OIC breaks silence over plight of Rohingyas
In a statement, the OIC secretary general called for an immediate cessation of violence including torture, rape and summary executions in Myanmar
Expressing deep concerns over reports of serious human rights violations against innocent Rohingya Muslims since early October, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has asked the Myanmar government to ensure that the security services act in full compliance with the rule of law.
In a statement published Tuesday, the OIC secretary general, Dr Yousef A Al-Othaimeen, called for an immediate cessation of violence including torture, rape and summary executions.
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He also urged the authorities of Myanmar to allow humanitarian aid agencies access to the affected region to provide needed relief to the victims.
“The OIC expresses further its concern that the destruction of homes and mosques has forced tens of thousands to flee their villages and the subsequent blockade in the region has also left many in the area facing acute shortages of food, water and essentials,” the statement reads.
He further called upon the government to abide by its obligations under international law and human rights covenants and take concrete steps to prevent the further deterioration of the crisis in Rakhine state.
A Rohingya Muslim woman and her son cry after being caught by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) while illegally crossing at a border check point in Cox’s Bazar , Bangladesh, November 21, 2016 REUTERS
The Myanmar Army and other security forces have reportedly killed several hundred Rohingyas in Rakhine state since last month after Islamist militants allegedly linked to Aqa Mul Mujahidin group and RSO launched attacks on the border police resulting in the deaths of a dozen law enforcers on October 9.
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Since then, thousands of Rohingyas have fled their homes, some of whom entered Bangladesh through Cox’s Bazar but were pushed back.
The OIC statement comes at a time when the latest operations have drawn severe criticisms in Bangladesh and elsewhere.
The United Nation’s refugee agency UNHCR on November 18
urged the Myanmar authorities to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law and its international obligations.
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It asked Bangladesh to keep its border with Myanmar open for the Rohingyas. But the government has tightened its border security by deploying more personnel to prevent a further influx of Rohingyas.
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Wednesday expressed “tremendous concern” over the ongoing persecution of Rohingya Muslims. However, the Myanmar ambassador to Bangladesh, Myo Myint Than, who was summoned by the ministry, claimed that the reports of atrocities against the Rohingyas were fabricated.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Tuesday said that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard had been alerted to prevent the illegal entry of Rohingyas. “Rohingya migration is an uncomfortable issue for Bangladesh. Hopefully, no more illegal migration will happen now,” Kamal said.