The Rohingya

The Rohingya are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group with a long history in Myanmar, but they have faced systemic discrimination and violence, leading to their characterization as stateless individuals originating from Bangladesh. Despite their deep roots in Myanmar, over a million Rohingya have been denied citizenship and fundamental human rights. The conflict, often framed as a religious clash between Buddhists and Muslims, masks a struggle over valuable natural resources, with accusations that the Myanmar military has engaged in atrocities as part of an effort to displace the Rohingya for economic gains. This has led to a mass exodus, particularly during the 2017 crisis, with many Rohingya seeking safety in Bangladesh amid reports of brutal violence. International criticism has been directed at Myanmar's leadership, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, for failing to acknowledge the Rohingya as a legitimate ethnic group and for not taking action to protect their rights.