Seven Years of Rohingya Displacement from Myanmar: A Call for Peace and an End to Violence
23 August 2024
Secretary-General Guterres Calls on All Parties to End Violence and Persecution
On the seventh anniversary of the forced mass displacement of Rohingya and other people from Myanmar, Secretary-General António Guterres calls for an immediate end to the violence and persecution.Guterres said in a statement, "I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Myanmar, which is having a devastating impact on civilians." He emphasized the need for all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians and the respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
Background
In August 2017, security forces in Myanmar launched a brutal campaign against the Rohingya people in northern Rakhine State. More than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh and other countries.
- The United Nations has documented widespread human rights violations, including killings, rape, and arson, committed by security forces and local vigilantes.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity and genocide committed against the Rohingya.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite international condemnation and pressure, the situation for the Rohingya remains dire.
- They continue to face violence and discrimination in Myanmar and are denied access to basic rights, including citizenship and freedom of movement.
- In Bangladesh, the Rohingya live in overcrowded refugee camps, with limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- There are concerns that the situation in Myanmar could deteriorate further, potentially leading to a new wave of displacement.
Call for Action
Secretary-General Guterres called for sustained international and regional attention to the crisis in Myanmar.
- He urged the international community to support efforts to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians.
- He also called for the creation of conditions that would allow the Rohingya to return to their homes in Myanmar safely and with dignity.
Conclusion
The forced mass displacement of the Rohingya is a tragedy that has had a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The international community must continue to press for an end to the violence and a solution that ensures the rights and dignity of the Rohingya people.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
- Statement by the Secretary-General on the seventh anniversary of the forced mass displacement of Rohingya and other people from Myanmar
- Displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar
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