Burma’s treatment of the ethnic Rohingya of Burma violates at least eight international laws, treaty obligations and international human rights guidelines.
The findings come in a new briefing paper published today by Burma Campaign UK: ‘Burma’s Treatment of the Rohingya and International Law.’
The briefing is available here.
The briefing paper examines Burma’s treatment of the Rohingya in the context of international law, treaty obligations and international guidelines and norms. It examines two areas, the general treatment of the Rohingya before the violence which erupted in June 2012, and the response of the government of Burma during and after the violence began.
Key findings include:
Burma’s 1982 Citizenship Law violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Convention on the Rights of the Child, and international norms prohibiting discrimination of racial and religious minorities.
Burma’s treatment of the Rohingya violates UN definitions of the rule of law.
The investigation committee set up by the government of Burma violates international human rights guidelines.
Burma and the international community are failing in their responsibility to protect.
“World leaders need to take off their rose-tinted glasses and start making policy based on international law and promoting human rights,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “Burma’s treatment of the Rohingya violates international law. The international community must hold President Thein Sein accountable for the policies and actions of his government. The British government should base its policy on what is happening in the whole of Burma, not just what happens in Rangoon and Nay Pyi Daw.”
The findings of multiple violations of international standards have additional significance as Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, has reportedly stated: “A country must decide its citizenship for itself, but in doing so it should meet international standards.”