THE Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) urges the government to take action to avert the humanitarian crisis faced by the Rohingya, as detailed in the United Nations’ Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar.
The report confirms human rights violations inflicted on the Rohingya in Rakhine State. It implicates the Myanmar armed forces for ethnic cleansing.
What makes it more saddening is that the report records torture and sexual abuse of Rohingya women, which transgresses human dignity and decency.
These cruel acts occurred along with murder, kidnapping and the expulsion of the Rohingya from their villages.
Abim feels that Malaysia’s commitment to uphold human rights can be increased by urging the international community, especially Asean, to impose diplomatic pressure on Myanmar, so that those responsible are brought to justice and ruthless acts are stopped.
The government ought to support efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
Concern for the oppression of the Rohingya transcends geo-political boundaries.
Although Myanmar’s membership in Asean has been accepted, it does not mean that the regional body should turn a blind eye to the tragedy that is happening in its neighbourhood.
It is must be pointed out that the reason for Asean’s existence is the pursuit of regional peace and prosperity.
Abim hopes the government can apply diplomatic pressure to compel Myanmar to return the rights of the Rohingya, paving the way for conflict resolution and peace.
MOHAMAD RAIMI AB RAHIM
President, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim)