Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 16-10-2017
The African National Congress (ANC) has called on the Myanmar government to immediately put a halt to the refugee crisis by allowing the Rohingya Muslims who have fled, to return to their places of birth.
In a statement, the ruling party has condemned the actions of the Myanmar military that have resulted in the displacement of some 509 000 Rohingya Muslims from the Northern Rakhine State to Bangladesh.
The party says the campaign by the military has led to a significant humanitarian and refugee crisis that includes an estimated 100 000 children.
Chairperson of the ANC NEC Sub-Committee on International Relations Edna Molewa says the party adds its voice to growing international condemnation of the violence directed against the Rohingya.
“The ANC recalls the historical ties of solidarity and support that the ANC and all freedom loving people have extended to Aung San Suu Kyi over the many years of her exile and house arrest. We implore her to support the Rohingya’s right to return to their country of origin and to ensure their safety and right to live and work with dignity.”
Since August 25, the Myanmar army has waged a brutal military campaign in Rakhine against the Rohingya, who have been denied citizenship and basic rights by the Myanmar government.
More than 500,000 Rohingya have fled the country, most arriving in Bangladesh by foot or by boat, with aid agencies struggling to cope with the influx.
The UN has denounced the situation as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.
The ANC has urged all South African government departments, led by the South African Department of International Relations and Co-operation, and South African humanitarian organisations to contribute generously towards humanitarian relief efforts.
Meanwhile a number of journalists are reportedly being harassed for reporting on the Rohingya crisis.
Al Jazeera reports a 28-year-old journalist and editor of the Rakhine Investigative Agency had to reduce coverage in his monthly political magazine of the mainly-Muslim minority group during the recent incidents in the western town of Maungdaw.
Min Min says its It is a risky business.
“If I keep trying to investigate the truth about issues in Rakhine state, my life could be in danger.”
Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government have criticised international media coverage of the crisis and the UN workers documenting the Rohingya plight, dismissing their reports as fake news.
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