In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post, the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, called out Myanmar for their systematic and brutal violence against the Rohingyas who have since sought refuge in Bangladesh.
The article said the Rohingya have suffered a pattern of persecution – with the removal of their most basic human rights, starting with citizenship – at the hands of their own country, Myanmar.
He further said the experiences of the Rohingyas, "rightfully called victims of ethnic cleansing," defies comprehension.
Guterres also talked about his "bone-chilling accounts" from the Rohingyas he met during his visit to the Rohingya camps recently, and their tales of the butchering of small children, rape of girls and women, and of villages burned to the ground.
In the article, he mentions that systematic human rights abuses by Myanmar security forces, in past years, were designed to instill terror, so the Rohingya were left with two choices: either to stay in Rakhine in fear of death, or to leave everything, simply to survive.
He placed heavy praise on Bangladesh for the approach it took to shelter the refugees, despite it being a developing country with limited resources.
A global crisis
The UN chief said, despite Bangladesh's outlook, the response to the crisis is a global one.
Guterres' article further mentions the "Global Compact on Refugees"- currently being finalized by member states of the United Nations- which will ensure Bangladesh is not alone in responding to the crisis.
He said, even though the UN and other humanitarian agencies are working flat-out alongside the refugees and the host community, far more resources are needed to avert disaster.
His article mentions how the international humanitarian appeal for almost $1 billion is funded at only 26%, which means the basic needs of the refugees – such as healthcare and education – cannot be fulfilled.
Talking about the makeshift shanties the refugees built, Guterres said they remain threatened by mudslides, and urgent action is needed to find alternative sites.
The article mentions Guterres' travel to Bangladesh with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, and Kim's leadership in mobilizing the bank's $480 million in grant-based-support for Rohingya refugees and their hosts.
But he reminded that far more is required from the international community.
'Expressions of solidarity not enough'
According to the UN chief, expressions of solidarity are not enough, as the Rohingya need genuine assistance.
He said the Rohingya crisis would not be solved overnight, but it is not a situation that can be allowed to continue indefinitely.
Guterres mentioned the endurance of the Rohingya, who, despite everything they went through, did not give up hope of a safe return to their homeland.
The UN chief emphasized Myanmar's role in creating favorable conditions for the return of the refugees with full rights, and the promise of living in safety, and with dignity.
But he pointed out it would require massive investment, as it is not only a matter of reconstruction and development for the communities in one of Myanmar’s poorest regions, but also that of reconciliation and respect for human rights.
Unless the root causes of the violence in Rakhine are addressed comprehensively, misery and hatred will continue to fuel conflict, Guterres' said. He emphasized that the Rohingya people cannot become forgotten victims, and that everyone must answer their appeals for help with action.
