CONCLUSION
The human rights deprivations endured by Rohingya
over multiple decades, in Myanmar as well as elsewhere,
including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, India and in
the Middle East, have been well documented. These
deprivations are all rooted in persecution and genocide
in Myanmar. However, Rohingya are forced to continue
to live precariously in the countries where they have
sought refuge, or otherwise risk their lives on dangerous
journeys across land and sea borders. Rohingya are
still, over decades and multiple generations, existing in
protracted situations of displacement, unable to access
their rights and unable to live secure and dignified
lives as citizens or refugees. The inability to build and
take charge of their own futures, has had a profoundly
damaging impact both on individuals and the Rohingya
as an ethnic community. Despite decades of human
rights documentation, there have been few material
improvements. Additionally, Rohingya efforts to play
a central role in the policy approaches which ultimately
impact them, have not always been prioritised by
decision-makers and international organisations. The
COVID-19 pandemic is the current tragedy faced by the
Rohingya community. State responses in many previous
and ongoing situations have further disadvantaged
Rohingya and impacted human rights in ways that are
all too familiar – death on the high seas; arbitrary arrest;
prolonged detention; exploitation and trafficking; access
to food, livelihood and health insecurities. The causes
of the disadvantages remain a constant - discrimination,
persecution, statelessness, lack of legal status and lack of
legal protection.
Consequently, it is not surprising that the analysis within
this paper and the recommendations made, evoke
previous statements and recommendations on numerous
issues over decades, by Rohingya activists as well as
human rights organisations. This pattern of research,
analysis and recommendations, followed by indifference
and inaction is likely to continue for as long as those in
positions of power, fail to actively listen, include, and
be accountable to the Rohingya community for inaction
and policy failures. Rohingya activists and community
representatives are the most vital source of information
and analysis on the human rights violations endured
by Rohingya populations. They also offer the most
important perspective on how these violations should
be addressed and mitigated. The challenge posed to
states, UN agencies and NGOs by this report and other
initiatives by Rohingya groups, is to listen, reflect, act and
be accountable.
16
CONTRIBUTORS
ABDUL HAMID
ALI JINNAH HUSEIN
ALI JOHAR
AMAL DE CHICKERA
ANAYATULLAH
GEORGIA FIELD
HAFSAR TAMEESUDDIN
JAIVET EALOM
KHIN MAUNG
KYAW HLA
LUKE MILLAR
MARIT VAN SEUMEREN
MOHAMMAD SHAFIQUL
MOHAMMED NOMAN
MUHAMMED ASIF
NATALIE BRINHAM
NAY SAN LWIN
NURUL HOQUE
RAZIA SULTANA
RIDWAANA JARMAL
RIYAN KHYYAT
SABBER KYAW MIN
SABRINA CHOWDHURY MONA
SANYUWARA AYE NU
SHARIFAH SHAKIRA
SIRAZAL ISLAM
SUJAUDDIN KARIMUDDIN
TASMIDA JOHAR
TUN KHIN
YASMIN ULLAH