London, UK -- The Burma Human Rights Networks calls for an immediate end to all aggression and violence against the Rohingya Christian community in Bangladesh and for the authorities and NGOs in the refugee camps to ensure the safety of the group. The call follows a recent spate of attacks, notably an incident on January 27th where a dispute between Christian Rohingya and Muslim Rohingya resulted in 13 people having to be hospitalised for their injuries. Similar attacks have taken place against Christian Rohingya for at least a year, though some Christian Rohingya tell BHRN it has been as long as two years.
“We stand by the principle that no one should ever be persecuted for their religion. This is as true for the Christian Rohingya as it is for the Muslim Rohingya. And while we want to stress that only a very small number of Muslim Rohingya are engaging in these attacks, we should all speak loudly and in unity to reject them. The authorities and the relevant UN agencies in Bangladesh must take appropriate measures to protect this minority and ensure that religious freedom is provided to everyone living in the refugee camps in Bangladesh,” Said Kyaw Win, BHRN’s Executive Director.
Animosity towards the Christian Rohingya has often started with rumours that they are converting Muslims in the camps. The attacks against the minority have typically included damage of property, most recently a makeshift church, and injuring of Christians Rohingya. BHRN has spoken to members of both communities about the incident, including one of the Christians who was injured.
Muslims and Christians give two different accounts of what instigated the most recent violence, with one account saying a Muslim was detained, beaten and told to convert to Christianity, while Christians say that it began with an attack against them by a man that they detained and were again attacked for holding while they were waiting for the authorities. BHRN notes that the trauma of conflict likely plays a role in these events, where many may feel especially protective of their identities and religion. Regardless of the exact cause of the violence, it remains part of an ongoing tension that needs desperately to be addressed before the situation becomes deadly. According to the Christian Rohingya BHRN spoke to, the authorities have not helped them or taken steps to prevent future attacks Belligerents against Rohingya Christians must immediately cease attacks against the minority group. If Christians have antagonised or harmed Muslims they must also cease immediately. The authorities in Bangladesh and relevant NGOs on the ground must take appropriate steps to protect the minorities within the camps and maintain a dialogue with them to pursue solutions that they feel most comfortable with. BHRN has spoken to many Muslim Rohingya in the camps who are upset about the way the Christian Rohingya are being treated and have spoken up for their human rights, a commendable effort that deserves highlighting and praise.
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.
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF
