In wake of the recent catastrophes occurring in and around the Gulf of Mexico (including Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, Katia, AND Jose; both earthquakes within Oaxaca and Puebla; and the United States’ political controversy of North Korean engagement) the attention of the United States media has retracted from the genocide of the Rohingya, which continues to this day.
The Rohingya, a Muslim-majority group of people situated in the north-west of Myanmar, bordering Bangladesh, have faced wave after wave of violence over the past half-century. For many years, the Myanmar government has consistently been placing pressure upon the Rohingya to evacuate. The government has restricted their rights to work and travel, and only limited numbers can enter certain professions like law and politics.
This conflict has resulted in many outbursts between the forces. It is believed that at least 1,000 Rohingya deaths have occurred to date from the Myanmar government. More than 270,000 people have fled to Bangladesh from the pressure of the Myanmar military, with others trapped on the border. Meanwhile, Bangladesh repeatedly denies them refuge as they view the Rohingya as an economic burden.
In an effort to investigate the genocide, the UN has been denied the visa rights to enter the country. British Prime Minister has ordered to cease training the Myanmar military until the forced migration and ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya halts. But in the meantime, where are the Rohingya people to take refuge: India and Australia have refused entertaining their company and only Thailand has offered temporary shelter.
With news of the natural disasters flooding United States airwaves, we must still keep in mind the atrocities being done in the world and take action against institutions that place human rights secondary to politics.
By Cameron, a SJPJC Intern.