The systematic exclusion of the Rohingya can be traced back through the history of Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is always difficult to say exactly where the conflict begins, but in 1982 the Rohingya were stripped of Burmese citizenship. Violence and segregation certainly predated this political decision, but the institutionalization of the racism is a key turning point. Since 1982, the rights of Rohingya in Myanmar have been reduced several times, causing wave after wave of refugees to flee the country. Political and physical violence have worked hand in hand to force the Rohingya out of their country.

Learn more about the history of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The UN Genocide Convention:

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group:

  1. Killing members of the group;
  2. Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
  3. Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;
  4. Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
  5. Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
Genocide in Myanmar:

Unfortunately, the suffering of the Rohingya as described by eyewitnesses matches the UN description of genocide. Rohingya have been systematically dehumanized through the removal of their rights as citizens. They face violent attacks on their villages. Murder and rape have been reported on a staggering scale. Myanmar has constructed internment camps for the displaced Rohingya, an inhumane program that they are looking to expand. Other techniques, such as denial of healthcare and food have also weakened the Rohingya. Attempts have been made to deny their very history and existence. Together, these factors create a clear picture of genocide. There is a coordinated effort underway to remove an ethnic group and every trace of their existence.

How Do We Address Genocide?

The eternal problem of genocide is how to react. What do we do when governments systematically eliminate segments of their own population? What do we do when dehumanization leads to unspeakable violence? What do we do when there is not war but one-sided slaughter?

The first step is to get official recognition of the problem. The term genocide holds weight and is not used lightly, especially among governing bodies that wish to distance themselves from responsibility for intervention. The language used to describe the crisis will be fundamental in the discussion about how to address it.

Through the years and across continents many solutions have been proposed and attempted. Negotiations, sanctions, and military interventions all have different costs and degrees of impact. No two situations are exactly alike.

What Can We Accomplish?

Ultimately, whatever course is taken will have consequences. Diplomatic approaches may allow the situation to drag on and increase the number of victims. Military solutions are expensive and bring body counts of their own. There is no happy ending here. The suffering that has gone on for decades cannot be wrapped up cleanly. The echoes of this tragedy will reverberate through the generations.

We cannot reverse the damage that has already happened: the decades of hate and fear, the murder, rape, and displacement. But we can help, and we must. We can allow the horror to continue; we cannot allow the victims to suffer unassisted.

Action steps:
  1. Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest news. It is easier to skip the bad news and focus on issues closer to home, but this crisis requires sustained international attention.
  2. Spread the word: Do your friends, family, and colleagues know about the extent of the crisis in Myanmar? Find appropriate occasions to inform, discuss, and problem solve.
  3. Lend your voice: The root of the issue is in the very government of Myanmar. Without addressing the cause of the conflict, we can only mitigate the consequences. Pressure your government and the UN to investigate and punish the genocide in order to stop the killing, sexual violence, and destruction of property. A problem of this magnitude requires a response on the international level.
  4. Donate to victims: There are still Rohingya inside of Myanmar unable to escape the violence. The government of Myanmar is not allowing NGOs into the country, and aid is getting in through unconventional methods. The 800,000 who have made their way into Bangladesh require access to basic human needs like food, shelter, medical attention and education. UNICEF fulfills those needs, and donors make their work possible.

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Original contribution by Clarissa Coburn with assistance from Martha Elliott and Dr. Thomas MacManus.