May 16, 2025
RHRC-The persecution of Rohingya continued on multiple fronts from deadly airstrikes in Myanmar to forced relocations within Rakhine State and now illegal detentions and deportations from India. These incidents highlight the urgent need for international intervention to protect the persecuted Rohingya.
Junta Airstrike Kills Children in School Bombing
The Myanmar military junta launched a deadly airstrike on a school on 14th May 2025, killing multiple children. Human rights organizations have condemned the attack as a war crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Schools should be sanctuaries of learning and safety, not battlegrounds. The international community must urgently hold the perpetrators accountable and take concrete actions to protect civilians in Myanmar, especially its most vulnerable children.
Arakan Army Forces Rohingya From 40 Villages
Voice of Arakan News reported on 14th May 2025 that the Arakan Army (AA) is relocating Rohingya residents from 40 villages in Buthidaung Township, forcing them to settle in abandoned areas originally occupied by refugees in 2017. Although Rohingya people have their own houses, cars, land, but AA does not allow them to reside.
Since conflict broke out in May 2024 between the military and the AA, the situation has deteriorated, with entire towns burned and seized. Thus, the Rohingyas, who are in a bad situation, are facing a lot of difficulties to stay in touch with food, transportation, shelter, and restriction from communication. Additional reports indicate that the Rohingya people are falsely accused that they are related to an arm group and are being arrested and cruel.
Fortify Rights Urges India to Stop Deporting Rohingya Refugees
Fortify Rights issued a statement on 13th May 2025 and urged the Indian government to stop the illegal detention and forced deportation of Rohingya refugees. The detention and deportation of Rohingya refugees in New Delhi began on May 6, Fortify Rights added. “Indian authorities are beating, tying their faces with cloths, handcuffing and forcibly deporting Rohingya refugees to Myanmar,” Fortify Rights said.
“The Indian government is handing over Rohingya refugees to the Myanmar military council, which is responsible for genocide,” said Yap Lay Sheng, a human rights expert at Fortify Rights. India has a responsibility to protect the rights of all refugees in the country and provide legal protection instead of returning refugees to a deadly regime.
The airstrikes, forced displacements, and cross-border deportations impact the growing insecurity faced by Rohingya people. Immediate international pressure and coordinated humanitarian action are needed to eliminate the crisis and ensure protection for the Rohingya wherever they seek safety.
