US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a statement on the five-point plan to seek refuge in Bangladesh after the Rohingyas were persecuted in Myanmar. “We are working to significantly increase the resettlement of Rohingya refugees in the region, including Bangladesh, so they can rebuild their lives in the United States,” he said in the statement.
Blinken said in the statement that Burma’s military launched a brutal campaign against the Rohingya five years ago. They destroyed their villages, committed rape, torture and large-scale violence. Thousands of Rohingya men, women and children were massacred in the incident. Also, more than 740,000 Rohingyas were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in Bangladesh.
In March of this year, I gave a speech at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and argued that the Burmese army’s atrocities against the Rohingya constituted crimes against humanity and genocide.
Referring to Myanmar’s military regime, Blinken said since the military coup in February 2021, the same military has continued to suppress, torture and kill the Burmese people in a ruthless attempt to extinguish Burma’s democratic future. The regime’s recent executions of pro-democracy and opposition leaders are just the latest example of the military’s blatant disregard for the lives of the Burmese people. Its escalation of violence has exacerbated the worsening humanitarian situation. Especially for ethnic and religious minorities, including the Rohingya, who remain among the country’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Regarding human rights, he said, the United States stands in solidarity with the victims and survivors of Myanmar. Also remains committed to advancing justice and accountability for the Rohingya and all peoples of Burma. We continue to support the independent investigation process for Myanmar.
The case brought by The Gambia against Burma at the International Court of Justice under the Genocide Convention and other credible courts around the world have involved atrocities committed by the Burmese military. The United States supports UN Security Council actions to promote justice and accountability for military actions consistent with its mandate to promote international peace and security.
He also mentioned in the statement that more than $1.7 billion has been provided to help those affected by the crisis in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the region.
He added that the United States will continue to support the Rohingya and the Burmese people in their quest for freedom and inclusive democracy by promoting justice and accountability, increasing economic and diplomatic pressure, and protecting the human rights and human dignity of all people in Burma.
(25 Aug)