DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR ROHINGYA CHILDREN
The atrocities suffered by children in Myanmar last year
are a scar on the conscience of the world. Rohingya children have faced a
ruthless campaign of military violence that has been systematic, targeted and
deliberate. Over 700,000 Rohingya refugees – more than half of them children –
fled for their lives to neighbouring Bangladesh, as villages were razed to the
ground. Children were raped, murdered and burned alive.
But those responsible for these crimes against children
have got off scot-free. We can change that.
The UK government has the power on the global stage to
bring the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice through the
International Criminal Court. Demand the Foreign Secretary uses this power now. https://lnkd.in/g9AWFAu
“We want to live our lives in peace. We want to be free
from fear. Please help us. We beg you. We just want to live in peace.” –
Halima*
15-year-old Halima is one of many Rohingya children who
fled in terror from military violence in Myanmar. This is what Halima told us,
when asked what she wanted to share with the world.
Will you sign our petition demanding the Foreign Secretary uses the UK’s
power at the United Nations to get justice for Halima? https://lnkd.in/gHKUtzg
Here are just three reasons why international justice for
Rohingya children is so important:
1. We can prevent further violence against Rohingya
children and other children in Myanmar
The Myanmar military are genuinely afraid and rightly
nervous of international justice. Even the threat of it is likely to see the
Myanmar military on their best behaviour. Therefore, international justice,
even the threat of it, acts as deterrence. We can save the lives of Rohingya
children still in Myanmar and protect other children in Myanmar from ethnic
violence.
2. We must ensure “Never Again” means exactly that
How many times has the world said “Never Again”? I never
want to have to say that again. The perpetrators of these crimes must be held
to account. We need to send a powerful message to the world that atrocities
like this against children will not be tolerated. “Never Again” must mean
exactly that.
3. We can give Rohingya children a promise of a better
future
When we speak to Rohingya children in Bangladesh, many
long to return home when it’s safe to do so. Right now, that’s not possible,
with those who committed crimes against Rohingya children, still in power. With
little chance of going back to Myanmar, the Rohingya crisis is likely to become
a protracted crisis which is not good for anyone. We can change the future of
Rohingya children in the largest refugee camp in the world, with their lives on
hold.
Accountability is the first step in a future where
Rohingya children can return home and have the best chance to thrive in life.
Call for justice
When atrocities like this happen, standing on the side
lines is not an option. Unless people like us demand justice, children in
Myanmar will continue to be at risk from such horrific violence. Add your name and demand justice
for Rohingya children. https://lnkd.in/gqUjy4n
*Name changed to protect identity.
