Rohingya Muslims Face Escalating Violence in Myanmar
Amnesty International has issued a grave warning regarding the plight of Rohingya Muslims, who are currently facing their worst crisis since the military-led crackdown in 2017. Newly arrived refugees in Bangladesh are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical care, having fled intense violence in northwestern Myanmar. The organization has called on Bangladesh to avoid repatriating these individuals back to Myanmar, where indiscriminate military airstrikes are reportedly killing civilians.
Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
Testimonies gathered by Amnesty reveal that Rohingya families are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, an armed group opposing the junta. This ongoing conflict has led to hundreds of thousands being internally displaced, with tens of thousands seeking refuge across the border in Bangladesh. Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the tragic repetition of history, stating, “The Rohingya people are once again being driven from their homes and dying.” Many refugees have recounted harrowing tales of loss, including family members killed during their escape.
Intensifying Clashes and Human Rights Violations
The latest escalation of violence began in November 2023, with an offensive by the Arakan Army and other armed groups challenging military control. In response, the Myanmar military has intensified airstrikes, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Currently, over 600,000 Rohingya Muslims remain in Rakhine State, where cities have transformed into battlegrounds. Amnesty International highlights the urgent need for international intervention to protect these vulnerable communities and provide necessary aid.
