Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi became the first person to be stripped of honorary Canadian citizenship on Tuesday over her refusal to call out atrocities by her nation's military against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

The move was made official after Canada's Senate voted to revoke the symbolic honour.

The lower house had already approved a motion to the same effect last week.

The House of Commons granted the privilege to Suu Kyi in 2007, but her international reputation has since been tarnished by her refusal to call on the Burmese army to put an end to the atrocities committed against the Rohingya.

Canadian lawmakers described the violence against them as a "genocide" in a resolution passed in September.

The ethnic group are treated as foreigners in Burma, a country that is more than 90 per cent Buddhist.&nbsp;

A brutal military campaign that started last year drove more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they now live in cramped refugee camps -- fearful of returning despite a repatriation deal.

Many have given accounts of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and arson.

Canada has granted honorary citizenship only to five other personalities, including Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi became the first person to be stripped of honorary Canadian citizenship on Tuesday over her refusal to call out atrocities by her nation's military against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi became the first person to be stripped of honorary Canadian citizenship on Tuesday over her refusal to call out atrocities by her nation's military against the Rohingya Muslim minority. The move was made official after Canada's Senate voted to revoke the symbolic honour. The lower house had already approved a motion to the same effect last week. The House of Commons granted the privilege to Suu Kyi in 2007, but her international reputation has since been tarnished by her refusal to call on the Burmese army to put an end to the atrocities committed against the Rohingya. Canadian lawmakers described the violence against them as a "genocide" in a resolution passed in September. The ethnic group are treated as foreigners in Burma, a country that is more than 90 per cent Buddhist. A brutal military campaign that started last year drove more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they now live in cramped refugee camps -- fearful of returning despite a repatriation deal. Many have given accounts of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and arson. Canada has granted honorary citizenship only to five other personalities, including Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai.

Aung San Suu Kyi becomes first person stripped of honourary Canadian citizenship

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

The men have been held in prison in Assam state on charges of illegally entering India and are due to be sent back on October 3, the UN Special Rapporteur on racism, Tendayi Achiume, said Tuesday.

"Given the ethnic identity of the men, this is a flagrant denial of their right to protection and could amount to refoulement," the law professor said in a statement.

"The Indian government has an international legal obligation to fully acknowledge the institutionalised discrimination, persecution, hate and gross human rights violations these people have faced in their country of origin and provide them the necessary protection."

Achiume said New Delhi was obliged to refer Rohingyas under its custody to the UN refugee agency to assess their protection needs.

More than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled an offensive by Myanmar troops launched nearly a year ago in reprisal for attacks on border posts by Rohingya rebels who took up arms against the ill-treatment of the stateless minority.

The United Nations has termed the repression "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide".

Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents.

The UN expert said she was "appalled" at the amount of time the seven men from Kyauk Daw township in central Rakhine state had been detained.

"Prolonged detention of this kind is prohibited," Achiume said. "It could be considered arbitrary, and could even fall under the category of inhuman and degrading treatment."

The scheduled deportations follow an Indian government order last year to return Rohingyas, but the Supreme Court is still considering a petition challenging the order on the grounds it was unconstitutional.

The UN expert said nearly 200 Rohingyas are known to be detained in India on charges of illegal entry.

"We urge the government of India to abide by the international norm of non-refoulement and protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees including Rohingyas," she said.

While successive waves of Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh, small numbers have found their way to India and Nepal while a small community has also been established in Pakistan.

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority.

A United Nations legal expert has voiced concern over India's plan to deport on Wednesday seven Rohingyas to Myanmar where the army is accused of ethnic cleansing of the Muslim minority. The men have been held in prison in Assam state on charges of illegally entering India and are due to be sent back on October 3, the UN Special Rapporteur on racism, Tendayi Achiume, said Tuesday. "Given the ethnic identity of the men, this is a flagrant denial of their right to protection and could amount to refoulement," the law professor said in a statement. "The Indian government has an international legal obligation to fully acknowledge the institutionalised discrimination, persecution, hate and gross human rights violations these people have faced in their country of origin and provide them the necessary protection." Achiume said New Delhi was obliged to refer Rohingyas under its custody to the UN refugee agency to assess their protection needs. More than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled an offensive by Myanmar troops launched nearly a year ago in reprisal for attacks on border posts by Rohingya rebels who took up arms against the ill-treatment of the stateless minority. The United Nations has termed the repression "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide". Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents. The UN expert said she was "appalled" at the amount of time the seven men from Kyauk Daw township in central Rakhine state had been detained. "Prolonged detention of this kind is prohibited," Achiume said. "It could be considered arbitrary, and could even fall under the category of inhuman and degrading treatment." The scheduled deportations follow an Indian government order last year to return Rohingyas, but the Supreme Court is still considering a petition challenging the order on the grounds it was unconstitutional. The UN expert said nearly 200 Rohingyas are known to be detained in India on charges of illegal entry. "We urge the government of India to abide by the international norm of non-refoulement and protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees including Rohingyas," she said. While successive waves of Rohingyas have fled into Bangladesh, small numbers have found their way to India and Nepal while a small community has also been established in Pakistan.

