By: Hafizur Rahman, Camp Correspondent
July 10, 2025
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continues to intensify, with growing evidence of widespread rights violations by both the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA). The Rohingya population remains trapped between two hostile forces, facing persecution, displacement, and violence with little hope for justice or safe return.
Myanmar Claims Readiness for Repatriation While Denying Rohingya Identity
At the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Myanmar’s government stated that it had verified the residency of 194,175 individuals from a total of 274,093 repatriation applications. The data has been shared with Bangladesh, signaling theoretical readiness for returns—pending “improved security conditions.”
However, Myanmar simultaneously denied the existence of the “Rohingya” identity, claiming the term has no place in its legal or historical records. While authorities insist citizenship is available under the 1982 Citizenship Law, the exclusion of the Rohingya label reinforces distrust and casts serious doubt on the sincerity of repatriation efforts.
UN Adopts Consensus Resolution for Rohingya Protection
On July 4, the UNHRC unanimously adopted a resolution titled “The Situation of Human Rights of the Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar.” Led by Pakistan on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and strongly supported by Bangladesh, the resolution emphasized the urgent need for voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation while condemning ongoing violence in Rakhine.
Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, revealed that nearly 118,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since renewed fighting began in November 2023. He also raised concerns over dwindling humanitarian aid and called for inclusive governance in Rakhine that ensures Rohingya participation in political processes.
The resolution demands unhindered humanitarian access and accountability for crimes committed by all parties, reaffirming the international community’s collective responsibility to protect the Rohingya.
Arakan Army’s Violations: Desecration of Mosques and Forced Labor
While Myanmar continues to enforce discriminatory state policies, the Arakan Army is accused of serious violations under international humanitarian law.
In Buthidaung Township, the AA has reportedly converted multiple mosques into military bases and recruitment centers, including one in U Hla Phay village. Residents say the mosque was eventually burned down after being used as a command center.
Eyewitnesses also reported acts of desecration—including alcohol consumption and parties inside the mosques—prompting outrage and sorrow within the Rohingya community. “This is not just a military occupation—it’s a spiritual attack on our community,” said a local religious leader.
In Maungdaw, captured Myanmar soldiers are reportedly being used as forced laborers—breaking stones, building bases, and farming in areas such as Kyain Chaung, Kyee Kan Pyin, and the 4-Mile camp. Detainees are reportedly denied food, medical care, and basic rights, violating the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war.
Rohingya Trapped Between Two Abusive Forces
The Rohingya, already subjected to ethnic cleansing and statelessness, now face repression from both the military junta and the Arakan Army. Despite its anti-junta stance, the AA has introduced new waves of displacement, property confiscations, arbitrary arrests, and identity-based persecution—targeting the very community it once claimed to defend.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s continued denial of Rohingya identity and attempts to control the narrative have rendered diplomatic initiatives hollow. The gap between official rhetoric and ground reality continues to widen, leaving Rohingya civilians without any viable path to safety or citizenship.
A Call for Urgent International Action
Religious persecution, forced labor, and the blocking of humanitarian access have created a dire and deteriorating situation in Rakhine. Despite Myanmar’s technical readiness for repatriation, the prevailing conditions—marked by insecurity, identity denial, and lack of political inclusion—make any return unsafe and unsustainable.
The international community must go beyond resolutions and take meaningful action. Monitoring mechanisms, humanitarian support, and diplomatic pressure for inclusive governance must be scaled up urgently.
The upcoming High-Level Rohingya Conference in New York this September offers a critical opportunity to move from symbolic support to concrete, time-bound solutions—before more lives are lost and the hope of return is extinguished.
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