[People’s Empowement Foundation] Urgent Press Statement: The assistance for the Rohingyas descended from the hills and more awaiting in the sea

People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF) has been following the tragic situation of the Rohingyas since the first boat arrived Ranong, Thailand in 2007  and it found the situation only got worsened

People’s Empowerment Foundation (PEF) has been following the tragic situation of the Rohingyas since the first boat arrived Ranong, Thailand in 2007  and it found the situation only got worsened. Despites the continual recommendations on the problems, the Thai government has not taken the issue with enough attention. The problem got to the point where there mass graves, bodies and detention camps along the Thai-Malaysian border including those near Khao Kaew mountain range in Padang Besar in Songkhla were found. Hundreds of Rohingyas fled from those camps to ask for assistance. The Rohingyas had to go through their traumatic experience only to end up their lives in the deep forests and in the deep sea of Thailand and Malaysia. The sweep ordered by the Thai authority has caused many of the boats carrying the trafficked Rohingyas unable to disembark. The fact that thousands of Rohingyas are still awaiting for the Thai government’s decision in the sea is alarming.

For the respect for human dignity and due to the urgency of the problem, PEF would like to ask the Thai government, Thai people and International community to assist the Rohingyas by considering to:

1. Urgent set up temporary camps for the rohingyas both for those who fled from the forests and those awaiting for assistance in the sea and allow the UNHCR to take care of the camps so that it will not create more burden for the Thai government. However, after the temporary measure is set up, the concerned governments and the UN agencies should discuss to find a proper solution to the problem. The Rohingyas should not be detained in the detention centers as they are victims of human trafficking. They should be treated with dignity and equality as they are also human beings. The arrest of some authorities will only temporarily cease the immigration of the Rohingyas.
2. Allow the local people to assist the Rohingyas. At present, the authorities do not allow the local people to bring food or pay a visit to the Rohingyas. PEF suggests that a clear policy which allows local people to give assistance to the Rohingyas should be formulated to share the burden of the authorities and of the government. It should also be noted that the interference by the brokers in this kind of situation cannot take place.
3. Collaborate with Malaysian government. The existence of more than 50 camps along the Thai-Malaysian border suggests that there is powerful and systematic human trafficking taking place and it is challenging the law of both states. PEF praises the current effort of the Thai government in dealing with the problem. However, it should also work in collaboration with Malaysian government to tackle the trafficking problem which also involves the Malaysian brokers and illegal cross-border smuggling route.
4. Release the Rohingyas who have proven relatives in Thailand and Malaysia to stay with their relatives.
5. Grant an exception for the Rohingyas to be registered as migrant workers in Thailand and in  Malaysia without the process of nationality verification as their migration is driven mainly by economic reason.
6. Amend the Myanmar Citizenship Law of 1982 through the Constitution in chapter 3,4,6 to grant citizenship to the Rohingyas and treat them with equality as other ethnic minorities in Myanmar. This will tackle the root cause of the Rohingyas’ migration which is induced by poverty caused and mal-treatment  from the denial of their citizenship.

With respect for human dignity

Bangkok, 14 May 2015

People’s Empowerment Foundation
Rohingya Club of Thailand
Equal Harmony Together Group

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