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1993: BA(SA) ACTION ON ROHINGYA
/* Written July 26 6:00am 1995 by DRUNOO@xxxxxxxxxxxx in igc:reg.burma */
/* -------------" 1993: BA(SA) ACTION ON ROHINGYA "--------------- */
[Added note: in 1993, Burma Support Group(SA) decided to change its name to
Burma Action(SA)]
BURMA ACTION(SOUTH AUSTRALIA)
1ST FLOOR 39 WAKEFIELD ST. ADELAIDE, SA5001.
Tuesday 9 February 1993 Tel:(08) 210 8172
TO:
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
The Burma Action(SA) wishes to thank those whose joined in calling for the
UN General Assembly to address the Human Rights abuses of the Military
Government of Burma. Worldwide attention on human rights abuses in Burma
has led the UN to call the harshest ever resolution on Burma [1].
SLORC has shown signs of restraint in committing further abuses on its own
population: start accepting Rohingya refugees on Bangladesh-Burma border;
the offensive on Karen minorities, held annually in the dry season(Dec-May),
postponed to date. SLORC is portraying it is serious about the
constitution and transfer of power and claims to be creating peaceful
environment for the National Convention on January-9. The international
community is doubtful of this claim. It appears that the strong condemnation
by the UN General Assembly and, perhaps, the desertion of various oil-
companies after their disappointing results are attributed to this.
Burma's conflict was addressed by some as the military oppression on its
own civilian population while the others as the Burmans repression on the
minorities. Whatever the reasons, it is necessary to bring an end to the
human tragedy and help the Burmese peoples strive for freedom and social
justice. The Burma Action (SA) again urges the international community to
keep constant attention on the conflict in Burma and maintain pressure on
SLORC. We call your attention to the conflict between SLORC and the
Rohingyas. The following are a summary of events since the conflict began
in January-1992.
Introduction
------------
In early 1992, the refugees from the Arakan state of west Burma, which is
also known as the Burma-Rohingyas, crossed the Naaf river and enter into
Bangladeshi territory. Rohingyas report of torture, killing and rapes.
Persecution over the Rohingyas are not isolated incidents, but are
consistent with the same pattern of atrocities on the unarmed civilian
population throughout the country. These human rights abuses have been well
documented by Amnesty International and other Human Rights groups.
The pattern of repression on Rohingyas
--------------------------------------
Amnesty International conducted over 100 interviews in Bangladesh and has
documented details in its May 1992 publication [2]. The forms of Human
Rights abuses consists of:
Forced Labour by Armed forces for porters and road constructions: Men (and
often\- women) are forcibly conscripted from villages for porter duty.
During porter duty, the villagers are given little or no food. Those who
become weak and cannot carry out their duties are beaten and sometimes
killed [3];
Rape by soldiers: This often occurs during porter duty for women or at the
time of conscription for porter duty. When men are unavailable for
conscription women from villages are held hostage in return for men and are
raped [4];
Arbitrary detention and torture: Most commonly committed by Military
Intelligence Service(MIS) and {\it Lonhteins} for suspected connection with
opposition groups [5];
Extrajudicial executions: Persons accused of association with rebels are
executed on sight, with no trial or explanation given [6];
There are also reports of looting and confiscation of properties by the
security forces.
Relief operation for Rohingyas
------------------------------
Despite recent changes in its conduct with Rohingyas, it is evident that
authorities in Bangladesh have carried out the best available relief effort.
>From October 1991 to February 1992, when there was just a trickle of
refugees, the relief operation was carried out internally. International
assistance was called for when the new waves of refugees arrived in
February 1992. A number of NGOs have been involved in the relief effort to
date [7].
Pressure on Bangladesh Govt. to repatriate Refugees
---------------------------------------------------
Bangladesh is very limited in its resources. The presence of refugees means
the deprivation of jobs, firewood and hunting and fishing for the locals.
In mid 1992, the people from Cox's Bazaar area set up the Rohingya
Repatriation Action Committee [8], forcing the government to repatriate
refugees. There are also reports of blocking roads so that the Rohingyas
are deprived of assistance from NGOs.
