Rohingya: The most unwanted people in the world and monsoon is certainly not helping

The world's largest refugee settlement is in Bangladesh, and it is in danger of being washed away. In 2017, the then United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raád Al Hussein had gone on record to say, “The situation remains, or seems, a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” He made this statement as hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled their burning homes and villages after the Myanmar security forces launched a massive crackdown on them. Picture credit: Reuters WHERE IT BEGAN The crackdown had begun after an attack by a Rohingya militant group, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army or ARSA, on police posts that left 71 people dead.UNHRC High Commissioner Zeid Raád Al Hussein said, “The operation, which is ostensibly in reaction to attacks by militants on the August 25 against 30 police posts is clearly disproportionate and without regard for basic principles of international law.” “We have received multiple reports and satellite imagery of security forces and local militia burning Rohingya villages and consistent accounts of extrajudicial killings, including shooting fleeing civilians. I am further appalled by reports that the Myanmar authorities have now begun to lay landmines along the border with Bangladesh.” READ ALSO | 15 Rohingyas held in Assam's Karimganj for entering India illegally THE FLIGHT FOR LIVE The Rohingya fled not just to Bangladesh but in large numbers also to Malaysia. The principle of non-refoulment stipulates that “refugee status determination is declaratory in nature: a person does not become a refugee because of recognition, but is recognised because he or she is a refugee.” WHEN MALAYASIA CLOSED ITS DOORS Malaysia that had always been the preferred destination for Rohingya fleeing atrocities in Myanmar as it had been the most welcoming country till the 2017 influx hardened their attitude towards the Rohingya.