UN INVESTIGATES MYANMAR’S RAKHINE STATE CONFLICT, MASS DISPLACEMENT OF MINORITIES
Why in the news?
UN war crimes investigators are monitoring escalating fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Clashes intensified after the Arakan Army (AA) attacked junta forces in November.
source:bbc
Key Facts about the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army:
ARSA: Rohingya insurgent group in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Leadership: Led by Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, with leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Designation: Declared a terrorist group by Myanmar and Malaysia.
Accusations: Alleged involvement with foreign Islamists; denies claims, stating its aim is to defend Rohingya rights.
Activities: Members arrested for violence against Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
About Rohingyas:
Rohingyas: Indo-Aryan ethnic group in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, predominantly Muslim.
Persecution: Designated as one of the most persecuted minorities due to lack of a home state.
Refugees: Hundreds of thousands forced to flee attacks by Myanmar’s military, seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
Refugee Camps: Many reside in camps along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Bhasan Char: In 2021, Bangladesh government relocated refugees to remote silt island, Bhasan Char.
About Rakhine State :
Location: Rakhine State in Myanmar (Burma) on the western coast.
Borders: Chin State to the north, Magway, Bago, and Ayeyarwady Regions to the east, Bay of Bengal to the west, Chittagong Division of Bangladesh to the northwest.
Geography: Separated from central Burma by Arakan Mountains or Rakhine Yoma; includes islands like Ramree, Cheduba, and Myingun.