In addition to such a strong pressure from the local community, the
Government of Bangladesh seems concerned with a possible outbreak of armed
conflict between the Rohingyas and the Burma Military[9]. There are reports
that the Rohingyas are enjoying increasing sympathy from the oil rich
Middle Eastern countries and are said to be receiving financial support.
There is a prospect of long term instability if the crisis is not resolved.
Initiatives from Burmese Govt. for a voluntary return
-----------------------------------------------------
The Rohingyas claim they are the descendents of Arab and Persian traders
who settled in the Arakan state of west Burma a few centuries ago. On the
other hand SLORC refuses to recognize the status of Rohingyas, and charged
them as illegal aliens mingled between Burma and Bangladesh[10].
On April 1992, the Bangladeshi and Burmese Government signed an agreement
for Rohingyas repatriation. However SLORC insisted that only those who have
a National Registration Card (NRC) will be accepted[11].
Recent Developments
-------------------
There were reports of conflicts arising between Rohingya refugees and the
local Bangladeshi community by mid 1992. There have been reports of
conflicts between Bangladesh Security forces and Rohingyas [12] and among
refugees [13]. Burma Action(SA) received warning of the refugees will be
forced to their return in early November. In December, there are reports
of violence between the Bangladeshi security forces and Rohingyas against
forced repatriations [14]. It is evident that some refugees have been sent
home against their will [15].
On the other side of the border, the Burmese Govt. was showing a soft stand
on Rohingyas, pledging them safety and also the issuing of the NRC on
their arrival. This concession follows the attention by the UN, US State
Department and British Home affairs [16]. It appears that SLORC is trying
to improve its image due to the criticism of the international community.
The conduct of the Government of Bangladesh in the repatriation process is
coerced the refugees to return. The underlying reason seems that its
unwillingness to promote the conflict to a level of a direct UN involvement.
Other Political Groups and Rohingyas
------------------------------------
There are two main political group for Rohingyas; the Rohingya Solidarity
Organization (RSO) and Arakan Rohingya Islamic Front (ARIF). Despite
Rohingyas undergoing the very same repression as other minorities, they are
not going along in politics with other groups such as NCGUB or DAB [17].
The NCGUB refers to Rohingyas in its press statement in the UN last
November as ``displaced people at Bangladesh-Burma border'' and not as an
``ethnic group''. It is evident that NCGUB and DAB consider Rohingyas as
non-indigenous Burmese, and sharing the same view as SLORC !
On the other hand, unlike other minority groups, which have been fighting
the Rangoon central government for decades, there have been no revolts of
Rohingyas in western Burma within the last two decades. Therefore, it is
likely that Rohingyas formed RSO and ARIF as a resolution to their problem
after a series of military repression and may not constitute permanent
political ambitions.
Conclusion
----------
Elsewhere in the world, the UN is consistent in enforcing compliance to its
resolution in recent years, its attention to Burma's situation in general is
rather uneffectual. On the other hand, the UN enforcement on the resolution
on armed conflicts or the relief efforts usually associated with military
operations. This seems to be the main reason of concern in not agreeing
by SLORC and not cooperating by the Government of Bangladesh.
Understandably, Rohingyas repeatedly request UN to supervise their
repatriation process. Though SLORC appears to hold the central power, the
general situation of justice system in Burma is no different to Somalia,
with the total collapse of the administration. The pattern of violence
against Rohingyas stems from the inhumane practice of the armed forces,
the lack of observant of the law and due process by security forces in
detention and executions . Although recent response from SLORC seems
favourable, it must be pointed out that no absolute safety can be guaranteed
unless there is a popular government which practices a proper rule of law.
Therefore UN should consider all possible measures of monitoring Rohingyas
prevent further abuses by the Military.