UN expert voices fears for Rohingyas India is set to expel

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government.

Replying to a question on the alleged illegal procurement of various Indian identification cards such as Voter-ID and Aadhaar card, Rijiju said, "If anyone has procured Voter ID card illegally, action will be taken. It will be detected. The situation is not like before. Our government is strictly monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against any person who procures Voter ID or any other document by illegal means."

Responding to West Bengal Minister Purnendu Basu's claim of the Dum Dum Nagar Bazar blast being similar to the ones orchestrated by the RSS, Rijiju said, "They keep making statements like these. They speak so because of political reasons."

Rijiju also said that the activists who are under house arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case need to be explained that sloganeering against the country while being a part of the same country is not right. "Having an anti-national ideology is not the right thing," he added.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government. Replying to a question on the alleged illegal procurement of various Indian identification cards such as Voter-ID and Aadhaar card, Rijiju said, "If anyone has procured Voter ID card illegally, action will be taken. It will be detected. The situation is not like before. Our government is strictly monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against any person who procures Voter ID or any other document by illegal means." Responding to West Bengal Minister Purnendu Basu's claim of the Dum Dum Nagar Bazar blast being similar to the ones orchestrated by the RSS, Rijiju said, "They keep making statements like these. They speak so because of political reasons." Rijiju also said that the activists who are under house arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case need to be explained that sloganeering against the country while being a part of the same country is not right. "Having an anti-national ideology is not the right thing," he added.

Illegal ID procurement by Rohingyas won't be permitted: Kiren Rijiju

Southeast Asian foreign ministers have urged Myanmar to give a full mandate to an inquiry commission to hold accountable those responsible for the violence in Rakhine state, Singapore said on Tuesday.

The ministers, who met informally on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly last week, expressed grave concern over the violence, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament, calling it a "man-made humanitarian disaster".

Over the last year, more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN&nbsp;agencies, following a military response to attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents.&nbsp;

A recent UN&nbsp;report accused Myanmar`s military of gang rapes and mass killings with "genocidal intent" in Rakhine and called for its commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

Myanmar has denied most of the allegations in the report, blaming Rohingya "terrorists" for most accounts of atrocities.

"We expressed our grave concern with these alleged acts of violence... This is a man-made humanitarian disaster and something which should not be happening in this day and age," Balakrishnan said, referring to the meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar.

"The foreign ministers urged the Myanmar government that...an independent commission of inquiry...should be given a full mandate to investigate and to hold all those responsible fully accountable."

Singapore chairs ASEAN this year and regional leaders will meet next month in the city-state.

Myanmar`s government spokesman, Zaw Htay, did not answer telephone calls on Tuesday. Last month, he said he would no longer speak to the media over the phone but only at a biweekly conference.

In July, Myanmar established a commission of inquiry to probe allegations of human rights abuses in Rakhine, which includes two local and two international members from Japan and the Philippines.

ASEAN, formed more than half a century ago, has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to get involved in any matter deemed to be internal to any of its members.

The group`s recent statements on Rakhine have focused on the importance of the repatriation of displaced persons to Myanmar and reconciliation among communities.&nbsp;

But amid the international condemnation, it appears to be taking a firmer stance.

Balakrishnan said that if left to "fester", the situation in Rakhine could lead to the spread of terrorism which would threaten "Southeast Asia and beyond". 
"They (the Myanmar government) do need to do the right thing...for all the vulnerable, defenceless and innocent victims," said Balakrishnan.

In a recent interview, Malaysia`s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised Myanmar`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rohingya crisis, saying, "We don`t really support her anymore."

Southeast Asian foreign ministers have urged Myanmar to give a full mandate to an inquiry commission to hold accountable those responsible for the violence in Rakhine state, Singapore said on Tuesday.

Southeast Asian foreign ministers have urged Myanmar to give a full mandate to an inquiry commission to hold accountable those responsible for the violence in Rakhine state, Singapore said on Tuesday. The ministers, who met informally on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last week, expressed grave concern over the violence, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament, calling it a "man-made humanitarian disaster". Over the last year, more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to UN agencies, following a military response to attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents. A recent UN report accused Myanmar`s military of gang rapes and mass killings with "genocidal intent" in Rakhine and called for its commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. Myanmar has denied most of the allegations in the report, blaming Rohingya "terrorists" for most accounts of atrocities. "We expressed our grave concern with these alleged acts of violence... This is a man-made humanitarian disaster and something which should not be happening in this day and age," Balakrishnan said, referring to the meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar. "The foreign ministers urged the Myanmar government that...an independent commission of inquiry...should be given a full mandate to investigate and to hold all those responsible fully accountable." Singapore chairs ASEAN this year and regional leaders will meet next month in the city-state. Myanmar`s government spokesman, Zaw Htay, did not answer telephone calls on Tuesday. Last month, he said he would no longer speak to the media over the phone but only at a biweekly conference. In July, Myanmar established a commission of inquiry to probe allegations of human rights abuses in Rakhine, which includes two local and two international members from Japan and the Philippines. ASEAN, formed more than half a century ago, has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to get involved in any matter deemed to be internal to any of its members. The group`s recent statements on Rakhine have focused on the importance of the repatriation of displaced persons to Myanmar and reconciliation among communities. But amid the international condemnation, it appears to be taking a firmer stance. Balakrishnan said that if left to "fester", the situation in Rakhine could lead to the spread of terrorism which would threaten "Southeast Asia and beyond". "They (the Myanmar government) do need to do the right thing...for all the vulnerable, defenceless and innocent victims," said Balakrishnan. In a recent interview, Malaysia`s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised Myanmar`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi over her handling of the Rohingya crisis, saying, "We don`t really support her anymore."

