Understanding the Rohingya Crisis and the Failure of Human Rights Norm in Myanmar: Possible Policy Responses

Abstract

How can one understand the genealogy of the Rohingyas? How did the Myanmar state frame the Rohingyas? What factors led to the failure of the human rights norm in the case of the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar? How can this crisis be addressed? This article investigates these questions and argues that Rohingyas were living in the Rakhine state of Myanmar throughout centuries. They were dehumanized and systematically excluded by the government of Myanmar over a long time. The article also argues that Myanmar state was not interested in complying with the international norms of human rights in case of Rohingya crisis due to the prevailing domestic structure of the country, lack of political opportunities at the national, regional, and global levels, and the narrowly defined national interests of the major powers. In this context, possibilities need to be created to address the Rohingya crisis. Thus, the role of the international community, including China, India, Russia, the United Nations, and the European Union, becomes critical.