WHO ARE THE ROHINGYA RESCUE THE
ROHINGYA
THE MOST PERSECUTED MINORITY IN THE WORLD - The United Nations
Rakhine
MYANMAR
Rohingya Homes being burnt down by the Buddhist population
WHO ARE THE ROHINGYA? The Most Persecuted Minority In The World The Rohingya are an ethnic minority from Myanmar (Burma) who have been persecuted by the Government and citizens for 150 years because of their race and religion. Currently there are 1.5 million Rohingya people in the world, all of whom have been denied citizenship from their country of origin, Myanmar; 810,000 of these people are stateless. In addition to being denied citizenship, the Rohingya have been subjected to legislation that prevents them from accessing healthcare, getting married, having more than two children and even leaving their own villages for work. They have been subjected to imprisonment, torture, murder and rape among other acts that violate the Geneva Convention. Myanmar has deliberately blocked humanitarian aid access to the Rohingya, preventing their plight from reaching the attention of the world community. This situation desperately calls for a change in policy and increased global awareness.
WHY THEY NEED OUR HELP While the Rohingya suffer, the situation is being completely ignored by the rest of the world. What is worse, the Myanmar Government is supporting citizens carrying out much of the violence against the Rohingya. This intrinsic hatred has cost them their homes, their rights and their lives.
Current Situation The Rohingya people are devoid of liberty, dignity and humanity. They have been subjected to the following: • • • •
• • • •
Denial of citizenship from their homeland Denied freedom of movement outside their village without permission from the Government Not permitted to marry without Government consent Penalty: 10 year prison sentence Two Child Policy Act (2005) Rohingya families are permitted to have no more than two children Penalty: 10 year prison sentence and fine National boycotting of trade and commerce between The Rohingya and citizens No access to health-care Blockade of humanitarian aid by the Myanmar Government Acts of violence: arson, murder, torture, rape, beatings, unexplained imprisonment, expulsion out to sea on boats without provision or propulsion.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? The Rohingya people are believed to have lived harmoniously with the Buddhists in Western Myanmar since 1400CE. In 1785 the Rohingya were driven out of Myanmar by the Buddhist Burmese and fled to Bangladesh. Myanmar was then established as a monarchy and was ruled by various dynasties prior to the 19th century. The British colonized Myanmar as a British colony from 1885 until 1939 and encouraged the Rohingya to return to their homeland. When World War II broke out, the Japanese conquered the Rakhine region and many Rohingya were again driven from their homes to neighbouring countries. Myanmar gained independence in 1947 and nationalist military rule has governed the country ever since. The ethos of the governing powers has historically been based on a purist vision, with a Myanmar comprising one race and one religion residing at its core. This aim is one that has been inculcated in the citizens of Myanmar and has led to recent civilian-led atrocities against the Rohingya people.
WHO ARE WE? Rescue the Rohingya are a group that campaign for the restoration of human rights to the Rohingya people in Myanmar (Burma).
OUR AIM Restoration of Rohingya Human Rights and to alleviate the current suffering of the Rohingya people in Myanmar (Burma).
OUR AMBITION We aim to raise global awareness and inspire change for the stateless Rohingya people of Myanmar (Burma).
JOIN US Email: rescuetherohingya@gmail.com Find Rescue The Rohingya on Facebook And follow us on Twitter
GLOBAL
NATIONAL LOCAL
RECOGNISE THE ROHINGYA
OUR STRATEGY A problem that needs to be understood before it can be solved. Rescue the Rohingya wish to raise awareness of this cause across three levels. Locally, Nationally and Globally. The Rohingya require relief aid and the recognition of all nations to help them live a life without oppression. Therefore only a bottom-up effort can secure the human rights we take for granted. Local Campaigns in educational institutions, Community Centres, and businesses will stimulate a wider discussion in the press and pressurise local and national Governments to take action. RTR have already begun campaigning to raise awareness in partnership with Amnesty International at York University and encourage groups and individuals to join the struggle to recognise the Rohingya on a National level. Our ambition is to fuel National Campaigns by getting the influential majority to understand and want to help the Rohingya. We have the democratic power to motivate Members of Parliaments, Presidents and Prime Ministers to collaborate in protecting and freeing the Rohingya at Global organisations such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR. Currently this organisation predicts they will be able to aid 20,000 less refugees in Myanmar by 2016. How can we let that happen?
RESCUE THE
ROHINGYA