Throw light on Rohingya refugee in South Asia.

Q9. Throw light on Rohingya refugee in South Asia. (8m)

The Rohingya refugee crisis is a significant humanitarian issue in South Asia, primarily affecting Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and its neighbouring countries.

Background:

The Rohingya are an ethnic Muslim minority group residing in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. They have faced long-standing discrimination and persecution in Myanmar, which has intensified over the years.

Causes of the Crisis:

Discrimination and Statelessness: Conflict between the Rohingya and the Buddhist majority in Rakhine State and Rohingya have been denied citizenship in Myanmar since the country’s independence in 1948.
Military Crackdowns: Several military crackdowns by the Myanmar military have resulted in mass displacement, killings, and human rights abuses.

Escalation of the Crisis:

The crisis escalated significantly in 2017 when the Myanmar military launched a brutal crackdown in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents.

International Response:

The Rohingya crisis has garnered global attention and condemnation. Many countries, international organisations, and human rights groups have called for an end to the violence and the protection of Rohingya rights.

Challenges:

Repatriation: The safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar has been challenging due to continued insecurity and the lack of guarantees for their safety and rights. Overcrowded refugee camps have posed significant health and safety risks.

Long-Term Solutions:

A long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis requires addressing the root causes, including discrimination, statelessness, and ethnic conflict in Myanmar.

The Rohingya refugee crisis remains a deeply complex and ongoing issue in South Asia, highlighting the need for international cooperation and concerted efforts to protect the rights and well-being of the Rohingya population and to seek a sustainable solution to their plight.

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