Rohingyas had a long history of repression by Burmans. The present alleged
charges against Rohingyas that they are illegal immigrants. Although some
refugees in the camps seems to have NRC cards, all the refugee should be
treated as stateless persons. The issuing of NRC to Rohingyas approving
them as citizens by SLORC must, in principle, be opposed, since SLORC is
not a legitimate Government. Rohingyas should be treated as ``stateless''
and placed under the protection of the United Nations upon their repatriation.
With the proper international pressure being applied, the mere presence of
UN personnel in western Burma will prevent further ill-treatment by security
forces on Rohingyas.
Action:
-------
Please write letters to Ms Ogata, The United Nations High Commission for
Refugees and H.E. Mr Richard Butler, the Australian Ambassador to the
United Nations, advocating United Nations to ensure Rohingyas safety upon
their return. Writing to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a humane
treatment of Burma-Rohingyas may also helps.
Ms Sadako Ogata, UNHCR, CASE POSTALE 2500,
CH-1211 GENEVA-2 DEPOT, SWITZERLAND.
H.E. Mr Richard W Butler AM,
Australian Mission to the United Nations
885 Second Avenue, New York NY10017
United States of America.
\end{minipage}
Attached with this letter are collected news items concerning situation of
Rohingyas. We appreciate you contacting our secretary, Miss Kribo
Ackerman, for your action and also further informations.
FOOTNOTES
=========
[1] Reuter, December 4.
[2] AI Index: ASA 16/06/92, Human Rights violations against Muslims in the
Rakhine (Arakan ) State.
[3] AI Index: ASA 16/06/92. A 39 year old refugee told the AI,
"I was taken as porter and after four days with no food I was not
able to carry my load. I fell down and the soldiers beat me
viciously with a large bamboo stick. Then they threw a large rock at
me and it hit me on the hip. I was left there for 3-days.
Another refugee described his experience,
"I was in a group of 300 people as porters, taken 50 to 60 miles
northeast from Taungbazaar to military bases ... In the last three
months more than 50 men died. I saw 20 men who were kicked and died
like this. It was impossible to help......
[4] Another refugee told AI,
"I was fishing in the river when the army came to get the men. When
they found that everyone had gone they went into 30 houses and took
the women. I saw them taking them off in a motor boat. They were
taken to Dahdam army camp. I was nearby and the called to me and
asked me to help by getting their husbands to come back. All 30 oth
them were kept in the camp and raped."
In some incidences, the army is evidently out of control:
"Anlther women from Buthidaung was dragged from her home early in
the morning by soldiers from a Light INfantry Division. She then saw
the soldiers drag her two younger sisters outside and tear off their
clothes. She was left behind, but her sister are taken away for 24
hours and then returned home. They had evidently been gang-raped,
and were immediately taken to the hospital. As soon as they had
recovered, the family left for Bangladesh"(AI ibid Page 20).
[5] One refugee who was suspected of connection with RSO by MIS told,
"One day MI-18 came and dragged me from my house and beat me with a
stick stuck with two nails. They accused me of having contact with
insurgents and ..."
Another refugee wo witnessed the torture of a National League for
Democracy (NLD) suppporter described,
"They start shouting at him, beating him, accused him of supporting
Suu Kyi(NLD leader) and all. He was very badly beaten up, he
couldn't walk. They just keft him on the bridge and his family had
to come and get him so that he could be treated. They weren't able
to take him to the hospital though, and he was treated by the local
quack. I doubt if he is alive now."
[6] One refugee who witnessed MI-18 execute a fellow villager told AI as,
"There was one man from my village Abdul Rahman, who was about 30
years old. One day he was sitting outside his house when the MI-18
came and shot him, they uust shot him there, in the street. They
said that he was RSO insurgent, but he was just a normal farmer,
he'd never been to Bangladesh, not even in 1979".
[7] There are a number of NGOs operating at Burma-Bangladesh border:
Gonoshasthaya Kendra(GK), a DaKha-based NGO; Medicin SansFrontiers, a
French medical relief team and UNHCR. Australian Government assistance to
Rohingyas are also channelled through NGOs: Adventist Development and
Relief Agency, Australian Council of Churches and Archibishop of Sydney's
Oversea Relief and Development Program.
