Our Forgotten Brothers and Sisters

We hear the name once or twice and we see one or two images on Facebook, but do we really understand the unspeakable tragedy that the Rohingya Muslims are facing in Burma? It seems however, finding information about the crisis is very difficult as there is a flagrant inattention by many news media outlets to the heartbreaking tragedy occurring in this region. Without a doubt however, and as the UN claims, the Rohingya Muslims are the most persecuted group of people in the world today. But how did this happen, and what exactly do the Muslims in Burma face on a daily basis?

To start, Burma (or Myanmar), is located between South Asia and South East Asia bordering India, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The population is about 52 million people with the predominant ethnic group being the Buddhist Burmese followed by those of the Islamic faith which number about 10 million people. The country achieved its independence from Britain in 1948 but power was then transferred to the Burma Socialist Programme Party. Eventually this party was replaced by two councils the most recent being the SPDC or “State Peace and Development Council” which ironically was not very successful in restoring the peace and easing the already growing tensions between many ethnic groups. This regime, the SPDC, is widely accused for its human rights abuses against many of these groups specifically those living in Rakhine State—the state in western Burma with the largest population of Muslims.

Now that you understand a little bit of the history, it’s important to visualize and comprehend what exactly the Muslims are facing in Burma as a result of laws set by Burmese Buddhists. The Muslims in Burma are denied identity cards; this means they are not considered citizens. Despite the fact that their forefathers have lived there for centuries, the Muslims in Burma are constantly faced with intimidation, abuse, interrogation, and military violence. Imagine that–living in country that not only does not recognize you as a citizen, but also constantly terrorizes your land and your family. Hundreds of villages have been destroyed and burned and over 90,000 people have been displaced from their homes. The Rohingya are banned from traveling freely, marrying freely, practicing religion freely, having healthcare, obtaining jobs, pursuing higher education, obtaining motor vehicles, and even using a mobile phone! It’s safe to say they are being stripped away from their freedom and are placed in a state of constant oppression.

There is still hope.

Many have attempted fleeing to Bangladesh, but it seems they are being rejected there as well. Countless families have taken leaking boats to sea in an attempt to travel across the border, but are ultimately turned around by the military and forced to return where they are not welcome. Several families have told stories of even being attacked at sea without even making it back. All this has been happening while the international community remains silent to the atrocities. Burma won’t let in independent observers and information is scarce about the situation, but that does mean we should turn our backs to the most forgotten and persecuted people on the planet.

Although a new government took over under Mr. Thein Sein in March 2011, the Parliament is still largely controlled by the military-backed ruling party. At this point, dialogue, generosity, and prayer are of the few ways we can help those fighting for their rights in Burma. First and foremost, spread awareness. Tweet about the cause, share videos, and inform those that are unaware. Knowledge is the first step to action. Secondly, donate. Visit RescueRohingya.com and contribute what you can, any amount can make a difference. Lastly, pray. Pray for all those oppressed to gain their freedom and live in a state of peace and equality. Pray for the truth to prevail and remember to never ignore injustice, wherever it may be.