Myanmar's neighbours urge accountability for Rakhine violence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-tsunami-death-toll-rises-rescue-operators-scramble-reach-quake-hit-areas-168782">Indonesia tsunami death toll rises as rescue operators scramble to reach quake-hit areas</a>

Rescue operations were hampered in earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami devasted homes and families on Friday night.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/james-p-allison-tasaku-honjo-win-nobel-prize-medicine-168761">James P Allison, Tasaku Honjo win Nobel Prize in medicine</a>

James P Allison, 70, and Tasaku Honjo, 76, of Japan have jointly won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine this year. The two winners have been given the top prize for their work in discovering cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-delays-plan-shift-rohingyas-remote-island-168762">Bangladesh delays plan to shift Rohingyas to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-delays-plan-shift-rohingyas-remote-island-168762">remote</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-delays-plan-shift-rohingyas-remote-island-168762"> island</a>

Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-iran-fires-missiles-militants-syria-over-parade-attack-168787">Watch: Iran fires missiles at militants in Syria over parade attack</a>

Iran fired missiles on Monday at militants in Syria it blamed for an attack in southwestern Iran on September 22, the Revolutionary Guards said, in what it called a sign of Tehran's readiness to punish its enemies' "wickedness".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lt-gen-asim-munir-likely-be-appointed-new-isi-chief-168767">Lt Gen Asim Munir likely to be appointed as new ISI chief</a>

Lt Gen Asim Munir is likely to be made the new chief of Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after &nbsp;Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, and four other three-star generals retired on Monday, reports said.&nbsp;

Indonesia tsunami death toll rises as rescue operators scramble to reach quake-hit areas Rescue operations were hampered in earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.

Indonesia tsunami death toll rises as rescue operators scramble to reach quake-hit areas Rescue operations were hampered in earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami devasted homes and families on Friday night. James P Allison, Tasaku Honjo win Nobel Prize in medicine James P Allison, 70, and Tasaku Honjo, 76, of Japan have jointly won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine this year. The two winners have been given the top prize for their work in discovering cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. Bangladesh delays plan to shift Rohingyas to remote island Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border. Watch: Iran fires missiles at militants in Syria over parade attack Iran fired missiles on Monday at militants in Syria it blamed for an attack in southwestern Iran on September 22, the Revolutionary Guards said, in what it called a sign of Tehran's readiness to punish its enemies' "wickedness". Lt Gen Asim Munir likely to be appointed as new ISI chief Lt Gen Asim Munir is likely to be made the new chief of Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI after Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, and four other three-star generals retired on Monday, reports said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The state governments will also need to submit a report with the Centre on the same after which the government will take appropriate measures with the government of Myanmar to get the issue resolved, Singh further added.&nbsp;

"States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated.&nbsp;

The comments came during Singh's visit to Kolkata to chair the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council.

The meeting was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that they'll send report to the Centre. Then Central govt will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar&amp;then we will get it resolved: HM Rajnath Singh on Rohingyas <a href="https://t.co/BDIR5jFZIr">pic.twitter.com/BDIR5jFZIr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1046685372040671232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Singh's statement comes a day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of Rohingya refugees in groups to Kerala and hand them over to police if they are found travelling on trains, ANI reported.&nbsp;

More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."&nbsp;

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported.

Union Minister Rajanath Singh on Monday noted that state governments have been directed to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics, news agency ANI reported. The state governments will also need to submit a report with the Centre on the same after which the government will take appropriate measures with the government of Myanmar to get the issue resolved, Singh further added. "States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that, they'll send a report to the Centre. Then the Central government will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar and we will get it resolved," the Home Minister stated. The comments came during Singh's visit to Kolkata to chair the 23rd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council. The meeting was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Jharkhand counterpart Raghubar Das and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi. States have been told to identify them (Rohingyas). They have to take their biometrics also. After that they'll send report to the Centre. Then Central govt will initiate action through diplomatic channels with Myanmar&then we will get it resolved: HM Rajnath Singh on Rohingyas pic.twitter.com/BDIR5jFZIr — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × Singh's statement comes a day after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) alerted the Kerala authorities to watch out for the movement of Rohingya refugees in groups to Kerala and hand them over to police if they are found travelling on trains, ANI reported. More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees. In June, the Home Ministry wrote a letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."

