During COVID-19 Pandemic: Protection and humane treatment for all Rohingyas

25th May 2020

IMA Statement on the Situation of Rohingyas during the COVID-19 Pandemic
 
 
The International Migrants Alliance (IMA), a global alliance of migrants, refugees and displaced peoples, raises the alarm over the worsening plight of Rohingya refugees in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
More than 900,000 Rohingya refugees can be found in neighboring countries of Myanmar such as Bangladesh, Malaysia and Thailand. For many years, the Rohingyas have been persecuted by the Myanmar government that first refused to recognize them as citizens of the country and later on systematically launched genocidal attacks against them. 
 
Yet, it seems that wherever they go, they remain unwanted. They are persecuted and vilified across many countries where they can be found. They experience exclusion and their pleas are ignored. They are prey to racism, xenophobia and all forms of violations. 
 
In Bangladesh, in an attempt to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Bangladesh government started putting new arrivals of Rohingyas in Bhasan Char, an islet told to be unfit for habitation and will deny residents any possible access to humanitarian services being provided by the United Nations and other aid agencies. 
 
Meanwhile, those living in refugee camps are at risk of contracting the virus. As of May 23, around 21 infections have been documented yet the government has downplayed the infections as not at all a big figure and blamed the Rohingyas in the cramped camps as violating the social distancing regulation.
 
In Malaysia, Rohingya refugees joined undocumented migrants who have been arrested en masse by the Malaysian government starting May 1 as a way, much like the line of the Bangladeshi government, to combat COVID-19. More than 700 Rohingya refugees and undocumented migrants, including an infant as young as 1 year old, have been cramped in detention centers with no assurance of getting and treated for the contagion. Racial slurs have been hurled both online and offline against Rohingyas, accusing them of stealing peoples jobs, siphoning social benefits, and illegals or non-citizens deserving of punishment. Malaysian locals who came to their defense were likewise subjected to hate speech and threats of harm (including rape).
 
Those in Thailand were not spared. New arrivals have been immediately placed in unhygienic detention centers that would make them and anyone there susceptible to getting infected. 
 
The Rohingyas who have remained in Myanmar experience the same horrors. They have been denied access to government services as their movements are continually restricted. They also get caught in the conflict between Myanmar authorities and the armed group Arakan Army. 
 
The IMA calls for decisive actions from international communities, aid agencies and governments to provide the necessary assistance, service and protection to Rohingyas during this crisis. 
 
Those on land in refugee camps, in detention centers, in their respective villages - should be accorded free testing and treatment of the COVID-19, financial support and other benefits. They should be allowed access to avenues of justice and be protected from any form of verbal or physical violence. Those still at sea should be likewise allowed to dock and given immediate humanitarian aid. 
 
Rohingyas are, like many of us, people who deserve nothing but recognition, compassion and solidarity. Their human rights and dignity should be upheld, protected and secured.
 
Reference: Eni Lestari, IMA Chairperson