Myanmar's Rohingya Crisis Deepens Amidst Violence and Aid Cuts
The plight of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar and refugees in Bangladesh is worsening due to ongoing conflict, restricted aid access, and decreasing international support, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. Over 16 million people in Myanmar face acute food insecurity, and the situation has prompted urgent appeals for justice and increased assistance at the UN General Assembly.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Rakhine State
Rakhine State is at the heart of the crisis, with over 100,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. Less than 2% of these children have access to treatment due to restrictions on humanitarian convoys entering the region. The UN World Food Programme estimates that more than 540,000 children will suffer from severe malnutrition in 2025, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.
Appeals for Justice and Accountability at the UN
Rohingya leaders have addressed the UN General Assembly, calling for an end to violence and accountability for abuses. They criticized the decline in global attention and aid, demanding justice for the atrocities committed against their community. Maung Sawyeddollah, founder of the Rohingya Student Network, highlighted the ongoing suffering and questioned the lack of prevention of inhumane acts by the Arakan Army.
Systematic Persecution and Destruction
Investigations reveal a pattern of persecution, including the systematic razing of Rohingya villages by Myanmar's military in 2017. This destruction, documented by a UN-backed inquiry, underscores the urgent need for accountability as similar abuses persist. Wai Wai Nu, executive director of the Women’s Peace Network-Myanmar, emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches Rakhine State.
Regional Impact and Warnings from Bangladesh
Bangladesh, hosting over one million Rohingya refugees, warns of a "catastrophic" aid crisis if funding and international support continue to dwindle. Aid agencies caution that hunger and instability in both Myanmar and Bangladesh could fuel further displacement and regional insecurity. Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh, highlighted the financial, social, and environmental costs his country bears due to the crisis.
Calls for International Intervention and Justice
Aid organizations, rights groups, and Rohingya representatives continue to press for urgent international intervention to restore aid, protect vulnerable populations, and hold perpetrators accountable. Dawda Jallow, The Gambia’s minister of justice, hopes for a judgment from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its case accusing Myanmar of genocide. The international community faces increasing pressure to provide sustainable solutions and support for the Rohingya people.
| Speaker | Organization | Key Message |
|---|---|---|
| Maung Sawyeddollah | Rohingya Student Network | Demanding justice for the Rohingya and questioning inaction regarding the Arakan Army. |
| Wai Wai Nu | Women's Peace Network-Myanmar | Highlighting blocked humanitarian aid and calling for targeted sanctions and arms embargo. |
| Muhammad Yunus | Chief Adviser of Bangladesh | Stressing Bangladesh’s struggle and the need for repatriation as funding declines. |
