London, Yangon -- BHRN strongly welcomes US recognition that the 2017 attacks against the Rohingya by the Burmese military amounted to genocide. The military campaign against the Rohingya was riddled with mass killings of civilians, sexual violence, and complete destruction of entire villages. The Rohingya have been told too often and for too long to wait for the recognition of their suffering and today’s announcement is a positive step to correct this. However, US government should take further step without hesitate to protect the Rohingya people in Burma.
“By formally declaring a genocide took place against the Rohingya the US is firmly acknowledging the scope and horror of the junta’s violence. This declaration must be followed by further action. A military that commits genocide and launches a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government has no place in the civilised world. The world should come together to oppose the fascist junta as vigorously and steadfastly as they have opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Junta must be completely cut off from the world, deprived of cash flow and weapons, and resisted until they fall from power,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
BHRN calls on the world to completely sanction all of the Burmese military’s assets and endeavours, particularly the gas and oil sector. A complete arms embargo must be launched against the Junta and they must be ostracised from the world stage. As long as the fascist military continue to exist in power the threat of mass atrocities against the religious and ethnic minorities is highly likely to take place again in Burma. Simultaneously, the National Unity Government must also recognise it as genocide and stop avoiding using the term “genocide”. The world has taken great measures to stand up to the cruelty of dictators and warlords around the world. It must finally do the same for the people of Burma.
US Recognition of Rohingya Genocide Overdue But Greatly Welcomed
