Sixteen Rohingya organizations and numerous non-governmental organizations from around the globe have jointly expressed deep concern regarding the safety and well-being of Rohingya refugees in Myanmar.
The organizations emphasize the need for immediate humanitarian aid, highlighting the situation of the Rohingya refugees in Arakan (or Rakhine) state. It is noted that only a third of the 60,000 refugees still reside in their villages, while the remaining two-thirds are internally displaced persons living in the communities of Buthidaung and Maungdaw. However, peace eludes them.
The local Arakha Army has requested that the Rohingya residing in the center of Buthidaung vacate the city. There was no conflict, but the soldiers aimed to intimidate the residents, urging them to evacuate their homes, and subsequently plunder their belongings. Thousands of Rohingya, including women, children, and the elderly, were forced to flee due to the actions of the Arakha Army.
In a joint statement, the organizations expressed their strong condemnation of all the atrocities committed by the Arakha Army. “The displaced Rohingya,” the appeal states, “are currently lacking both food and shelter. They endure the hardships of hunger, limited access to clean drinking water, and inadequate medical care. There is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Today, Rohingya organizations are urging the international community to take swift action and exert pressure on the United League of Arakan and the Arakha Army to halt the widespread forced displacement and human rights abuses. “The displaced individuals are unfortunately caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict between the Arakha Army and the regular Myanmar army.
This has resulted in challenges in providing much-needed humanitarian aid to the affected region.” Due to the current situation, various non-governmental organizations are urging the Bangladeshi government to consider opening the border. This would allow for the much-needed delivery of humanitarian aid to the northern areas of Rakhine.
They urge the United Nations to promptly initiate an investigation into the ongoing crisis and provide a public report on the situation. The NGOs suggest initiating a dialogue process that includes all ethnic and religious communities in Rakhine State, with the aim of working together towards peaceful coexistence.
“Once again, a large number of Rohingya are forced to leave their homes in search of safety and security.” Despite being aware of the potential consequences, the international community has chosen not to intervene. It is crucial to take decisive action at this moment. The situation in Buthidaung is quite concerning at the moment.
According to a joint statement, tens of thousands of refugees have fled their villages in the wake of recent attacks. In recent months, there have been reports of the Burmese Army forcefully enlisting numerous Rohingya men from detention camps in Rakhine State. These men are being sent to join the fight against the Arakha Army.
The appeal states that the regime has exploited the Rohingya to incite ethnic and religious animosity and aggression.
Furthermore, there are various militant groups, such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, Arakan Rohingya Army, and Rohingya Solidarity Organization, that are actively recruiting Rohingya individuals and engaging in combat alongside the Burmese army in their conflict against the Arakha Army. Both parties use and take advantage of the Rohingya, who are innocent victims of groups that do not truly represent or act in the best interest of the Rohingya community.
The organizations that signed the appeal expressed their complete support for the victims of such crimes in Rakhine State. “The Rohingya express their desire to peacefully coexist with other ethnic groups and religious communities in Arakan, on equal terms, with dignity and respect for their identity,” they emphasize.
Currently, there are approximately 600,000 Rohingya refugees residing in Rakhine State. A large portion of the population, approximately 260,000 Rohingya, resides in Buthidaung township. Approximately 140,000 Rohingya are confined in detention camps located in the coastal towns of Sittwe, Pauktaw, Myebon, and Kyaukphyu. In a significant development, an alliance comprising the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army initiated Operation 1027 against the military junta on October 27, 2023.
In November, the Arakan Army shifted its focus to Rakhine State, initiating attacks against the Burmese army. As a result, Rohingya refugees were caught in the midst of a civil war.
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