistance.
5. Institutionalised Discrimination: The 1982 Citizenship Law and other discriminatory policies have denied the Rohingya basic rights such as freedom of movement, education, and healthcare. These laws have created a framework for their systematic marginalisation.
Mass Displacement and the 2017 Crisis
The persecution of the Rohingya reached a catastrophic peak in August 2017, when the Tatmadaw launched a brutal campaign against Rohingya villages. Entire communities were burned, women were subjected to mass sexual violence, and thousands were killed. Over 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, seeking refuge in camps such as Cox’s Bazar, now the largest refugee settlement in the world.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, described the violence as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” A subsequent UN Fact-Finding Mission found credible evidence of genocide, stating that the military’s actions were carried out with “genocidal intent.” The UN General Assembly has repeatedly called on Myanmar to cease its violence against the Rohingya and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Life in Limbo
The Rohingya in Myanmar remain subject to apartheid-like conditions, unable to move freely or access education and healthcare. Those in refugee camps face additional challenges, from lack of sanitation to fears of being forcibly repatriated to Myanmar, where their safety cannot be guaranteed. The 2021 military coup in Myanmar has further exacerbated their plight, with increased instability and reports of continued atrocities.
The UN has expressed grave concern about the conditions in both Myanmar and the refugee camps. The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) has called the situation “a protracted humanitarian crisis” and emphasised the need for durable solutions, including safe repatriation and access to citizenship.
International Justice and Accountability
While the international community has taken some steps toward accountability, progress has been slow. In 2019, The Gambia filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Myanmar of violating the Genocide Convention. The UN-backed court ordered Myanmar to take provisional measures to protect the Rohingya, though enforcement remains weak.
Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened investigations into crimes against humanity committed against the Rohingya. UN Special Rapporteurs have continued to advocate for international action, describing the Rohingya crisis as a test of global resolve to combat impunity.
A Call to Humanity
The Rohingya’s persecution is a profound test of our shared humanity. Stripped of their rights, homes, and dignity, they embody resilience in the face of relentless persecution. Their story calls upon us to act—not only to provide immediate relief but to challenge the systems of oppression that perpetuate their suffering.
Organisations like Forgotten Ummah work tirelessly to provide critical aid, from food and shelter to advocacy. These efforts are a lifeline, but the scale of the crisis demands sustained global attention and action.
The United Nations has described the Rohingya’s suffering as “one of the darkest chapters in recent history.” As individuals and as a global community, we must ensure that their voices are heard, their rights are restored, and their humanity is honoured.
