The Plight of the Oppressed: Uyghur and Rohingya Genocides Demand Global Action

We need to do more for the Rohingya and Uyghurs

In my work for No Business With Genocide (NBWG), the cause of religious freedom is often front and center. According to the U.S. State Department, about 80 percent of the world’s population cannot openly practice their religion without the threat of persecution. Here are some of the areas where NBWG works:

The Rohingya of Myanmar

The Rohingya genocide refers to the systematic persecution and violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority by the Myanmar military and local Buddhist extremists. This crisis has been marked by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and the destruction of villages, leading to a significant humanitarian disaster.

Historical Context:

• The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, have lived in Myanmar’s Rakhine State for generations but have faced longstanding discrimination and statelessness.
• The 1982 Citizenship Law in Myanmar effectively rendered the Rohingya stateless, denying them citizenship and basic rights.

Escalation of Violence:

• On February 1, 2021, the military took over the…