Why in News?
On 25th August 2025, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh marked the 8th anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar’s Rakhine State (2017 crackdown).They termed it “Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day”, demanding safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.
Description:
Who are the Rohingya?
- An ethnic Muslim minority primarily in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
- Described by the United Nations as the “most persecuted minority in the world.”
- 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law excluded them from official ethnic groups, rendering them stateless.
Timeline of Key Events:
- 1948 onwards – Persecution by Myanmar’s military began soon after independence.
- 1982 – Citizenship Law denied them nationality.
- Oct 2016 – Military crackdown after attacks on border police; ~87,000 fled to Bangladesh.
- 25 Aug 2017 – After ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) attacked military posts, the Myanmar Army retaliated with killings and village burnings.
- ~700,000+ fled to Bangladesh, joining earlier waves.
- The UN termed it a “textbook case of ethnic cleansing.”
- 2018 – Reuters journalists jailed for reporting Rohingya massacre (later pardoned).
- 2019 –
- The US imposed sanctions on Myanmar generals.
- The Gambia filed case at ICJ accusing Myanmar of genocide.
- Jan 2020 – ICJ ordered Myanmar to curb genocide acts and report compliance.
- Feb 2021 – Military coup in Myanmar, further crackdown on dissent.
- Mar 2022 – US officially declared the 2017 violence as genocide.
- 2022–25 – Rohingya continue to live in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (~1 million refugees).
Current Status (2025):
- Bangladesh hosts nearly 1 million Rohingya in camps (Kutupalong being the largest).
- Calls for safe, voluntary, dignified repatriation with equal rights in Myanmar.
- Ongoing violence and instability in Myanmar hinder repatriation.
- The international community is divided on pressure vs. engagement with the Myanmar military regime.
International Legal/Institutional Dimensions:
- UNHCR: Provides aid and protection.
- ICJ (The Hague): Hearing case on Myanmar’s genocide allegations.
- ICC: Approved investigation into crimes against humanity.
- ASEAN: Limited role due to non-interference policy.
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