Rakhine Chief Minister criticises UN chief's use of"Rohingya" term

 

Ban Ki-moon used the word “Rohingya” in a press conference held on November 12 in the Myanmar International Convention Centre.

In his letter released a day later, the chief minister wrote that the secretary-general’s use of the word “Rohingya” irritated him. He added that although he can understand UN secretary-general’s support for minority rights, using this term can do harm to the reconciliation process.

The use of the word “Rohingya” creates polarisation not only between ethnic Rakhines and Bengalis, but also between the Myanmar people and the international community. If international organisations continue to use the word “Rohingya,” it will cause locals to cast larger doubts over UN agencies and INGOs such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which are providing humanitarian assistance to Rakhine state, the chief minister continued.

 

Ban Ki-moon said he is concerned about the discrimination and injustice facing Rohingyas. He said he encourages Myanmar leaders to uphold human rights, take a strong stance against incitement, and ensure humanitarian access to Rohingya living in vulnerable conditions. 

“Religious extremism and resentment exist around the world, but if Myanmar can improve the situation, the reform process will stabilize, and Myanmar will have a good name internationally,” said Mr Ban.

Moreover, what the Myanmar government is doing for the Bengalis (Rohingya)in granting them citizenship rights as per the 1982 Citizenship Law is the right thing to do, the UN secretary-general said.

“In Rakhine state, the government is working to grant citizenship status in accordance with the law. The government is using legal standards to determine who is fit to become a citizen. It is good to work with standards. It is also important to protect the human rights and dignity of the people who fail to qualify for citizenship status. I will talk about this when I meet with President Thein Sein,” the secretary-general said.