Inside Myanmar's hidden genocide: humanising the struggle of stateless Rohingya

This paper explains the worsening plight of the Rohingyans in Myanmar (Burma). Discrimination and denial of rights to identity and citizenship are documented alongside the deprivation of fundamental human rights. The author draws on compelling evidence to argue that genocide of the Rohingyans is occurring in Myanmar, while reminding the international community that it bears treaty and customary obligations to prevent this most serious crime. Yet domestic and international responses to this crisis have been both weak and fragile. That reaction has resulted in serious consequences for the Rohingyans, for the prospect of democratic transition and the rule of law in Myanmar; and for the integrity of international law. There is an urgent requirement for regionally co-ordinated solutions through the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) - of which Myanmar is a member. Successful solutions will focus on the principles of non-discrimination, inclusion, a right to citizenship and effective state protection. Pursuit of these principles will assist in ending the struggle of stateless Rohingyans while promoting democratic development in an ethnically divided Myanmar society.