The Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar has been in the global spotlight due to widespread human rights violations that have led to a humanitarian crisis. Rohingya is a group of Muslims living in the Buddhist-majority country of Myanmar, they face serious persecution such as mass rape, murder and forced displacement.
The crisis culminated in August 2017 when attacks by Rohingya armed groups on government security posts triggered a backlash from the Myanmar military. More than half a million Rohingya fled to Bangladesh to save themselves from the violence and they now live in overcrowded refugee camps.
The international community has condemned Myanmar's actions as ethnic cleansing and genocide. However, the world's response to this crisis is far from enough as there are still many things that are needed such as humanitarian aid in the refugee camps and diplomatic pressure is still needed to ensure protection and safe return for the Rohingya.
Humanitarian organizations are expected to work hard to provide medical assistance, education, as well as psychosocial protection to Rohingya refugees but the International community also faces significant resource constraints.
It is important that the world continues to pay attention to this crisis and hold the Myanmar government accountable. Global awareness and humanitarian support can be the force that drives positive change for the Rohingya who continue to suffer. The Rohingya crisis is a call for global attention, demanding concerted action to address the urgent needs of this long-suffering community.
