Rohingya in Burma Face New Risks Seven Years After Genocidal Attacks
Rohingya experts reflect on mass atrocity risks to Rohingya in Burma.
Rohingya experts reflect on mass atrocity risks to Rohingya in Burma.
Rohingya civilians who have survived genocide and crimes against humanity seven years ago are again under attack.
In June 2023, the Museum’s Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide brought together Burmese civil society leaders to discuss the mass atrocities being committed against civilian populations by the Burmese military and what the United States can do to mitigate these threats and prevent future atrocities. The following is a summary of the key points made by the speakers.
Simon-Skjodt Center Director Naomi Kikoler speaks at our June 21, 2023 event, Living Under Threat: Civilians Across Burma.
We spoke with Ambassador Michèle Taylor, US Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council, about her family’s experience surviving the Holocaust and the impact that made on her human rights and atrocity prevention work.
One year ago, the United States made a historic determination: the atrocities committed against the Rohingya by the Burmese military constitute genocide and crimes against humanity. Now we must focus on protecting the Rohingya who have been displaced and those who remain in Burma.
The Rohingya remain at heightened risk of genocide and mass atrocities. Other vulnerable groups include ethnic and religious minorities in areas where armed groups are fighting the Tatmadaw. In particular, an increased military offensive in Chin State in northwestern Burma is raising red flags of potential mass atrocities.
On the fourth anniversary of the Burmese military’s genocidal attacks on the Rohingya population we urge the world not to forget the victims and survivors.
Rohingya survivors told us their stories. We let them know their messages are being heard around the world.
The elections themselves are unlikely to trigger mass atrocities, but they may solidify marginalization of the Rohingya, keeping them at risk of mass atrocities, including genocide.