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The Rohingya Crisis: Myanmar’s Forgotten Struggle

Rohingya refugees sit on wooden benches of a navy vessel on their way to the Bhasan Char island in Noakhali district, Bangladesh, December 29, 2020 —REUTERS Photo

By Minority Watch

The Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, face a grim reality marked by displacement, statelessness, and systemic violence. Despite the Arakan Army (AA)’s growing influence in Western Myanmar, the prospect of their safe return and reintegration remains remote, hindered by complex political dynamics, ongoing security concerns, and insufficient international action.

The marginalization of the Rohingya is rooted in decades of discriminatory policies. Stripped of citizenship under Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law, they became stateless, denied basic rights such as education, healthcare, and freedom of movement. This exclusion reached a tipping point in 2017, when a military crackdown forced over 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, an event widely recognized as ethnic cleansing.

Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, highlighted the importance of accountability during a visit to Bangladesh on January 24, 2025. “Accountability for crimes committed against Rohingya is critical for future peace,” he stated. “Many Rohingya I spoke to expressed frustration that even seven and a half years after the clearance operations, conditions do not allow their communities to return to Rakhine. Ending violence targeting civilians and pursuing justice for the crimes committed are essential steps toward creating conditions for a safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable return.”

Humanitarian Challenges and Regional Instability

The plight of the Rohingya highlights intersecting humanitarian and security crises that demand urgent attention. Severe restrictions on humanitarian aid imposed by Myanmar’s military junta have exacerbated food shortages and restricted access to medical supplies, with the United Nations warning that up to two million people in Rakhine could face severe hunger by early 2025. Refugees in camps, such as those in Pauktaw township, report surviving on rice gruel, with starvation and preventable diseases claiming lives. “We urgently need dry rice and medicines. The situation is unbearable,” said a displaced resident. At the same time, the AA’s control of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border has facilitated human trafficking, arms smuggling, and regional instability. Islamist groups, including Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and Islamic State-linked factions, have sought to exploit the refugee crisis for recruitment, while Bangladesh struggles to manage over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees amidst its own political instability. “The AA’s rise has unintentionally provided fertile ground for extremist ideologies,” noted a Bangladeshi security expert, reflecting on the broader implications for regional security.

The Role of the Arakan Army

The rise of the Arakan Army has significantly altered Rakhine’s political landscape. Established in 2009 to advocate for Rakhine Buddhist autonomy, the AA now controls 15 of Rakhine’s 17 townships, including the strategically important Maungdaw region along the 271-kilometer Myanmar-Bangladesh border. While the AA has pledged inclusivity through its political wing, the United League of Arakan, skepticism persists.

“The AA does not recognize the distinct identity of the Rohingya and expects their subservience to Rakhine dominance,” noted Nay San Lwin, a Europe-based Rohingya activist. Reports of drone attacks and targeted violence further exacerbate fears, forcing many Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Barriers to Repatriation

Efforts to repatriate Rohingya to Rakhine have been fraught with challenges. Although the AA recently announced that displaced individuals could return, refugees remain unconvinced. “Even if the AA guarantees safe passage, we fear airstrikes from the military junta. Our safety cannot be assured,” said Mohammed Shafique, a refugee in Bangladesh’s Kutupalong camp.

Key demands from the Rohingya include recognition as an ethnic minority, restoration of Myanmar citizenship, and assurances of basic rights such as freedom of movement and access to education. These issues were underscored during a December 2024 protest in Cox’s Bazar, where over 100,000 Rohingya gathered. “We will not settle for less than dignity and justice,” Shafique added.

Path Forward: Justice, Cooperation, and Inclusion

Resolving the Rohingya crisis requires concerted international efforts. Stronger regional cooperation is essential to address cross-border militancy, trafficking, and radicalization. Simultaneously, political solutions must prioritize the inclusion and rights of all ethnic groups in Myanmar. Koumjian emphasized the urgency of justice, stating, “Creating conditions for safe, dignified, and voluntary return is critical for rebuilding communities.”

The plight of the Rohingya highlights the need for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of their persecution. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, international commitment to justice and accountability remains a beacon of hope for their future. Recognizing their resilience in the face of adversity underscores the importance of securing their dignity and rights in Myanmar.

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