Rohingya Trafficking Requires Global Solution

Rohingya Trafficking Requires Global Solution

19 December 2023

The large influx of Rohingya refugees in recent days has caused the international community, and Indonesia in particular, to scramble to find a solution to a problem that has become a predictable yearly occurrence. The most recent estimates say 1200 Rohingya have arrived in Indonesia since the start of November, and more are likely expected. The annual migration occurs when the monsoon season ends in Bangladesh, usually in late October, and continues for a few months. The journey for most typically takes two to three weeks on rickety boats, with serious risk of capsizing, drowning, and dehydration. On top of the risks of the voyage are the dangers presented by traffickers themselves, who are often violent, and women and girls are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The international community understands the pattern of migration, the routes, and the root causes. Now, they must finally take decisive action.

"The world has no excuse for neglecting a humanitarian crisis that repeats itself every year. While Indonesia should respond with compassion towards those who are fleeing from Bangladesh and Burma, the international community cannot expect them to handle the crisis alone. It is imperative that arrangements be made for refugees, and their dignity and rights must be preserved. Addressing and rectifying the root causes of migration is crucial. The international community has the power to solve this issue, but the will to do so is lacking," said Kyaw Win, the Executive Director of BHRN.

Rohingya who flee with traffickers come from Bangladesh and Burma and typically intend to arrive in Indonesia or Malaysia, where they hope to be able to work or get married. However, the surge of gang violence and police crackdowns in the Bangladesh refugee camps and the civil war in Burma have become significant motivating factors.

BHRN calls on Indonesia to welcome these refugees and ensure their safety. The international community must fully support these efforts and assist in patrol and rescue for boats that may be stranded at sea. Bangladesh must improve the living conditions in the camps to stop the flow of refugees attempting to flee the country. Gang violence must be addressed, but police cannot continue to harass, extort, and abuse the civilian population. Where needed, other nations should assist in training security personnel to effectively dislodge militant and criminal gangs from the camps while protecting civilians. Finally, a proper solution must be formed for the refugee crisis and the genocidal treatment of the Rohingya in Burma. As the Burmese junta suffers significant defeats, the window is finally opening for a potential repatriation of the Rohingya that would grant them full citizenship, rights, and safety. The National Unity Government and Arakan Army, the Ethnic Armed Organization, must respect the rights of Rohingya people to return to their original homes before the repatriation. With the potential for a new era in Burma possible, it must begin with a foundation in human rights, equality, and peace.

Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)

Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) is based in London, operates across Burma/Myanmar and works for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in Burma. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries

Please contact:

Kyaw Win, Executive Director

Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)

E: kyawwin@bhrn.org.uk

T: +44(0) 740 345 2378