Rajnath Singh asks state governments to identify Rohingyas, collect biometric data

Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was slated to open the new settlement built to house 100,000 refugees on Bhashan Char on October 3, despite warnings the silty strip was prone to violent weather.

But a spokesman for Bangladesh's armed forces, which has overseen the $280 million-effort to transform the muddy islet into a habitable camp, said the opening ceremony had been delayed.

"We will announce a new date soon," Lieutenant Colonel Alamgir Kabir told AFP, without providing further details.

The controversial plan, first floated in 2015, was already well behind schedule.

Officials previously said they wanted to start moving refugees from overcrowded camps near the border with Myanmar to the island in June, before the monsoon season began.

A senior disaster management official told AFP in September that nearly three-quarters of the project was complete, with the navy fast-tracking construction of shelters and evacuation centres.

No reason was provided for the latest delay.

But the proposal to uproot the refugees to a remote island that only rose from the sea in 2006 remains unpopular in the teeming Rohingya camps.

The island is one hour by boat from the nearest land but violent storms make the journey by sea dangerous or sometimes impossible.

"It is cut off from the mainland. What if someone needs emergency medical attention?" said Rohingya community leader Abdul Gowffer.

The UN has insisted that any relocation to Bhashan Char be voluntary.

Local authorities have been seeking to reassure refugees that they will be safe on the island. "We are still working on it. We're talking to the families,"&nbsp; 
Bangladesh's Refugee Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP.

One million displaced Muslims live cheek by jowl on hillside shanties near the Myanmar border, in conditions aid groups warn put them at risk from floods, landslides and disease.

There was a further push to get the plan off the ground after 700,000 Rohingya, fleeing a violent crackdown in Myanmar in August last year, poured into southeast Bangladesh.

But rights groups have warned it is too risky to house refugees on the island. Hundreds of thousands have died in Bangladesh from natural disasters in the last 50 years, mostly in coastal areas near Bhashan Char.

Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) high embankment around the island they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone. But refugees remain wary.

"Any strong blow from a cyclone and, God forbid, the shelters would be wiped out," said a community leader, Mohammad Shoyeb.

Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border.

Bangladesh has postponed plans to begin relocating Rohingya Muslims to a remote island, officials said Monday, amid staunch opposition to the controversial idea among refugees living near the Myanmar border. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was slated to open the new settlement built to house 100,000 refugees on Bhashan Char on October 3, despite warnings the silty strip was prone to violent weather. But a spokesman for Bangladesh's armed forces, which has overseen the $280 million-effort to transform the muddy islet into a habitable camp, said the opening ceremony had been delayed. "We will announce a new date soon," Lieutenant Colonel Alamgir Kabir told AFP, without providing further details. The controversial plan, first floated in 2015, was already well behind schedule. Officials previously said they wanted to start moving refugees from overcrowded camps near the border with Myanmar to the island in June, before the monsoon season began. A senior disaster management official told AFP in September that nearly three-quarters of the project was complete, with the navy fast-tracking construction of shelters and evacuation centres. No reason was provided for the latest delay. But the proposal to uproot the refugees to a remote island that only rose from the sea in 2006 remains unpopular in the teeming Rohingya camps. The island is one hour by boat from the nearest land but violent storms make the journey by sea dangerous or sometimes impossible. "It is cut off from the mainland. What if someone needs emergency medical attention?" said Rohingya community leader Abdul Gowffer. The UN has insisted that any relocation to Bhashan Char be voluntary. Local authorities have been seeking to reassure refugees that they will be safe on the island. "We are still working on it. We're talking to the families," Bangladesh's Refugee Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP. One million displaced Muslims live cheek by jowl on hillside shanties near the Myanmar border, in conditions aid groups warn put them at risk from floods, landslides and disease. There was a further push to get the plan off the ground after 700,000 Rohingya, fleeing a violent crackdown in Myanmar in August last year, poured into southeast Bangladesh. But rights groups have warned it is too risky to house refugees on the island. Hundreds of thousands have died in Bangladesh from natural disasters in the last 50 years, mostly in coastal areas near Bhashan Char. Local officials have pointed to a newly-constructed three-metre (nine-feet) high embankment around the island they say will keep out tidal surges in the event of a cyclone. But refugees remain wary. "Any strong blow from a cyclone and, God forbid, the shelters would be wiped out," said a community leader, Mohammad Shoyeb.

Bangladesh delays plan to shift Rohingyas to remote island

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that the Rohingya people are one of the most discriminated against people in the world, emphasising that there must be accountability for the gross violations and abuses committed in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

According to the UN estimates, nearly 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 25 last year when the army launched a military crackdown.

"Addressing the systematic discrimination against the Rohingya in Myanmar is essential&nbsp;to ensure they have legal recognition, freedom of movement and equal access to education, health services, employment and other rights," UN Secretary-General Guterres told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of his three-day visit to India that begins Monday.

"There can be no peace and reconciliation without ensuring that all people in Myanmar&nbsp;regardless of their ethnicity or religion ? can have equal enjoyment of their rights," Guterres said.

