Press Release: Immediate Global Attention Needed to Prevent Extermination of Rohingya in Arakan State, Myanmar (Burma)

Bangkok, 8 August, 2024

"The Rohingya crisis in Maungdaw Township in Arakan State is a heartbreaking story of survival amidst constant conflict and violence. The systematic targeting by the Arakan Army and military junta threatens the very existence of the Rohingya. The international community must not stay silent. Immediate action is necessary to protect the Rohingya and ensure their survival."

Khair Ullah, Rohingya Refugee Advocate, Human Rights Defender and Researcher, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) member

The Rohingya people of Arakan State are caught in the violent conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military. Forced into a deadly power struggle, they face recruitment into fighting, displacement, hunger, and senseless violence.  They continue to have their basic human rights violated on a daily basis. This crisis demands immediate and urgent global attention and action to prevent the extermination of the Rohingya people.

The conflict has reached a breaking point. Civilian lives are being lost daily, with Rohingya families struggling to find food and shelter amidst the violence. In June, 70 Rohingya were reportedly killed, and hundreds injured; in July, 29 were reportedly killed and 64 injured, and on 5 and 6 August, over 200 Rohingya were reportedly killed near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Young Rohingya are being forced into combat, deepening the violence and tearing the Rohingya community apart. The military and the Arakan Army use the youths as shields on the frontlines, exacerbating the already desperate situation.

The Rohingya are a protected ethnic minority group. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2020 mandated Myanmar to protect and safeguard the Rohingya from genocidal attacks and preserve the evidence. The ICJ has ruled that Myanmar must take all the measures to protect Rohingya from further harm. Hence, all the parties involved in the armed conflict in Myanmar or Arakan must refrain from causing further destruction to the community. In this distressing situation, women and children are suffering in innumerable ways, directly violating all the safeguards available in International Human Rights Law. They are the most vulnerable groups in need of urgent support and humanitarian aid.

The consequences of turning a blind eye to the conflict

The world's neglect has worsened the Rohingya's suffering, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. With no internet access in their areas, communication is nearly impossible, deepening the isolation. The Rohingya people are facing the dual burdens of violence from the Arakan Army and neglect from the international community. While international intervention and advocacy could bring much-needed aid and protection, it also faces political backlash and challenges in effectively coordinating efforts in a conflict zone.

The Arakan Army's arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and killings within Rohingya communities create a cycle of fear and despair. The systematic targeting of Rohingya people by the Arakan Army and military junta is a genocidal campaign that threatens their very existence.

Ali Johar, Co-lead, Global Movement Against Statelessness and APRRN member continues: “Under the shadow of what’s happening in Bangladesh, hundreds of Rohingyas have been slaughtered in Arakan during the first week of August. On 6 August alone, locals on the Bangladesh side of the Naf River discovered at least 13 dead bodies of Rohingya women and children who were killed while trying to run for safety. But we continue to witness hesitant international attention. If the international community is already tired of the news of Rohingyas getting slaughtered every day, imagine how hopeless and unseen the Rohingya themselves may feel about this ongoing Genocide.

Sabber Kyaw Min, founder & Director, of Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (ROHRIngya) and APRRN member added:

“It’s heartbreaking to see, yet again, vulnerable Rohingya people being forcefully displaced from Maungdaw and struggling to cross into Bangladesh. The Military Junta and the Rakhine militants’ Arakan Army took advantage of the unfolding situation in Bangladesh to drive out the remaining Rohingya population in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Hundreds have reportedly been killed.”

Direct experiences from people on the ground

APRRN members spoke to three Rohingya who fled Maungdaw Township in the last two weeks and are now in Bangladesh:

Solim, a 23-year-old from Arakan State, shared his plight: "There are constant clashes between the Arakan Army and the military, and I have no scope to run or hide from the regular fighting in the state."

Mohammed, a 31-year-old, expressed his despair: "We are on the brink of death as we haven't had anything to eat for several days, and the fear of violence is always in our minds. Both the military and the Arakan Army haven't halted fighting in most Rohingya villages."

Alam, a 42-year-old from Arakan State, highlighted his eyewitness account: "I saw that many people have gathered in the coastal area near the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar to escape the clash between the Arakan Army and military juntas. The Arakan Army intentionally fired drones at the Rohingya, and I saw more than 200 dead bodies on the beach, but luckily, I'm safe."

Recommendations by Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN)

APRRN calls for immediate global attention and comprehensive and sustainable action, and have the following recommendations:

• The international community must urge the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to cease fighting and protect all civilians, especially the Rohingya. Those responsible for human rights abuses must be held accountable;
• Neighbouring states should allow international agencies, national groups, and camp volunteers to form rescue teams to facilitate aid to Rohingya trapped in Arakan State;
• The international community should coordinate rescue teams to the borders [Bangladesh and Thailand] to protect and assist fleeing Rohingya;
• APRRN also calls on Bangladesh to open the border and allow for the safe passage of civilians from Northern Rakhine who are seeking protection from the armed conflict;
• Restoring internet access and communication channels is essential to aid coordination and support for the Rohingya community;
• Sufficient funds should be allocated for critical resources, including food, shelter, and medical care;
• Comprehensive support services to address the trauma and psychological needs of the Rohingya should be established.

For further information, please reach out to Hafsar Tameesuddin (sg.hafsar@aprrn.org), and Klaus Dik Nielsen (sg.klaus@aprrn.org) Co-Secretaries General, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).