Rohingya Crises in Myanmar and the Role of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Abstract

Rohingya Muslim minority has been victimized, suppressed and discriminated by the Myanmar
Government since 1982. The campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing resulted in the killing of
thousands of people, burning of their houses, large scale displacement and human rights violations.
Under 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law, the Rohingya Muslims were denied their rights as citizens of
Myanmar. It is estimated that 65,5000 Rohingya fled Myanmar. Human rights abuses by the Myanmar
Government against the Rohingya Muslim by the Myanmar Government is a violation of Genocide
Convention. This paper investigates the root cause of Rohingya issue and assesses the role of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the humanitarian crises faced by Rohingya Muslim community.
The qualitative research method has been used for this study. It is concluded that the Myanmar
Government can bring peace by amending the discriminatory laws against Rohingya Muslim
community, ensuring the safe return of refugees, safeguarding their political and economic rights and
ensuring peaceful environment for minorities living in Myanmar.