Responding to a question on the worsening Rohingya crisis, Guterres said he had visited Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh in July this year and had met with refugees and heard "heartbreaking" stories of massive violence&nbsp;of killings, of rape, of torture, of house or villages burnt. As High Commissioner for Refugees, Guterres had twice visited Northern Rakhine state.

Almost a million Rohingya refugees live in Cox's Bazar under tarpaulins, on steep, sandy slopes 25,000 of whom are said to be at the highest risk of landslides.

"I have no doubt that the Rohingya people are one of the most, if not the most, discriminated against people in the world, lacking any recognition of their most basic rights, starting with the recognition of their right to citizenship by their own country&nbsp;Myanmar," he said.

In April, Guterres had appointed Christine Schraner Burgener as his Special Envoy on Myanmar.&nbsp;

She is undertaking a process of broad consultations, including with the Government and the military, and with civil society, women's groups and Member

States in the region and beyond to help address the pressing situation in Rakhine State, advance the peace process and support broader democratization and human rights issues.

Guterres called on "accountability" for the gross violations and abuses committed in the Rakhine State.&nbsp;

"Holding perpetrators accountable is critical to end the cycle of violence and prevent the recurrence of violations, to give Rohingya refugees the confidence to return to Myanmar to rebuild their lives, and to give hope for a new future to those who remain in Rakhine," he said.

The UN has called for different accountability options to be considered, he said adding that very strong recommendations have been made by the UN

Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar appointed by the Human Rights Council. Effective international cooperation will be critical to ensuring that accountability mechanisms are credible, transparent, impartial, independent and comply with Myanmar's obligations under international law, Guterres said.

This August marked one year since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people fled persecution and violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Bangladesh now hosts nearly one million refugees, most of whom are Rohingya women and children who have taken refuge since the start of the violence.

Myanmar does not recognise Rohingya as an ethnic group and insists that they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country. 
Guterres further said that the world faces urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to armed conflict and intolerance, especially targeting migrants and refugees.&nbsp;

"We must raise our ambition across the board. But this is also an era in which we have the technology, the knowledge and the wealth to move our world forward leaving no one behind."

"At a time of fragmentation and polarisation, the world must be reminded of the value of international cooperation," he said.

He made a call to harness the power of diversity, with people of different traditions and backgrounds coming together at the United Nations to share burdens, solve problems and seize opportunities, to resolve today's complex challenges. "We must continue to heed that voice of grace and reason&nbsp;that voice of morality and solidarity. Our world needs it now more than ever,"&nbsp;he said in the email interview.&nbsp;

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that the Rohingya people are one of the most discriminated against people in the world, emphasising that there must be accountability for the gross violations and abuses committed in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that the Rohingya people are one of the most discriminated against people in the world, emphasising that there must be accountability for the gross violations and abuses committed in Myanmar's Rakhine state. According to the UN estimates, nearly 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state since August 25 last year when the army launched a military crackdown. "Addressing the systematic discrimination against the Rohingya in Myanmar is essential to ensure they have legal recognition, freedom of movement and equal access to education, health services, employment and other rights," UN Secretary-General Guterres told PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of his three-day visit to India that begins Monday. "There can be no peace and reconciliation without ensuring that all people in Myanmar regardless of their ethnicity or religion ? can have equal enjoyment of their rights," Guterres said. Responding to a question on the worsening Rohingya crisis, Guterres said he had visited Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh in July this year and had met with refugees and heard "heartbreaking" stories of massive violence of killings, of rape, of torture, of house or villages burnt. As High Commissioner for Refugees, Guterres had twice visited Northern Rakhine state. Almost a million Rohingya refugees live in Cox's Bazar under tarpaulins, on steep, sandy slopes 25,000 of whom are said to be at the highest risk of landslides. "I have no doubt that the Rohingya people are one of the most, if not the most, discriminated against people in the world, lacking any recognition of their most basic rights, starting with the recognition of their right to citizenship by their own country Myanmar," he said. In April, Guterres had appointed Christine Schraner Burgener as his Special Envoy on Myanmar. She is undertaking a process of broad consultations, including with the Government and the military, and with civil society, women's groups and Member States in the region and beyond to help address the pressing situation in Rakhine State, advance the peace process and support broader democratization and human rights issues. Guterres called on "accountability" for the gross violations and abuses committed in the Rakhine State. "Holding perpetrators accountable is critical to end the cycle of violence and prevent the recurrence of violations, to give Rohingya refugees the confidence to return to Myanmar to rebuild their lives, and to give hope for a new future to those who remain in Rakhine," he said. The UN has called for different accountability options to be considered, he said adding that very strong recommendations have been made by the UN Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar appointed by the Human Rights Council. Effective international cooperation will be critical to ensuring that accountability mechanisms are credible, transparent, impartial, independent and comply with Myanmar's obligations under international law, Guterres said. This August marked one year since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people fled persecution and violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh. Bangladesh now hosts nearly one million refugees, most of whom are Rohingya women and children who have taken refuge since the start of the violence. Myanmar does not recognise Rohingya as an ethnic group and insists that they are Bangladeshi migrants living illegally in the country. Guterres further said that the world faces urgent challenges, from climate change and inequality to armed conflict and intolerance, especially targeting migrants and refugees. "We must raise our ambition across the board. But this is also an era in which we have the technology, the knowledge and the wealth to move our world forward leaving no one behind." "At a time of fragmentation and polarisation, the world must be reminded of the value of international cooperation," he said. He made a call to harness the power of diversity, with people of different traditions and backgrounds coming together at the United Nations to share burdens, solve problems and seize opportunities, to resolve today's complex challenges. "We must continue to heed that voice of grace and reason that voice of morality and solidarity. Our world needs it now more than ever," he said in the email interview.