[8] Burma UPdate, 25 September 1992.
[9] Far Eastern Economic Review, 28-January-92
[10] On February 1992, The Foreign Minister of SLORC stated in a press
release that Rohingyas are not one of burma's 135 national races. These
(Rohingya) people of Muslim faith have illegally entered burma since 1824,
are not able to show their National Registration Card (NRC) to routine
security check and therefore fled the country.(AI INdex:ASA 16/06/92)
[11] SLORC means that those who can present their NRC are burmese citizens
and will be accepted. Justice Einfeld in his report comment "most dubious
concession" since most refugee fled with little possessions and their NRC
being confiscated by security forces in some cases. (Nationsl Refugee WEek
presentatioon by the HOn. Justice Marcus Einfeld, AUSTCARE, June 1992)
[12] Burma Update, 25 September 92
[13] Working People's Daily (Burmese), 3 October 1992.
[14] Reuter, December 7.
[15] Reuter, December 20, December 31
[16] Reuter, January 7.
[17] National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma(NCGUB) and
Democratic Alliance of Burma(DAB)
ENCLOSURES
==========
FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW, 28 JANUARY 1993 PP 23-24.
BURMA: Push and Pull factor
By S. Kamaluddin in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh and Pimpya, burma.
Both Dhaka and Rangoon have launched diplomatic offensives aimed at
promoting their respective positions over the treatment of Muslim Rohingya
refugees who fled Burma's Arakan region to Bangladesh since a wave of
officially sanctioned persecution started in 1989.
According to Bangladeshi officials, 8,571 Rhingyas were repatriated up to 6
January out of a total of 243,771 registered refugees. Another 14,936 were
in transit camps awaiting repatriation.
Dhaka's response stemmed from statements issued by UN High Commissioner of
Refugees (UNHCR) Sadako Ogata and US State Department spokesman Richard
Boucher in August that accused Bangladesh of "coercing Rohingyas refugees
to return", something the Dhaka administration has categorically denied.
On 23 December, Ogata sent another letter to Bangladesh's Prime Minister
Khaleda Zia urging her to "take all necessary measures" to halt the
"coerced" return of refugees to Burma. The letter said the Bangladesh
Government had pledged its adherence to the principle of voluntary
repatriation, but that the UNHCR had been prevented from conducting private
interviews to ascertain whether the returnees were volunteers. The State
Department, had earlier accused Dhaka of preventing UNHCR from fulfilling
its international mandate to protect refugees.
The problem arose on 25 November when 932 people were to be repatriated.
UNHCR approved the depatrure of 780 returnees, but railed objections about
the remainder who they said were unwilling to return. HOwever, Bangladesh
returned the original, larger group and the UNHCR unilaterally withdrwe
from the 8 October agreement and dissociated itself from all subsequent
repatriation arrangements.
While a government spokesman did not rule out occasional slips at the
ground level, he insisted that Dhaka's policy was against forced
repatriation -- despite growing political pressure from people in the Cox's
Bazar area where many of the Rohingya camps were located. "Had we appl9ed
force we could have sent back 80% of them[Rohingyas] by now," was how a
Bangladeshi official put it.
Burma's efforts to improve its image with regard to the Rohingyas led to
the first ever invitation of a group of Bangladeshi journalists to cross
the border and assess whether it was safe for the refugees to return home.
"Let them return and resettle [in their villages]... we will give them all
assistance and full security," col Than Aye, director of burmese
immigration headquarters NASAK, told journalists in border village of
Pimpya in early January.
The JOurnalists were allowed little time to visit other villages,
especially some in the worst affected Buthidong township, home of half the
refugee theat fled the country. Nevertheless, in the few villages where
they had the opportunity to talk to local inhabi5tants, the situation
appeared to have improved.
However, one reporter claimed that some villagers had whispered that
persecution was still continuing in the area and that it was unsafe for the
Rohingyas to return.
