Calls for justice on sixth anniversary of Muslim genocide in Arakan State

By Admin 25 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
25 August 2023, Sittwe

Muslims from Arakan State and human rights campaigners have called for justice and accountability for family members and friends who were killed in 2017 Myanmar military “area clearance operations” in Arakan State.

An online discussion to mark the sixth anniversary of genocide against Muslims in Arakan State was held on Friday, and was attended by ministers of the shadow National Unity Government, Muslim activists and political activists.

“We won’t stop unless justice is done for our innocent people. We called for accountability for atrocities committed against us. Those crimes horrify the essence of humanity,” said Muslim activist U Tun Khin.

Human rights activists and Muslim victims want justice to be served via a genocide lawsuit filed by The Gambia against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice.

The Gambia has accused the Myanmar military of committing a systematic campaign of arson, rape and murder in its so-called area clearance operations, which led to mass exodus of more than 700,000 Muslims from Arakan State to Bangladesh.

The regime is currently planning to initially take back more than 1,000 Muslims from Bangladesh. Critics say the regime is looking to take political advantage of the repatriation process as it is under growing international pressure.

Deputy Minister U Aung Kyaw Moe of the NUG’s Human Rights Ministry said the parallel government is giving priority to the safe return of Muslim refugees currently living in Bangladesh.

“Muslims in Arakan State remain in a terrible situation. They are still confined, and have no access to healthcare services, or schooling. And those at the refugee camps survive in hopeless conditions. So, we will work to do justice for them,” he said.

A Muslim refugee in Bangladesh said: “We have lost all the farms and business as well as family members. We have a lot of difficulties living at the refugee camp. So we need a satisfactory level of assistance if we are to return home.”