Plight of Rohingyas

WHAT a tragic fate for the hundreds of thousands of Muslim ethnic Rohingyas from Myanmar living in anguish, either as registered or illegal refugees, in Bangladeshi villages bordering Myanmar. They are not included in the latest refugee deal between the Bangladesh and Myanmar governments. Quoting a Myanmar official, AFP reported last week that his country will take back some of its refugees from Bangladesh, but made it clear that the Rohingya Muslims are not among those to be repatriated.

Myanmar continues to deny that the Rohingya Muslims are its citizens, claiming that they are Bengalis who migrated around the time of the World War II when both countries were under British rule. Meanwhile, Bangladesh views them as economic migrants and has repeatedly called on Myanmar to take the refugees back.

Described by the UN as one of the most persecuted minorities on the globe, the Rohingyas have no legal rights to own land in Myanmar and are banned from marrying or travelling without permission.

Extremely difficult situation in Myanmar has forced hundreds of thousands to flee the country only to find new sufferings as refugees in camps in Bangladesh, Thailand and other countries, or drowned in the seas as boat people.

Unless the UN together with regional organisations, such as ASEAN, and other international community members move to address this issue, the stateless and hopeless Rohingyas will continue to live in agony. ASEAN, which recently entrusted its chair to Myanmar, should pressure the country not to discriminate against this ethnic group.

If President Thein Sein could strike peace deals with more than 30 ethnic armies to stabilise the politics and improve his regime's image, he could also offer similar concession to the Rohingyas.

The regime must stop racial or ethnic discrimination against the Rohingyas.