THE Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation in Malaysia (Merhrom) appeals to the Malaysian government to stop the deportation of Myanmar asylum seekers as their lives will be in danger.
Asean countries must find a solution for the people of Myanmar who seek protection in Asean countries to save their lives. The current situation in Myanmar is still very bad, with ongoing killings, rape, torture, and arrests by the junta. The Rohingya genocide is ongoing in Arakan State.
We reiterate that refugees are not a threat to any country. We were forced to flee war, genocide and persecution back home and seek refuge in the countries we believe can protect our faith and lives, while the international community intervenes to end war and genocide in our homeland. Having a clear and comprehensive refugee policy and management will definitely benefit both refugees and the host country and its people.
Why can’t the United Nations and the superpower countries stop war, genocide and conflict around the world? The problem is that the superpowers do not want to resolve these issues because of their own interest.
We are very frustrated to see the UN fail to stop the genocide against minority Rohingya in Myanmar. We are hoping the superpower countries will use their influence to increase action against the Myanmar military to stop the genocide against stateless Rohingya, but our lives do not matter to them.
While the UN and world leaders highlight other refugee issues around the world, the plight of the Rohingya is always left behind. We are the forgotten ones, even though the UN itself has categorised the Rohingya as the most persecuted ethnic group in the world.
We only ask for one thing from the UN, the superpower countries, the European Union, Asean, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and other international communities at large: please stop the genocide of the Rohingya.
Seeking asylum is a human right. Anyone fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses has a right to seek protection in another country. Countries shouldn’t push anyone back to a country if their life or freedom is at risk.
All applications for refugee status must be given fair consideration, regardless of race, religion, gender or country of origin.
People forced to flee should be treated with respect and dignity. This means keeping families together, protecting people from traffickers, and avoiding arbitrary detention.
Across the world, people are forced to flee their homes and become refugees. Many countries have hostile policies that make it impossible for this vulnerable group of people to start a new life in safety.
Everyone everywhere can help. We have to raise our voices and show governments to put humanity and compassion first. Education is key. Take this challenge to learn what it is to be a refugee and how you can help.
There is no political will to stop the killing and human rights abuses towards minority Rohingya, and this includes the people of Myanmar.
The UN and the superpower countries must work towards reducing war and conflict around the world, rather than looking for more budgets to cope with the increased numbers of refugees. – The Vibes, October 24, 2022
Merhrom is the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation in Malaysia. This is the opinion of its president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani
