Hi everyone!
I hope everyone has had a great week so far. I wanted to share this extremely informative video that provides a comprehensive overview of the Rohingya crisis in its present state. Additionally, this video brings into focus questions and perspectives that are crucial to the overall dialogue.
This video contextualizes key questions related to the crisis itself as well as proposed solutions from the international community. For example, many Rohingya people have fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape religious persecution and what can effectively be called ethnic cleansing spurred by Buddhist-majority militants. The present conditions for the Rohingya population residing in Bangladesh include living conditions that can only be recognized as interment camps. Clearly, this is a short-term solution to a larger problem. However, many Rohingya still refuse to leave these camps despite the conditions, suggesting they are still preferable to the situation they expect they would face if they returned to Myanmar.
Moreover, this video speculates the explosive decision of former US ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson, to take an unexpected departure from the UN advisory panel on the Rohingya crisis, despite being one of the panel's most high profile guests. He claims that he couldn't standby while the body did little else than be "cheerleaders" for the government while his critics are accusing him of furthering a personal agenda. More broadly, many are now calling into question whether or not the problem-solving efforts of the international community have been more destructive than constructive since the majority of its members have been external guests invited to Myanmar to try and deal with the problem. It is undeniable that despite efforts put forth by these various external bodies, the original problems remain unchanged and the solutions more or less ineffective.
What are your criticisms/justifications of how international participants have dealt with the present situation? Is it harmful that external players have largely dominated the resolution efforts? What are the primary inhibitors of delaying Rohingya migration back to Myanmar? Is there an alternative that we're not seeing yet that needs to be considered as well?
I'd love to hear your thoughts as you interact with the material. Moreover, if you have additional research on this topic that you'd like to contribute, please submit both in the comments below. Thanks and I look forward to reading your comments!
Article link: http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2018/01/myanmar-whitewashing-rohingya-crisis-180126190014218.html
- Lucia
Hello fellow delegates and Honorable Chairs,
ReplyDeleteThe current state of displaced Rohingya populations from Myanmar throughout both the nation’s borders and into neighboring Bangladesh has created an international sense of urgency which demands immediate intervention. International participants like us, The People’s Republic of China, have become involved in the issue by dealing with it from a standpoint of humanitarian aid and political peace. Additionally, involved member states have continued to view this conflict as a battle of humanitarian support and a means to keep political relations intact so that Myanmar and Bangladesh are able to resolve these conflicts peacefully.
Understanding this notion, the Human Rights Watch released a report entitled, “Myanmar: Global Appeal for UN Action” specifically stating that the UN General Assembly and Security Council need to be doing more to solve this conflict. In response to this, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on November 16th calling for an end to Myanmar’s military campaign against the Rohingya. While the resolution was swift and a solid idea on paper, the two countries need external support from the international community in order to solve this issue properly. The delegation of China believes it is imperative to have international players in resolution efforts. In response to this resolution, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed a new resolution involving a cease fire, repatriation, and long term reintegration. China believes that external players must support the two nations to both have an equal voice in this conflict. Acknowledging these actions, the main inhibitor delaying Rohingya reintegration stems from the Higher Commission on Refugees being unable to give enough support and protection to the displaced populations. To help combat these issues, the United Nations must look toward uniting the two nations equally under a peace agreement rather than forcefully moving the Rohingya back into a nation where their own safety is currently at risk. In January 2018, China took action towards those peace talks in which Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised the president of Myanmar, Htin Kyaw, “As a friend of both Myanmar and Bangladesh, China is willing to keep playing a constructive role for the appropriate handling of the Rakhine State and neighboring Bangladesh issues.” By supporting individuals currently inhabiting the Rakhine State and Bangladesh, the issue can then be solved swiftly and peacefully.
Hello esteemed delegates and Honorable Chair,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this interesting article with the committee. The United States sees the current situation of the Rohingya community in Myanmar as a clear example of ethnic cleansing that the international community should not allow to continue. The devastation the Rohingya people have faced is unbearable, and even now, they are still suffering. Action must be taken immediately and effectively in order to address this crisis.
Humanitarian aid in the refugee camps has been a helpful and appropriate response from the international community, and the United States encourages the continuation of this. However, the United States would like to see this further developed to help Bangladesh manage public services, such as education, healthcare, and job opportunities, for the Rohingya refugees. Aid should be directed towards the integration of refugees into communities rather than the maintenance of camps which should be only a temporary settlement for these refugees.
An important aspect to consider is the role of the Myanmar government in this crisis. As the government is itself the perpetrator of these human rights violations, the rights of the Rohingya people cannot be guaranteed even if they return. In addition, many Rohingya may not wish to return to Myanmar and instead stay in Bangladesh. This all indicates that solutions calling for the quick repatriation of Rohingya refugees are not durable without addressing these many factors. Therefore, there must be more emphasis on granting the Rohingya people the same safety and citizenship rights that other ethnic minorities enjoy. This is only possible through diplomatic agreement, and the United States's proposed solution of creating an analysis body to provide suggestions to governments on how to improve religious tolerance would urge this agreement. However, if there is no agreement after a long period of time and the government does not seem willing to establish reforms, sanctions may be the only incentive to create this change. This would only occur if truly necessary -- as in if the government of Myanmar shows no incentive to stop its religious abuses. The United States would like to hear more discussion how to further develop this solution and emphasizes that this crisis must be solved with peaceful means.
Germany has become more determined to engage in providing increased aid for the refugees. As a member for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), an intergovernmental process for dialogue and collaboration between Asian and European countries that began in 1996, Germany believes that solutions need to become present for the reintegration of refugees back into their homes. Previously, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Alam stated that more pressure needs to be put on Myanmar for refugees to be safely returned and accepted in the country. Therefore, Germany encourages countries to participate in the upcoming ASEM summit to develop a long term solution and continue the provisions of emergency supplies.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, Germany proposes the creation of a safe environment in Myanmar through the cooperation of the international community through the ASEM summit. Germany believes that it is imperative to address the issue of the attacks on armies in Burma and police stations that cause an influx of refugees. Germany would like to address the issue of human rights violations that underlies this issue by the Burmese military. Political stability and human rights need to become present in Myanmar. Therefore, Germany calls upon first the action of Asian and European countries through the strengthening of partnership for peace and sustainability in Myanmar. The economic sector of the country also needs to be addressed. Increased plenary sessions should occur on sustainable development and peace andthe root issues of security and migration must be discussed. As previously mentioned in the meeting in the Rakhine State, Germany believes that views on improving the government of Myanmar needs to occur with the cooperation of Bangladesh along with access to aid employees throughout the region.
-Germany