In a recent interview, Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) Human Rights Minister U Aung Myo Min made a statement that the crime committed against the Rohingya is “genocide.”
The interview was covered by The Irrawaddy where Minister Myo Min was asked about the country’s current situation and a few Rohingya related questions. He replied, “Democratic forces need support. And the more the Junta commits violations, the sooner we need action to be taken, and in that way, people can be saved.”
When asked what NUG has done for Rohingya, He said, “We have issued our stance regarding the Rohingya. We acknowledge crimes against the Rohingya. We have also openly pledged to implement the Kofi Annan commission on Myanmar’s recommendations, those demands presented by the Rohingya themselves, and UN decisions. And the “Rohingya” [issue] is no longer something to be said indirectly, as in the past, nor something to solve under the table. That is our change of concept. And we have also acted to include their participation in discussions and incorporate their suggestions into the government’s policy. Our ministry’s adviser is a Rohingya and he is actively participating in foreign affairs and human rights cooperation. At the same time, we are now working to amend discriminatory laws like the 1982 Citizenship Law, which is one of the root causes behind the matter, and repeal the Race and Religions laws. We are also working to include a Rohingya representative in the government in the near future. And I hope to hear good news about it soon.”
The NUG Human Right Minister recently visited Rohingya refugees camps in Bangladesh where he met Rohingya people and he was asked about their thoughts. He said, “Their statement is clear. They do not want to stay in the camps. They want to have full security as long as they are there. Their home…is Myanmar. They want to cooperate equally with other citizens for the benefit of Myanmar. Furthermore, we will work for the return of the people. Until then, when they are sheltering in the refugee camps, we are urging the responsible state to ensure the Rohingya live with human dignity and safety. During this period, the relevant ministry is supporting health and education as much as it can.”