There must be accountability for gross violations, abuses committed in Rakhine state: UN chief

As the United Nations voted to establish <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-legislators-symbolic-move-vote-strip-myanmars-suu-kyi-citizenship-168059">a body to find evidence of human</a> rights abuses in Myanmar, China said the issue should not be "internationalised".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-almost-doubles-aid-rohingya-bangladesh-myanmar-nikki-haley-167498">Also Read:&nbsp;Aid doubled for Rohingyas in Bangladesh, Myanmar, says&nbsp;Nikki Haley&nbsp;</a>

China, the Philippines and Burundi voted against the UN move to institute a body to look into crimes against Rohingyas in Myanmar.

The 47-member Council voted by 35 votes to three, with seven abstentions, in favour of a resolution brought by the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. However, Myanmar ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said the resolution was based on the report of a UN fact-finding mission (FFM) that his government had categorically rejected.

"The Rakhine state issue is, in essence, an issue between Myanmar and Bangladesh. China does not approve of complicating, expanding or internationalising this issue," China's State Councillor Wang Yi said.

China hopes that Myanmar and Bangladesh can find a resolution via talks, and China is willing to continue to help provide a platform for this communication, Wang added.

Echoing China's stand, Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said the draft resolution was based on "serious but unverified accusations and recommendations" by the FFM that could endanger the national unity of the country.

Both the UN and the US have accused the Myanmar government of "ethnic cleansing" against Rohingyas with the US government imposing sanctions against a number of Myanmar generals.

Chinese diplomat Chen Cheng had told the Council that Beijing opposed the resolution because it was very likely to exacerbate&nbsp;tensions. "This is in no one's interest," he said.

The US State Department report on Monday had said Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gangrapes and other atrocities against the Rohingyas.

"The international community, including the United Nations, can also play a constructive role on this," China's Wang added.

Meanwhile, Canada's Parliament voted unanimously on Thursday to strip Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary Canadian citizenship over the Rohingya crisis.

Human rights groups have put the death toll in the thousands from the military crackdown which allegedly began in August, 25th last year.

As the United Nations voted to establish a body to find evidence of human rights abuses in Myanmar, China said the issue should not be "internationalised". Also Read: Aid doubled for Rohingyas in Bangladesh, Myanmar, says Nikki Haley China, the Philippines and Burundi voted against the UN move to institute a body to look into crimes against Rohingyas in Myanmar.

As the United Nations voted to establish a body to find evidence of human rights abuses in Myanmar, China said the issue should not be "internationalised". Also Read: Aid doubled for Rohingyas in Bangladesh, Myanmar, says Nikki Haley China, the Philippines and Burundi voted against the UN move to institute a body to look into crimes against Rohingyas in Myanmar. The 47-member Council voted by 35 votes to three, with seven abstentions, in favour of a resolution brought by the European Union and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. However, Myanmar ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said the resolution was based on the report of a UN fact-finding mission (FFM) that his government had categorically rejected. "The Rakhine state issue is, in essence, an issue between Myanmar and Bangladesh. China does not approve of complicating, expanding or internationalising this issue," China's State Councillor Wang Yi said. China hopes that Myanmar and Bangladesh can find a resolution via talks, and China is willing to continue to help provide a platform for this communication, Wang added. Echoing China's stand, Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said the draft resolution was based on "serious but unverified accusations and recommendations" by the FFM that could endanger the national unity of the country. Both the UN and the US have accused the Myanmar government of "ethnic cleansing" against Rohingyas with the US government imposing sanctions against a number of Myanmar generals. Chinese diplomat Chen Cheng had told the Council that Beijing opposed the resolution because it was very likely to exacerbate tensions. "This is in no one's interest," he said. The US State Department report on Monday had said Myanmar's military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gangrapes and other atrocities against the Rohingyas. "The international community, including the United Nations, can also play a constructive role on this," China's Wang added. Meanwhile, Canada's Parliament voted unanimously on Thursday to strip Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi of her honorary Canadian citizenship over the Rohingya crisis. Human rights groups have put the death toll in the thousands from the military crackdown which allegedly began in August, 25th last year.

Rohingya issue should not be internationalised: China at UN

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Myanmar's government to take concrete steps to investigate human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims and hold accountable members of its security forces and others for any involvement in those actions, a State Department official said on Friday.

