Attending “ Session 5 of the Series “Listening to Voices from Myanmar” Webinar

Session Title: On the Brink: the Unending Persecution of Rohingya
Date: July 25, 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 19:00-20:30 JST
Platform: Zoom Webinar
Co-Organizers: #NoMoreBusinessWithJunta campaign organizers (Mekong Watch, ayus: Network of Buddhists Volunteers on International Cooperation, Friends of the Earth Japan, Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC), and Network Against Japan Arms Trade (NAJAT)) with Progressive Voice.

A member of Youth Empowerment attended the fifth session of the webinar series “Listening to Voices from Myanmar” on July 25, 2024. The session, titled “On the Brink: The Unending Persecution of Rohingya,” highlighted the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people amid Myanmar’s political turmoil following the military coup attempt on February 1, 2021. The country has since experienced significant instability, leading to nearly 3 million displaced persons and over 5,300 deaths. Despite being the largest aid donor to Myanmar, Japan has continued its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to businesses linked to the military, worsening the situation. The webinar, featuring Mr. Tun Khin, President of the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK), aimed to amplify the voices of Myanmar’s people in Japan. Mr. Tun Khin discussed the intertwined nature of justice for the Rohingya and lasting peace in Myanmar, emphasizing that nearly one million Rohingya remain in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh with little hope of a dignified return. The ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has further complicated their situation, with an estimated 600,000 Rohingya in Rakhine State facing forced conscription and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The discussion underscored the critical need for justice and accountability for the Rohingya, the role of Japan and the international community in supporting them, and recommendations for Japan to halt political and material support to the Burmese military, support the Spring Revolution, and advocate for the Rohingya. Mr. Tun Khin’s presentation was followed by a call for the Japanese people and government to support the Rohingya’s struggle for justice and human rights, ensuring they are not abandoned by the international community again.