BURMA: Distant exile
Rohingyas seek new life in Middle East
By Bertil LIntner in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajaman in the United Arab Emairates
One of the least known population movements of the late 20th centure
continues to channel refugees and exiles from the Burmese jungles to the
cities and shanty towns of the Arabian peninsula. The Diaspora of Burma's
Rohingya Muslims to the Middle EAst, however, also completes a journey that
began more thaan a millennium ago when their Moorish and Persian ancestors
settlen in the country's Arakan region.
There are now more than 20,000 Rohingyas in the United ARab Emarates(UAE)
alone, as many as 200,000 in Saudi Arabia, between 1,500-2,000 in Qater,
some 3,000-5,000 in JOrdan and more than 200,000 in Pakistan. Much of the
support for the Rohingya cause comes from these expatriates. They provide
senior religious leaders in Dubai and Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar
Velayati.
For the time being, however, the RSO and other militant groups' main
financial supporters appear restricted to wealthy Rohingya domiciled in the
Middle East. But if the present repatriation programme fails, tens of
thousands of more Rohingyas are likely to try to travel to the Middle east,
adding to what has already become one of Asia's largest, least recognised
and potentially most explosive refugee problems.
JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE: BURMA UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992.
---------------------------------------------------------
REFUGEES IN BANGLADESH
#General situation worsens:
An NGO worker in the Rohingya camps near Cox's BAzar reported last month:
"Rain has excerbated problem of sanitation, shelter, food and access.
Additional efforts to start sanitation education began in a few of the
camps. During the rainy season at some camps, patients and medical teams
wade through deep mud because even heavy-duty vehicles cannot get through.
One confirmed case of cholera has been reported."
# Radicals go into kidnappping:
Militant Burmese groups have kidnapped ten fellow Muslims from the Rohingya
camps and thretened more abductions if they agree to return home. The
radical group is using the refugees in their campaign for an independent
Arakan State back in Burma. One death has been reported during clashes on
this issue.
# Threat to stop supplies:
The Rohingya Repatriation Action Committee, a local Bangladeshi group
opposed to the refugees using up resources in the area, threatened to block
the main road into the camps for a day, as a protest against the
Bangladeshi government's reluctance to "drive the Rohingyas back home."
They called off the blockade when assured that no more refugees would be
allowed to stay there. The number is now over 270,000, and the effect of
their stay in the forest and rice-growing area along the river Naf is
already clear.
# Secrity tightened around camps:
Security was tightened around Cox's Bazar at the end of August for further
talks between Rangoon and Dhaka officials on repatriation of the Rohingyas.
The security has remained since: passes are needed to enter the camps; no
new NGOs are welcome; journalists are not permitted; those with passes may
only go directly to their work place and return. Repatriation was agreed
between the two governments back in April and was to have started May 15.
But "technical difficulties"( mainly, that the refugees refuse to return
until the UNHCR is operational in Arakan to supervise their safe return)
held up implementation of the agreement.
# Refugees arm for struggle:
Some of the 270,000 refugees in the 15 camps near Cox's Bazar have armed
themselves to resist any attempt at forced repatriation. It was reported
early September that they have bought up large quantities of stinging
pepper, and are collecting firearms, swords, machetes, spears, axes and
piles of brickbats for possible confrontations. Two resistance groups
(Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and Arakan Rohingya Islamic Front ) are
reported to have planned an attack on Bangladeshi officials on September 1
at Shailerdoba camp, putting there in hospital with serious head injuries.
# New census: hou many are there ?
The Bangladeshi administration of the camps commenced on September 6 a new
census of the refugee camps. This coincides with the arrival of UNHCR
mediator Bernard de Riedmatten, who is trying to break the deadlock in
talks between the two governments over repatriation. SLORC refuses
international oversight.
* SAMPLE LETTERS (TO UNHCR)
-------------------------
Ms Sadako Ogata
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
CASE Postale 2500
CH-1211 Geneva 2 Depot
Switzerland
Wednesday 10 February 1993
Dear High Commissioner,
Re: Voluntary Repatriation of Muslim Rohingyas to Burma