Dear John,
May 1, 2020 (New York Times) - “I feel like crying, realizing the situation of my brothers and sisters who are still floating in the deep sea,” said Mohammad Yusuf, a chief imam in one of the refugee camps in Bangladesh, where a million Rohingya have taken refuge from genocide in neighboring Burma. The boats have been caught in what the United Nations has called a dangerous “game of human Ping-Pong.” The Bangladeshi government is no longer accepting the Rohingya, arguing that the burden of the refugee crisis is too great. Malaysia is now also refusing to allow the boats of refugees to dock amid a national coronavirus lockdown. To make things even worse, xenophobic sentiment towards the refugees is sweeping the region.
WHAT'S HAPPENING:
Since 2017, the Rohingya Muslims, who can trace their origins in Burma back to the fifteenth century, have faced ethnic cleansing by the Burmese Military. At least 24,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed by Burmese state forces, with more than 34,000 thrown into fires, 114,000 beaten, 18,000 Rohingya women and girls raped, over 115,000 Rohingya homes burned down, and nearly a million displaced into camps in Bangladesh. The government continues to deny their status as one of the country’s ethnic groups. Those who escaped now live in squalid conditions in the world’s largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazaar. Hundreds of others are still at sea trying to escape.
WHAT HAS EMGAGE DONE:
The United States MUST stand on the right side of history. With the help of coalition partners, our advocacy efforts led to the 'Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act' being passed through the House. This legislation aims to:
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Authorize humanitarian assistance and reconciliation to include support for voluntary resettlement.
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Address the right of return and freedom of movement for the Rohingya.
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Reinstate sanction on certain imports from Burma and visa bans to military officials responsible for human rights violations.
WHAT'S NEXT:
With this legislation held up in the Senate, we are continuing to advocate for passage. At the same time, Emgage Action is working to elect leaders that put an emphasis on international human rights and religious freedoms and who have committed to supporting legislation like this. Mohammad and the other Rohingya need our help-- And we need yours.
OUR ASK:
In solidarity,
Wa'el Alzayat
Emgage Action CEO
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