Renewing the Call for Justice on
Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day
August 25, 2023 - On this sixth anniversary of the coordinated attacks in Rakhine State against Rohingya communities, we implore the international community to take concrete action to address the root causes of the Rohingya genocide and work alongside the Rohingya to find solutions to the decades long persecution that will lead to justice and peace and a foster a society and government in Burma (Myanmar) that is inclusive and representative of all of its people.
The failure thus far to adequately address the root causes of the Rohingya genocide have allowed the Burmese military to act with impunity. This lack of accountability has led to the persecution of suffering of communities across Burma and emboldened the military to illegally take power in a coup in February 2001.
Nearly one and a half years ago the U.S. made a determination that crimes committed by the Burmese military against the Rohingya amounted to genocide and crimes against humanity. But since that time, the U.S. has not revealed any strategy or policy that would help to resolve the plight of the Rohingya and bring about accountability, justice, reparations, or safety for the community.
We call on the U.S., working alongside the Rohingya to put forward a clear and comprehensive plan to advance efforts to hold those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity accountable and address the urgent needs of Rohingya both inside Burma and those who are seeking refuge elsewhere.
Until the Burmese military is held accountable, civilians throughout Burma, including other marginalized communities, will continue to suffer and the U.S. genocide determination risks being in name only.
We also know that authoritarians in other parts of the world take note of the impunity. From Sudan to Niger to Syria, bad actors are also committing gross violations of human rights. It is imperative for the U.S. to play a role in curbing these heinous actions. A comprehensive strategy to address the Rohingya genocide is a clear and necessary opportunity that the U.S. must act upon. The Rohingya cannot wait any longer and deserve peace and justice now.