National Staff
ABU DHABI // The UAE expressed grave concern on January 20 over the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.
It reiterated support for efforts being made to alleviate the suffering of Muslims in the southeast Asian country while urging its government to promote harmony among Myanmar’s ethnic segments.
“What is happening now is a slow genocide being carried out against the Rohingya Muslim minority by racist-motivated nationalism,” said Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State. “The UAE is gravely concerned over the intolerance against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar. We will continue to extend a helping hand and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya while supporting the efforts being made to alleviate their suffering and improve their humanitarian conditions.”
Dr Al Shami was speaking to members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, considered the collective voice of the Muslim world, in Kuala Lumpur. “The UAE continues to offer assistance to the Rohingya Muslims to help improve their humanitarian conditions and defend their legitimate rights,” she added. “The United Nations should shoulder its responsibility and take necessary action on the situation of the Rohingya.”
The Rohingya are Muslims who lost their country and nationality and were forcibly displaced after being stripped of their legitimate rights and suffering from a number of violations.
The UAE has offered more than US$1.7 million in humanitarian aid for the Rohingya.
During the meeting, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman called for a fundamental solution to the Rohingya crisis.
