Published: 01 February 2025
For four years, the people of Myanmar have resisted the military’s brutal attempt to seize power. They have stood in defiance of dictatorship, risking everything for freedom. But for Myanmar’s Muslim communities—Pathi, Rohingya, Pashu, Myaydu, Panthay, and Kaman—this is not just a fight against a military junta. We are fighting against a system determined to erase our identity and our future in Myanmar.
We have warned, again and again, that the military and other armed groups are committing mass atrocities against Muslims. Time and time again, world leaders have failed to act. And so the violence continues.
“Myanmar’s Muslim minorities, being victims of state sponsored institutionalised Islamophobia for many decades, the population has been exploited and crippled in many aspects, their existence has been denied and their survival is now in critical,” said Kyaw Win, Executive Director of Burma Human Rights Network.
On 8th January, the military bombed the Kaman Muslim village of Kyauk Ni Maw, killing at least 42 people, injured at least 50 people and destroying nearly 500 homes. In October 2024, the junta and Pyu Saw Htee militia attacked Kyi Su village, a Muslim village in Sagaing Region, burning down 400 homes and two mosques. This is the third time this Muslim village has been targeted. The military wanted to erase it. And they did. In November 2024, junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee, the junta’s thugs raided Buu Gyi village in Sagain Region where, large number of Myanmar Muslim reside, abducted about 50 people under inscription law and using them as human shield in front line.
These are not isolated incidents. This is not a conflict—it is the systematic destruction of a people, unfolding in plain sight. The Arakan Army (AA) is doing the same in Rakhine State. In May last year, they burned homes in Buthidaung and forced entire Rohingya communities to flee. Later in August, 200 Rohingya civilians were massacred by the AA when they tried to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh. Those who stayed behind now face mass starvation.
The failure of the international community to act is not just negligence—it is complicity. For years, world leaders have chosen to stand by as history repeats itself. The atrocities unfolding today could have been prevented had governments taken decisive action last year. And the year before that. Instead of justice, we have seen silence. Instead of accountability, we have seen statements of “deep concern.” The United Nations has failed to stop these crimes. Governments that claim to stand for human rights have failed to hold the perpetrators accountable.
If world leaders are serious about stopping these atrocities, they must cut off the junta’s access to weapons and revenue. There must be stronger, enforceable sanctions—not scattered, symbolic measures. The International Criminal Court (ICC) must expand its investigation to include ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since the 2021 coup. Governments must pursue universal jurisdiction cases against the junta and other armed actors responsible for these crimes. No country should offer a safe haven to war criminals.
Justice cannot wait. Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh are being pressured to return to Myanmar, where genocide is still ongoing. Meanwhile, Muslims fleeing Myanmar in search of safety in neighbouring and regional countries, are being arrested, detained, and deported. These governments must stop forcing genocide survivors back into the hands of their oppressors and instead ensure their safety, legal protections, and dignity. The international community must also act to establish humanitarian corridors to deliver food, medicine, and aid to displaced Muslim communities inside Myanmar.
For decades, Myanmar’s Muslims have been persecuted, forced from their homes, and denied their most basic rights. The military has spent years trying to erase them. And once again, the world is watching in silence. However, we refuse to be silent or to let these crimes be ignored. Myanmar’s Muslims cannot afford another year of inaction. Immediate and concrete action is the only way to prevent further atrocities.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: kyawwin@bhrn.org.uk
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
Ye Min
Editor
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: ye.min@bhrn.org.uk
T: +66(0) 994 942 358
Wai Yan
Researcher
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: wai.yan@bhrn.org.uk
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