Amid escalating tensions between Myanmar’s military junta and the rebel Arakan Army in Rakhine state, dozens of Rohingya organizations across the globe have united in a powerful call for justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence. A joint statement from 28 Rohingya groups issued on Monday urged the Arakan Army, now in control of northern Rakhine’s Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, to respect the rights of all ethnic and religious minorities, including the Rohingya.
Since the brutal military crackdown in 2017, over a million Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, leaving around 500,000 still in Myanmar, mostly under the control of the Arakan Army. The statement emphasized that after decades of oppression, this moment presents a chance for a new beginning—one rooted in human rights, justice, and equality, free from the divisive legacy of military rule.
The Rohingya organizations called for an end to the common enemy: the Myanmar military, which they say seeks to destroy both the Rakhine and Rohingya communities while perpetuating poverty and division. They also highlighted the dire risk of famine in the region, which could starve up to two million people, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The statement implored all communities to unite in preventing further tragedies and building a future where no one suffers from hunger or lack of basic needs like shelter, healthcare, or employment. While acknowledging the Arakan Army’s involvement in human rights abuses—including forced displacements, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence—the Rohingya groups called for a partnership with the rebel forces, urging them to view the Rohingya not as adversaries but as allies in creating a prosperous and peaceful Arakan state.
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