Can Rohingya benefit from the Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN?

There is a growing recognition that the continued persecution of the Rohingya minority represents a serious threat not only to Myanmar but also all ASEAN countries. It must be addressed urgently by all Asean’s members and Malaysia, which is holding the ASEAN chairmanship this year has a special responsibility.

The increasing brutality of crimes and preplanned systematic state-sponsored violence against the Rohingya minority in Arakan State in Myanmar represents a direct threat to ASEAN nations.

ASEAN as a grouping as well as individual national leaders have the responsibility, both morally and under international law, to act to prevent atrocity crimes and crimes against humanity especially on Rohingya Muslim in Arakan State of Myanmar from taking place.  Malaysia is in a particularly good position to act because it has had very good relations with Myanmar since Myanmar was welcomed into ASEAN.

The longstanding persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar has led to the huge numbers of refugees. Human rights violations against Rohingya have resulted in a regional human trafficking epidemic, and there have been further abuses against Rohingya upon their arrival in other Southeast Asian countries. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)