THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS ADDS VOICE TO CONCERN OVER OPPRESSION OF ROHINGYA IN MYANMAR

THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS -- MEDIA COMMUNIQUÉ
August 13, 2012
For immediate release

CIC ADDS VOICE TO CONCERN OVER OPPRESSION OF ETHNIC MINORITIES IN
BURMA-MYANMAR

The CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS is calling upon Canada, the United Nations and the international community to join in bringing an end to the long history of minority abuses in Myanmar (formerly Burma), particularly actions taken by government-led forces against ethnic Rohingya Muslims in the country’s western Rakhine state.

In a summer of escalating violence against the country’s estimated 800,000 Rohingyas – most of whom are denied citizenship and considered by the UN to be among the worst-persecuted people in the world – reported deaths have ranged from hundreds to thousands. The Myanmar government is officially acknowledging only a few dozen. In addition to the mounting death toll, tens of thousands are confirmed to be internally displaced, making refugees from this minority Muslim population virtually stateless.

A recent Human Rights Watch report confirms that government security forces have committed killings, rape, torture, displacement and mass arrests against Rohingyas in the aftermath of ethnic violence. Other humanitarian groups, such as Amnesty International, report similar atrocities and are calling for an end to the anti-Rohingya campaign which some are calling genocidal.

CIC wholly supports UN envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana and the growing number of

international rights groups who are calling for an independent and impartial investigation to ensure the long-term protection of Burmese ethnic minorities and bring an end to all religious and ethnic persecution. 

CIC is also asking that Canada increase its humanitarian relief efforts and develop a proactive dialogue with the Myanmar government through consular and trade ties.

“Most importantly, we are calling for genuine efforts toward a just and sustainable solution,” said CIC national president Amin Elshorbagy. “As part of the global community, we must work to ensure that incidents of atrocities toward minorities such as the Rohingya Muslims are not perpetuated or repeated. Unfortunately, violence against ethnic minorities

continues world-wide.”

CONTACT:
Dr. Amin Elshorbagy – CIC National President:
Cell: 306-241-6757
cicnp@canadianislamiccongress.com
THE CANADIAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS
#115B, 115 – 2nd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 2B1
www.canadianislamiccongress.com