Urgent International Action Needed to Address Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Rakhine State

 Media Release from Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK

London, August 20, 2024—The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) calls for immediate international intervention in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State. The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military junta has resulted in devastating attacks on Rohingya civilians, exacerbating an already dire situation. Immediate action is needed to prevent further atrocities and provide life-saving aid to affected communities.

The humanitarian situation in northern Rakhine State has reached catastrophic levels, particularly for the Rohingya people. On August 5, 2024, up to 200 Rohingya men, women, and children fleeing violence in Maungdaw were killed in a brutal attack as they tried to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh. This massacre is the latest in a series of violent incidents, including a deadly assault in Buthidaung on May 17, where the entire town was nearly decimated Eyewitnesses clearly stated that the Arakan Army was responsible for these brutal assaults.

“The Rohingya in Rakhine State are in imminent danger, and the international community cannot afford to turn a blind eye,” said Tun Khin, President of BROUK. “These are not isolated incidents—they are part of a systematic campaign of violence and terror that must be stopped. We need immediate international action to protect civilians and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.”

Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine State are subjected to strict movement restrictions, internet blackouts, and severely limited access to humanitarian assistance. The International Court of Justice has already recognized the risk of genocide against the Rohingya, and the recent escalation in violence underscores the urgent need for protective measures.

BROUK calls on the United Nations, international humanitarian organizations, and governments worldwide to urgently intervene in Rakhine State. The immediate priorities must include:

• Ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected areas, including Maungdaw and Buthidaung, to provide life-saving aid, including food, medicine, and shelter.
• Facilitating safe passage for Rohingya and other civilians to reach designated areas of protection.
• Supporting the establishment of a humanitarian corridor from Bangladesh to northern Rakhine State to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies and services.
• Enabling an independent international investigative team to enter Rakhine State to investigate the widespread and systematic violations against the Rohingya and other civilians, and to ensure robust monitoring of ongoing human rights abuses and potential war crimes.
• Pressuring all parties to the conflict to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and to cease all hostilities against civilians.

"The situation in Rakhine State is a humanitarian catastrophe demanding immediate and sustained international intervention. 'The Rohingya cannot endure another tragedy while the world remains silent,' said Tun Khin. 'This is a test of our collective humanity. We must act now to stop this crisis and ensure justice for the Rohingya people. We are calling on governments, the United Nations, and international human rights organizations to act before more innocent lives are lost.'"

For more information contact Tun Khin, President of BROUK at +44 788 871 4866.