By Mohammed Zonaid
In a joint press statement released on January 7, the European Union, alongside the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom, expressed profound concern over the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, with particular emphasis on the ongoing crisis in Rakhine State affecting the Rohingya population and other communities.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh carry the bodies of children who drowned on August 18 while their families attempted to cross the Naf River, fleeing the lack of protection in Rakhine State. (Photo credit: Mohammed Zonaid)
The statement highlighted the Myanmar military's continued violence and repression, including credible reports of severe human rights violations against ethnic and religious minorities, including the Rohingya. Reports detailed abuses such as abduction, forced recruitment of children, indiscriminate aerial bombardments, sexual and gender-based violence, destruction of homes, and attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities.
Focus on Rakhine and the Rohingya
The intensification of conflict in Rakhine State has exacerbated the suffering of all communities, including the Rohingya. The military's documented violations of international law, combined with its historical stoking of intercommunal tensions, were cited as significant contributors to the current humanitarian crisis. The Rohingya community, which has faced decades of systemic discrimination, continues to bear the brunt of this violence.
The statement underscored the lack of safe areas for civilians to escape conflict and the military regime's denial of humanitarian access, which has worsened conditions for displaced populations. The plight of the Rohingya, both within Rakhine and in refugee camps in neighboring countries, remains a pressing global concern.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
According to the statement, more than 3.5 million people have been displaced across Myanmar due to escalating violence. The crisis has pushed over 15 million people into acute food insecurity, while outbreaks of diseases like cholera have surged due to restricted medical assistance. Rakhine State, home to many Rohingya, is among the most severely affected regions, with limited access to life-saving aid and basic services.
Call for Action
The joint statement urged the Myanmar military regime and all armed groups to de-escalate violence, respect international humanitarian and human rights laws, and provide full and safe access for humanitarian aid to all affected populations, including the Rohingya. It emphasized the need to address the root causes of the Rohingya crisis, including systemic discrimination and lack of citizenship, as part of any political solution.
The international leaders reiterated their support for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2669 (2022), which called for an immediate end to violence and the release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners. They also stressed the importance of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus and the role of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Towards a Peaceful Solution
The joint statement reaffirmed global calls for inclusive dialogue to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar. It underscored the importance of addressing the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya as a critical element of any sustainable solution.
As the international community voices growing concern over Myanmar’s worsening crisis, the focus remains on ensuring justice, accountability, and a peaceful resolution for the Rohingya and all affected communities in Rakhine and beyond.