Burmese authorities are carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country’s western Arakan state, a senior U.N. official said, as the military continues to sweep the area for what it has labeled Islamic militants.
The BBC reports that John McKissick, a representative of the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, said Burmese troops have been “killing men, shooting them, slaughtering children, raping women, burning and looting houses, forcing these people to cross the river” into neighboring Bangladesh.
Thousands of Rohingya have already sought refuge in Bangladesh, the BBC cited the country’s Foreign Ministry as saying. Thousands more are reportedly turning up at the border hoping to escape. Bangladesh does not view the Rohingya as refugees, and its official policy is to not allow them in. (Courtesy of time.com)
November 25, 2016
Severing Diplomatic Ties With Myanmar Not A Wise Move At This Time - Syed Hamid
The proposal by certain quarters for Malaysia to severe diplomatic relations with Myanmar in protest of the genocide against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar is not an apt move at this time, says OIC special envoy to Myanmar, Tan Sri Syed Hamid Syed Albar.
He said Malaysia should instead call the Myanmar high commissioner here to discuss on measures that could be taken to end the oppression and violence against the Rohingya Muslims.
He also suggested that a special ASEAN-level meeting be held to obtain the report and explanations from the Myanmar government on the violent attacks which he regarded as genocide.
"I do not see cutting off diplomatic relations (with Myanmar) as the solution. We want the discussion door to remain open and we need this diplomatic relations to resolve the issue through discussion and dialogue. (Courtesy of malaysiandigest.com)
He said Malaysia should instead call the Myanmar high commissioner here to discuss on measures that could be taken to end the oppression and violence against the Rohingya Muslims.
He also suggested that a special ASEAN-level meeting be held to obtain the report and explanations from the Myanmar government on the violent attacks which he regarded as genocide.
"I do not see cutting off diplomatic relations (with Myanmar) as the solution. We want the discussion door to remain open and we need this diplomatic relations to resolve the issue through discussion and dialogue. (Courtesy of malaysiandigest.com)
Myanmar wants ethnic cleansing of Rohingya - UN official
Armed forces have been killing Rohingya in Rakhine state, forcing many to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, says John McKissick of the UN refugee agency.
The government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been conducting counter-insurgency operations since coordinated attacks on border guards in October.
It denies reports of atrocities.
A spokesman said the government was "very, very disappointed" by the comments.
Burmese officials say Rohingya are setting fire to their own houses in northern Rakhine state. The BBC cannot visit the area to verify what is occurring there, as journalists and aid workers have been barred.
The Rohingya, who number about one million, are seen by many of Myanmar's Buddhist majority as illegal migrants from Bangladesh. (Courtesy of bbc.com)
The government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been conducting counter-insurgency operations since coordinated attacks on border guards in October.
It denies reports of atrocities.
A spokesman said the government was "very, very disappointed" by the comments.
Burmese officials say Rohingya are setting fire to their own houses in northern Rakhine state. The BBC cannot visit the area to verify what is occurring there, as journalists and aid workers have been barred.
The Rohingya, who number about one million, are seen by many of Myanmar's Buddhist majority as illegal migrants from Bangladesh. (Courtesy of bbc.com)
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