Canada must help find a safe zone for Rohingya in Myanmar

HAMILTON THE SPECTATOR

By Washim Ahmed
Wed., March 10, 2021

Myanmar is once again attracting international attention after its military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government declaring a state of emergency for a period of one year. All G7 members condemned the coup and Canada has introduced sanctions against nine additional Myanmar military officials under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations passed in 2007, bringing the total count to 54.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been struggling for democracy since its independence from Britain in 1958. Of its 63 years history, Myanmar was under complete military dictatorship for approximately 57 years.

Myanmar had its second democratic election in 2015 after several years of political, economic and administrative reforms. The election resulted in a victory for Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, ascending her to the highest political position, state counsellor, akin to the prime minister.

Myanmar is home to the world’s most persecuted minority, the Rohingyas. For decades, Rohingyas have been facing ethnic cleansing and denial of fundamental human rights.

Sadly, democratic Myanmar proved to be no better for the Rohingya. Despite the Rohingya’s role in the 8888 uprising for democracy which paved the way for Suu Kyi’s Nobel peace prize, the Rohingyas were persecuted by her government.

Suu Kyi and Myanmar’s military “clearance operation” against the Rohingya has resulted in thousands upon thousands of Rohingya killed and raped, infants physically crushed, and a million displaced. Over a million Rohingya have since fled across the world, most seeking refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Canada has led the international community calling out the atrocities against the Rohingya and for the protection of their human rights. In 2018 the House of Commons passed a motion to recognize the crimes against the Rohingya as genocide and called for the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court.

Once seen as an international symbol of peaceful resistance, Suu Kyi is now accused of complicity in the genocide of the Rohingya.

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