The Rohingya crisis, a protracted humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to flee their homes in search of safety and refuge in neighboring countries. Among them is Arfaat Mohammed Emran, a Rohingya refugee who escaped the violence in Maungdaw, a town in Rakhine State, and found temporary sanctuary in Malaysia nearly a decade ago. Now a teacher at a UNHCR-funded community school in Langkawi, Arfaat expresses gratitude for Malaysia’s hospitality despite not being a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. However, the temporary nature of his refuge coupled with the escalating turmoil in his homeland casts a long shadow of uncertainty over his future and the future of his family. His hope rests on the international community, particularly with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, to shed light on the Rohingya plight and facilitate a path towards a peaceful resolution.
The Rohingya crisis is characterized by systemic discrimination, persecution, and violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority by the Myanmar military and Buddhist nationalist groups. This persecution has intensified over the years, culminating in a brutal crackdown in 2017 that forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee across the border into Bangladesh, creating the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. The Rohingya who remain in Myanmar face severe restrictions on their movement, access to healthcare, education, and other basic human rights. They are effectively stateless, denied citizenship and subjected to discriminatory laws and policies that reinforce their marginalization and vulnerability. The military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 has further exacerbated the crisis, plunging the country into political instability and intensifying the violence against ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya.
Arfaat’s story exemplifies the precarious existence of Rohingya refugees in host countries. While grateful for the temporary refuge provided by Malaysia, the absence of permanent resettlement options and the ongoing crisis back home leave him and his family in a state of limbo. The lack of legal recognition as refugees limits their access to essential services and opportunities, making them vulnerable to exploitation and further displacement. The fear of repatriation to a country where they face persecution and violence remains a constant source of anxiety. The Rohingya community in Malaysia lives with the constant threat of detention and deportation, highlighting the urgent need for durable solutions that address their long-term needs and aspirations.
The political landscape in Myanmar, further complicated by the military coup, adds another layer of complexity to the Rohingya crisis. The coup has reversed the limited democratic progress made in recent years and has resulted in a widespread crackdown on dissent, including peaceful protests and civil society organizations. The military junta has tightened its grip on power, fueling ethnic tensions and escalating violence against minority groups. The Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine armed group, has also been implicated in human rights abuses against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State. This complex interplay of political and ethnic conflicts poses a significant challenge to finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University expert Thitinan Pongsudhirak aptly describes the situation as a “crisis within a crisis.” The coup and ensuing civil war in Myanmar demand immediate attention and resolution, while the Rohingya crisis continues to fester within this larger context. ASEAN, the regional intergovernmental organization, faces the daunting task of addressing both crises simultaneously, requiring a nuanced and comprehensive approach. Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023 presents a crucial opportunity to prioritize the Rohingya issue and galvanize regional efforts towards a peaceful and durable solution.
The international community has a responsibility to support ASEAN’s efforts in addressing the Rohingya crisis. This includes providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and internally displaced persons, pressuring the Myanmar junta to respect human rights and end the persecution of the Rohingya, and exploring durable solutions such as resettlement in third countries and voluntary repatriation with guarantees of safety and dignity. The Rohingya crisis is a complex and protracted humanitarian tragedy that requires a sustained and coordinated international response to ensure the safety, dignity, and future of the Rohingya people. The international community must not allow the Rohingya crisis to be overshadowed by other regional challenges but must remain committed to finding a just and lasting solution. The lives and futures of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya depend on it.