Pompeo, meeting Myanmar minister Kyaw Tint Swe on Thursday at the UN General Assembly gathering in New York, also reiterated US calls for Myanmar to immediately free two jailed Reuters reporters, according to a State Department summary seen by Reuters.

The meeting followed the recent release of two US and UN reports chronicling atrocities in the military crackdown last year, which sent in which almost 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Myanmar's government to take concrete steps to investigate human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims and hold accountable members of its security forces and others for any involvement in those actions, a State Department official said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Myanmar's government to take concrete steps to investigate human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims and hold accountable members of its security forces and others for any involvement in those actions, a State Department official said on Friday. Pompeo, meeting Myanmar minister Kyaw Tint Swe on Thursday at the UN General Assembly gathering in New York, also reiterated US calls for Myanmar to immediately free two jailed Reuters reporters, according to a State Department summary seen by Reuters. The meeting followed the recent release of two US and UN reports chronicling atrocities in the military crackdown last year, which sent in which almost 700,000 minority Rohingya Muslims fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh.

US urges Myanmar to hold security forces accountable in Rohingya crackdown

United States Ambassador to United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Monday announced White House's decision to almost double&nbsp;its aid for displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Haley said the United States would give an extra $185 million, of which $156 million would go to refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, taking its total humanitarian aid for the crisis to nearly $389 million in the past year.

Over 700,000 Rohingyas crossed the border to Bangladesh after a Myanmar military crackdown unleashed in the western state of Rakhine last year.

UN-mandated investigators have said the military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent." Myanmar rejected the findings as "one-sided" and said it was a legitimate counterinsurgency operation.

Meanwhile, a US government investigation has found that Myanmar’s military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Southeast Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority.

The US State Department report, reviewed by Reuters ahead of its expected public release on Monday, could be used to justify further US sanctions or other punitive measures against Myanmar authorities, said US officials.

The findings resulted from more than a thousand interviews of Rohingya men and women in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, where almost 700,000 Rohingya have fled after a military campaign last year in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

“The survey reveals that the recent violence in northern Rakhine State was extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents,” according to the 20-page report. “The scope and scale of the military’s operations indicate they were well-planned and coordinated.”

 
(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

United States Ambassador to United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Monday announced White House's decision to almost double its aid for displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

United States Ambassador to United Nations, Nikki Haley, on Monday announced White House's decision to almost double its aid for displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Haley said the United States would give an extra $185 million, of which $156 million would go to refugees and host communities in Bangladesh, taking its total humanitarian aid for the crisis to nearly $389 million in the past year. Over 700,000 Rohingyas crossed the border to Bangladesh after a Myanmar military crackdown unleashed in the western state of Rakhine last year. UN-mandated investigators have said the military carried out mass killings and gang rapes of Rohingya with "genocidal intent." Myanmar rejected the findings as "one-sided" and said it was a legitimate counterinsurgency operation. Meanwhile, a US government investigation has found that Myanmar’s military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Southeast Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority. The US State Department report, reviewed by Reuters ahead of its expected public release on Monday, could be used to justify further US sanctions or other punitive measures against Myanmar authorities, said US officials. The findings resulted from more than a thousand interviews of Rohingya men and women in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, where almost 700,000 Rohingya have fled after a military campaign last year in Myanmar's Rakhine State. “The survey reveals that the recent violence in northern Rakhine State was extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents,” according to the 20-page report. “The scope and scale of the military’s operations indicate they were well-planned and coordinated.” (With inputs from Reuters)

Aid doubled for Rohingyas in Bangladesh, Myanmar: Nikki Haley 

A US&nbsp;government investigation has found that Myanmar’s military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Southeast Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority.

The US&nbsp;State Department report, reviewed by Reuters ahead of its expected public release on Monday, could be used to justify further US&nbsp;sanctions or other punitive measures against Myanmar authorities, said US&nbsp;officials.

But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that other US&nbsp;officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month.

The findings resulted from more than a thousand interviews of Rohingya men and women in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, where almost 700,000 Rohingya have fled after a military campaign last year in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

“The survey reveals that the recent violence in northern Rakhine State was extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents,” according to the 20-page report. “The scope and scale of the military’s operations indicate they were well-planned and coordinated.”

Survivors described in harrowing detail what they had witnessed, including soldiers killing infants and small children, the shooting of unarmed men, and victims buried alive or thrown into pits of mass graves. They described widespread sexual assault by Myanmar’s military of Rohingya women, often carried out in public.

One witness described four Rohingya girls who were abducted, tied up with ropes and raped for three days. They were left "half dead," he said, according to the report.

Human rights groups and Rohingya activists have put the death toll in the thousands from the crackdown, which was sparked by attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security forces in Rakhine State in August 2017.

UN report found 'genocidal intent'

The results of the US&nbsp;investigation were being released nearly a month after UN&nbsp;investigators issued their own report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

The military in Myanmar, also known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

US&nbsp;Senior State Department officials said the objective of the investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts" on the atrocities to guide US&nbsp;policy aimed at holding the perpetrators accountable, but the report proposes no new steps.

