Rohingya? What is that? The Rohingya are actually a minority of Arakanese Indians living in Myanmar. A stateless group of 1.3 million, the Rohingyas make up 7% of Myanmar's population. The problem is that in 1982, Myanmar passed a law that prevented them from becoming citizens, depriving them of basic human rights like healthcare, education, and piling on persecution and subjugation.
Why? Why the persecution? A Muslim group, the Rohingya clash with the Buddhists in Myanmar. They also supported British colonization of Myanmar which the Buddhist majority did not like.
Myanmar has denied allegations of abuse and violence toward them, but also refuse to grant humanitarian aid to them. Only a few countries
such as Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia. As they try to flee and leave for new places, the government prevents them from leaving, and countries like Thailand have cracked down on smuggling rings that have helped them escape.
such as Iran, Turkey, and Malaysia. As they try to flee and leave for new places, the government prevents them from leaving, and countries like Thailand have cracked down on smuggling rings that have helped them escape.
The new president of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, who received a Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts, has fallen under scrutiny and harsh criticism for her government's lack of attention toward this humanitarian crisis. Myanmar claims that the Rohingyas are illegal citizens who have left neighboring Bangladesh. They claim that it is Bangladesh's responsibility to take them in. That's not true. It's simply a reason to cover the racism against them.
There have been significant steps taken to solve the crisis, like with former US President Obama's trip to Myanmar in 2014 where he gave a speech and mentioned the steps that must be taken. However, these actions alone are enough. People around the world are still unaware of this crisis. As the world becomes focused on North Korea, ISIS, Trump, and other political controversies, events like these have been largely ignored. The best way to help end the crisis is to spread the word and understand the situation. With social media, it is so easy to spread the word, and when more people become aware, leaders will be forced to acknowledge the issue. There is no immediate way to end the religious conflict, but if nations around the world can address the issue, then there is hope. Actually travelling to Myanmar may also help, as people will gain a first-hand account of the horrible conditions the Rohingyas are subjected to. Contacting officials like Senators and Congressmen will help. In fact, recently, Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts proposed a bill that was unanimously passed by the House to urge Burma to end the persecution. Donating time an money is also beneficial, and there are numerous agencies out there that are bringing aid to the Rohingyas.
https://yazeedhahmed.com/2017/09/09/three-ways-to-help-rohingya-people/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33007536
https://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/17/how-to-help-myanmars-muslim-minority/
now see, this is the kind of stuff the news needs to talk about. enuf about American politics with Trump, kneeling down, North Korea, etc.
ReplyDeleteGood work man. Do more of these kinds of articles on things others don't know a lot about.
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