London, UK -- After a group of Rohingya fleeing recent violence and robberies, BHRN is alarmed that the current situation may result in further displacement Rohingya still living in Burma. On October 7th, reports and video emerged of Rohingya families who said their property had been looted and livestock killed by unknown armed men in Sin Khon Tine Village, Rathedaung Township. Shortly after families from the same area fled to the border region to attempt Bangladesh as refugees. The following day, a Rohingya man in Buthidaung township was shot in the head and killed while fishing, reportedly by Burmese soldiers. These incidents are occurring as a conflict between the Arakan Army and the Burmese Army continues and seems to be used as a cover for violence against Rohingya in nearby areas.
“We are extremely alarmed that these recent incidents may be a sign of worse things to come. As the conflict between the Arakan Army and the Burmese Army continues, Rohingya find themselves vulnerable to intentional attacks as well as unintended victims caught in the crossfire. The lack of freedom of movement for the Rohingya makes it impossible for them to seek safety and refuge without fleeing the country, and the international community is alarmingly silent about this issue while trying to negotiate a return for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
Burma Human Rights Network calls on the Burmese Army and Arakan Army to end all military actions in and near civilian areas. The Burmese authorities must sincerely investigate robberies against Rohingya villagers and work to break up any criminal groups conspiring to take advantage of the chaos in order to plunder the minority group. Reports of civilian killings by Burmese security forces must be seriously investigated and those responsible need to be held accountable. The Burmese Military must also cease any looting of civilian properties to supply their own forces. Rohingya villagers must be given full freedom of movement as a fundamental human right and way to flee conflict without fear of arrest by authorities. The international community must insist that these measures are taken by the Burmese Government and Military and that those parties are fully cooperative with the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism or any future UN-sanctioned investigative body. The International Community should also press firmly for a ceasefire between the Burmese Military and the Arakan Army and negotiate an agreement between the civilians of Rakhine, including Rohingya.
Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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