Another urgent report has been sent to us by our sources in Arakan today.

Yet another five houses have been burnt down in Maungdaw, as recently as the early hours of this morning. Despite the urgency of safeguarding the people Arakan and the dire lack of rule of law in the land, no action is taken against the perpetrators of crimes against the Rohingya.

Blocking Aid

Furthermore blocking aid to the region has been a frustrating and continuous problem for the most vulnerable in Arakan. The OIC had been given permission by the central government to deliver aid to the IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps and the Turkish government were also granted permission to build 5000 shelters for the Rohingya. However, despite these agreements by the central government, Buddhist extremists (with the help from the local authorities) had protested against both the OIC and the Turkish government to deliver any aid relief to the IDP camps, where access to food, water and shelter is already scarce. This is a clear demonstration of the disconnect between the central government who seemingly have ‘power’ over the local Rakhine government, whilst they are allowed to continue to spread terror, starve the people and continue restricting freedoms in Arakan.

Third Massacre

The fears of a third massacre are becoming increasingly apparent with each day. Today a number of our sources have once again reaffirmed the anticipated third wave of violence. The Buddhist water festival is due to commence in mid April, which metaphorically and in fact, in reality, will see the washing away of the Rohingya. This is as the rainy season is due to wash away the poorly constructed camps- the majority of which are all on low lying land in Sittwe, usually used as rice fields.

Denied Livelihoods

The Rohingya ability to trade and work has been hugely affected by the ongoing violence in Arakan, with many terrorised and attacked so much so that they flee for their safety,with no means to provide for their families. Armed gangs have focused their terror on the mountain range between Maungdaw and Budhidaung to prevent the Rohingya from accessing the forest areas for their livelihood. This operation began last June during the first eruption of violence, with authorities supplying each village with 10 firearms; granting permission to kill the Rohingya, and it is still being allowed to continue today.