ISLAMABAD: The Senate of Pakistan strongly condemned grave crimes against Rohingya Muslims by groups of religious extremists, at the behest of the Myanmar government, and urged the government of Pakistan to immediately take the matter up with UN secretary general. The house also advised that the government should actively pursue the matter at OIC and other forums.
In a unanimous resolution moved by leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq, the Senate termed these crimes and killings ‘genocide’ of a peaceful community, adding that they are being persecuted on grounds of race and religion.
“The Rohingya Muslims are being literally pushed into seas, while their houses are being burnt and demolished, their women being raped, and their family members being butchered as part of an organised campaign of ethnic cleansing,” said the resolution. Moreover, the resolution stated, Rohingyas are being denied their fundamental rights as nationals of a country where they have resided for centuries.
It further said, “The house is of the view that this is an issue of humanity, not merely one religion or ethnic group, and the international community as a whole must take firm and urgent notice of these serious and unprecedented violations of human rights since these are also a violation of the United Nations Charter, the UN Declaration of Human Rights, all international laws and covenants including the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and Convention against the Torture (CAT).”
It further stated, “The actions of the Myanmar government are a gross violation of established human rights norms since these violations exhibit a consistent and persistent pattern.” The resolution added that the International Law considers these activities a violation of fundamental human rights, as Myanmar is not merely failing to protect the Rohingya Muslims but promoting deliberate policies of ethnic cleansing, mass deportation and socioeconomic deprivation of this beleaguered community.
The Senate urged the Pakistan government to coordinate with other governments in the region for the protection of the rights of Rohingyas, including directly approaching the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The House also called for dispatching of provisions to provide relief and financial support to the affectees.
