The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar has been a focal point of international concern, with debates centering on whether the events constitute ethnic cleansing or are merely internal conflicts. A comprehensive examination reveals that the systematic persecution of the Rohingya aligns more closely with ethnic cleansing, underpinned by state-sanctioned policies and actions.
Historical Context
The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority primarily residing in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Despite their centuries-long presence, they have faced persistent discrimination and have been denied citizenship since 1982, rendering them stateless. This statelessness has exacerbated their vulnerability to human rights abuses.
Escalation of Violence
In August 2017, the Myanmar military launched a significant crackdown in Rakhine State following attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on police posts. This military response led to widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the burning of villages, forcing over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The United Nations described these actions as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”
International Legal Perspectives
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken steps to hold Myanmar’s military accountable. In November 2024, the ICC’s chief prosecutor sought an arrest warrant for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military leader, for crimes against humanity related to the persecution of the Rohingya. This move underscores the international community’s recognition of the severity of the crimes committed against the Rohingya.
Ethnic Cleansing vs. Internal Conflict
While Myanmar’s government has portrayed the situation as an internal conflict aimed at countering insurgency, the disproportionate and systematic nature of the military’s actions against the Rohingya suggests otherwise. Reports indicate that the military’s operations were premeditated and targeted civilians indiscriminately, aiming to forcibly remove the Rohingya from the region.Such actions are characteristic of ethnic cleansing, defined as the deliberate and systematic removal of an ethnic group from a specific area.
Continued Persecution
The plight of the Rohingya persists. As of 2025, many remain in refugee camps in Bangladesh, while those still in Myanmar face ongoing discrimination and violence. Recent reports highlight renewed attacks against the Rohingya, drawing disturbing parallels to the 2017 atrocities.These developments indicate that the campaign against the Rohingya is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, systematic effort to marginalize and eliminate the ethnic group.
Conclusion
The evidence overwhelmingly supports the characterization of the Rohingya crisis as ethnic cleansing rather than a mere internal conflict. The systematic and targeted nature of the violence, coupled with the intent to forcibly remove the Rohingya from their homeland, aligns with the definition of ethnic cleansing. It is imperative for the international community to continue advocating for accountability and to support efforts to bring justice to the Rohingya people.