Five years on from the start of the military crackdown, more must be done for Myanmar’s Rohingya
Campaign groups urge the international community to protect Myanmar’s Rohingya, experts accuse the UK of deliberately failing to appoint a new anti-slavery commissioner, and abuse allegations surface at Bangkok’s immigration detention centers.
The Asia Justice Coalition has expressed deep concern over the lack of international action to counter the ongoing persecution of the people of Myanmar, five years after hundreds of thousands of ethnic Rohingya starting fleeing to neighboring states. In a statement released last week, the justice network called upon Myanmar’s military junta to end all violations of international law against the Rohingya and others, and to facilitate humanitarian access to ethnic minority areas. It also asked the government of Bangladesh to end the forcible relocation and repatriation of Rohingya refugees, and urged the UN Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court for a full investigation.
The call for action was echoed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which implored the global community to take urgent steps to ensure long-term development and sustainable humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees living in camps such as Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Daily misery is wrought by limited access to income, education and health services, rising security threats, floods and cyclones, and the threat of food and water shortages.
Asia Justice Coalition further called on all countries to use the avenues and diplomatic channels at their disposal in pursuit of justice and accountability for the Rohingya, including civil and criminal legal actions based on the principle of universal jurisdiction. Two years ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued binding obligations on Myanmar to prevent commission of genocidal acts, ensure its military, police and other forces within its control do not commit genocidal acts, to preserve all evidence of genocidal acts, and to submit compliance reports every six months until a final judgment by the Court. However, witnesses say the military junta blatantly disregards and violates these obligations.
While proceedings at international courts are slowly moving forward, the international community has failed to take sufficient action against the ongoing impunity in Myanmar and is complicit in maintaining the status quo, says the statement. Countries such as the U.S. and UK should formally intervene and support the genocide proceedings before the Court while Canada and The Netherlands, which have already expressed their intention to intervene, must take the next steps.
Vulnerability and desperation often push Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to travel to neighboring countries despite the risk of arrest, detention and death, and IOM has so far identified and assisted more than 1,300 victims of trafficking in Cox’s Bazar. Criminal networks continue to lure refugees to work outside the camp and abroad using false pretenses, coercion and abduction, with women and girls especially vulnerable to violence and exploitation, as documented in our data report published earlier this year which brought together information from on-the-ground community organizers.
Yet the Rohingya themselves have played a central role in both the humanitarian and legal response. From door-to-door outreach to raise awareness of COVID-19 prevention measures to painstaking advocacy and documentation work, community members have led efforts across the camps to provide support for others, and should be further empowered through expanded access to education, skills development and livelihoods, say campaign groups. Last week, a photography book by three Rohingya artists living in the Cox’s Bazar encampment was published, offering an intimate look at their daily lives and the suffering they see around them. A Chance to Breathe was produced and published with support from Doha Debates and Fortify Rights, with all proceeds going directly to the Rohingya community.
Here’s a round-up of other noteworthy news and initiatives:
The UK Home Office is accused of deliberately failing to appoint a new anti-slavery commissioner to avoid scrutiny while trying to push through legislation on the issue. This week will mark four months with nobody in the role, despite the interview process concluding two weeks before the previous incumbent, Sara Thornton, left, according to sources.
A new investigation reveals that, as Thai police widen their nationwide crackdown on illegal migrants, fresh allegations of abuse inside Bangkok’s immigration detention centers have surfaced. Behind the walls of these jails, detainees have nowhere to hide. [Accessible with subscription only]
The Gulf country of Qatar is again facing criticism from human rights advocates after it arrested and deported a group of migrant workers who had protested over months of unpaid wages. This comes three months before the nation is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Cambodia and Thailand have signed an agreement on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for law enforcement cooperation against human trafficking, according to a statement from Cambodia’s National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) on Monday.
The EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies have published a joint paper on contributions to the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine. The paper highlights a broad spectrum of activities undertaken by nine EU agencies that contribute to the implementation of the EU’s objectives on migration, asylum and external border management, the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, gender equality, and respect for fundamental rights.
On 7 September, Do Bold will publish the results of nearly two years of research – with findings that reveal widespread human trafficking between Sierra Leone and Oman – and invites you to join its webinar detailing the report insights and discussing how to work together on prevention efforts.
ESWA is currently looking for two volunteer translators to assist with translating resources from English to Armenian and English to French for its new research project exploring sex workers’ experience of policing. Please get in touch via email!
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