POLI 330N Week 5 Assignment: Current Event – Totalitarian Restrictions or Ethnic Conflict

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Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

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Date

Current Event – Totalitarian Restrictions or Ethnic Conflict

The article titled “Three years later: Rohingya Muslims continue to face persecution and are torn apart from their homes” is the focal point of this analysis. The aim is to summarize the article, evaluate its global relevance, analyze external influences on the issue, and assess the credibility of the article. Myanmar, a nation with a history of authoritarian governance and minority oppression, continues to commit severe human rights violations. The Buddhist-majority population systematically discriminates against minorities, particularly the Rohingyas, a Muslim group labeled as non-citizens by Myanmar’s government and military.

Summary of the Article

The article explores the intersection of ethnic conflict and authoritarian governance in Myanmar, focusing on how international legal frameworks, such as Article 21, influence the status of Rohingya refugees. It highlights the plight of the Rohingya, one of the world’s most persecuted and stateless groups, who are denied citizenship and fundamental rights. In 2017, mass violence forced thousands to flee Myanmar by sea or on foot. The United Nations described these actions as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Myanmar’s government not only revoked their citizenship but also destroyed their livelihoods (Parthasarathy, 2021).

In response to the refugee crisis, the Indian government introduced state-level surveys to issue identity cards and establish refugee camps. However, political challenges arose when the Indian Union Minister declared that India is not bound by the Refugee Act, prioritizing the deportation of undocumented immigrants. This decision led to Supreme Court petitions invoking the principles of non-refoulement, constitutional protections under Articles 14, 32, and 21, and international conventions such as the 1948 Genocide Convention (Parthasarathy, 2021).

Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law legally excluded the Rohingya by requiring proof of ancestry predating 1823. Despite centuries of residence, they were labeled foreigners, barred from voting in 2015, and their Muslim and Christian representatives were removed from government positions (Parthasarathy, 2021). The author critically examines how far India’s judiciary can pressure its government to align with international law, particularly concerning non-refoulement. The article also connects these events to the military coup in Myanmar, where violence against civilians intensified, drawing global attention to the country’s authoritarian regime.

Importance of the Issue to the Global Community

The Rohingya crisis presents significant challenges for neighboring nations, including Bangladesh, India, and China. Over 70,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar, creating regional tensions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the crisis, as the displaced Rohingyas lacked essential resources for survival (Sikandar, 2021). Myanmar’s military regime has committed extensive atrocities, with over 24,000 deaths and the destruction of numerous villages under generals such as Than Shwe. The military coup, led by Min Aung Hlaing, and the arrest of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi have further deteriorated the situation, raising global concerns about human rights and regional stability.

The crisis also implicates global powers like China, whose involvement through the Pauk-Phaw initiative has increased regional tensions. Comparisons with past genocides, such as the Hutu-Tutsi conflict in Rwanda, underscore the urgency of addressing this humanitarian disaster (MadrasCourier, 2021). The Rohingya crisis is not only a regional issue but also a matter of international accountability for preventing genocide and protecting displaced populations.

External Influence to Address the Issue

Global leaders must take decisive action to provide humanitarian aid, including establishing refugee camps in collaboration with neighboring countries and ensuring adherence to international refugee and genocide laws. Humanitarian efforts should include providing basic resources and addressing the safety concerns of Rohingya refugees (MadrasCourier, 2021). Military intervention may be necessary to halt the atrocities in Rakhine State. Comparisons to the Rwandan genocide highlight the importance of immediate action to prevent further loss of life (Finn, 2021).

Imposing trade sanctions and initiating diplomatic discussions to encourage democratic reforms in Myanmar are critical. The international community must also address the role of military leaders in perpetuating these crimes by pursuing legal action under international human rights frameworks.

Neutrality of the Article

The article maintains a neutral stance by presenting a balanced view of the issue, supported by legal and factual analysis. While advocating for the rights of the Rohingyas, the author does so without compromising the objectivity of the argument. The article, published by Live Law, is a reputable source for legal and international affairs. Additionally, the author’s credentials as a legal expert specializing in domestic and international law lend credibility to the analysis.