UN has spoken unequivocally on Rohingyas

The United Nation's message is loud and clear. It has denounced Myanmar's "brutal security operation" against Rohingyas as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" in what is its strongest ever condemnation of Myanmar. The UN high commissioner for human rights also said that the "security" operation being conducted by the government is disproportionate to the insurgent attacks carried out last month and there is no scope for Myanmar to continue to dilute the magnitude of the oppression.

Geopolitical interests notwithstanding, international relations cannot be bereft of principles. The present world order, however imperfect, is based on certain fundamental principles and norms, one of which is human rights. What would happen to the world order if minority communities all the world over were deprived of that?

Despite widespread reports of persecution and the onrushes of Rohingyas into Bangladesh in the past, we are yet to see any substantial action taken by the international community to address the gross human rights violations against the Rohingyas. Latest developments, however, should. We request earnestly our friends India and China to recalibrate their stance on the Rohingyas and use their leverage on that country to stop the persecution.

Rohingyas have already suffered enough for a very long time. Bangladesh has had to deal with the influx of Rohingya refugees and bear the many associated costs time and again and has done so again, this time around.

Our appeal to the world is quite simple: justice for a persecuted people. Myanmar is a country composed of various minority groups, and if other minority groups could be granted their basic human rights, why not the Rohingyas? The UN has spoken and now our neighbours, especially our friends, also should.