One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it would be up to US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo whether to make such a "legal" designation in the future and did not rule out the possibility.

A declaration of genocide by the US&nbsp;government, which has only gone as far as labelling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar.

The International Criminal Court last week said it had begun an examination of whether the alleged forced deportations of Rohingya could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Asked whether the new US&nbsp;findings could be used to bolster such international prosecution, the State Department official said no decision had been made on seeking "judicial accountability" over the Rohingya crisis.

Sarah Margon, director of the Washington office of Human Right Watch, said: "What's missing now is a clear indication of whether the US&nbsp;government intends to pursue meaningful accountability and help ensure justice for so many victims."

"The stories from some refugees show a pattern of planning and pre-meditation" by the military and other attackers, the report said, citing confiscation in advance of knives and other tools that could be used as weapons.

About 80 per cent of refugees surveyed said they witnessed a killing, most often by military or police, according to the report.

“Reports of mutilation included the cutting and spreading of entrails, severed limbs or hands/feet, pulling out nails or burning beards and genitals to force a confession, or being burned alive," the report said.

In a few cases, witnesses said Rohingya were either killed in pits bulldozed by the military or buried alive.

The State Department’s investigation was modelled on a US&nbsp;forensic examination of mass atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region in 2004, which led to a US&nbsp;declaration of genocide that culminated in sanctions against the Sudanese government.

The Trump administration, which has been criticized by human rights groups and some US&nbsp;lawmakers for a cautious response to Myanmar, could now face added pressure to take a tougher stand.

The United States on Monday announced it was almost doubling its aid for displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Myanmar, with an extra $185 million.

Any stiffer measures against Myanmar authorities could be tempered though by US&nbsp;concerns about complicating relations between civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the powerful military which might push Myanmar closer to China.

The US&nbsp;government on Aug. 17 imposed sanctions on four military and police commanders and two army units but Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, was spared. Further targeted sanctions have been under consideration, officials said earlier.

The Rohingya, who regard themselves as native to Rakhine state, are widely considered as interlopers by Myanmar's Buddhist majority and are denied citizenship.

A US government investigation has found that Myanmar’s military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Southeast Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority.

A US government investigation has found that Myanmar’s military waged a "well-planned and coordinated" campaign of mass killings, gang rapes and other atrocities against the Southeast Asian nation’s Rohingya Muslim minority. The US State Department report, reviewed by Reuters ahead of its expected public release on Monday, could be used to justify further US sanctions or other punitive measures against Myanmar authorities, said US officials. But it stopped short of describing the crackdown as genocide or crimes against humanity, an issue that other US officials said was the subject of fierce internal debate that delayed the report's rollout for nearly a month. The findings resulted from more than a thousand interviews of Rohingya men and women in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh, where almost 700,000 Rohingya have fled after a military campaign last year in Myanmar's Rakhine State. “The survey reveals that the recent violence in northern Rakhine State was extreme, large-scale, widespread, and seemingly geared toward both terrorizing the population and driving out the Rohingya residents,” according to the 20-page report. “The scope and scale of the military’s operations indicate they were well-planned and coordinated.” Survivors described in harrowing detail what they had witnessed, including soldiers killing infants and small children, the shooting of unarmed men, and victims buried alive or thrown into pits of mass graves. They described widespread sexual assault by Myanmar’s military of Rohingya women, often carried out in public. One witness described four Rohingya girls who were abducted, tied up with ropes and raped for three days. They were left "half dead," he said, according to the report. Human rights groups and Rohingya activists have put the death toll in the thousands from the crackdown, which was sparked by attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security forces in Rakhine State in August 2017. UN report found 'genocidal intent' The results of the US investigation were being released nearly a month after UN investigators issued their own report accusing Myanmar’s military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the country’s commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. The military in Myanmar, also known as Burma, where Buddhism is the main religion, has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism. US Senior State Department officials said the objective of the investigation was not to determine genocide but to "document the facts" on the atrocities to guide US policy aimed at holding the perpetrators accountable, but the report proposes no new steps. One of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it would be up to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo whether to make such a "legal" designation in the future and did not rule out the possibility. A declaration of genocide by the US government, which has only gone as far as labelling the crackdown "ethnic cleansing," could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar. The International Criminal Court last week said it had begun an examination of whether the alleged forced deportations of Rohingya could constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. Asked whether the new US findings could be used to bolster such international prosecution, the State Department official said no decision had been made on seeking "judicial accountability" over the Rohingya crisis. Sarah Margon, director of the Washington office of Human Right Watch, said: "What's missing now is a clear indication of whether the US government intends to pursue meaningful accountability and help ensure justice for so many victims." "The stories from some refugees show a pattern of planning and pre-meditation" by the military and other attackers, the report said, citing confiscation in advance of knives and other tools that could be used as weapons. About 80 per cent of refugees surveyed said they witnessed a killing, most often by military or police, according to the report. “Reports of mutilation included the cutting and spreading of entrails, severed limbs or hands/feet, pulling out nails or burning beards and genitals to force a confession, or being burned alive," the report said. In a few cases, witnesses said Rohingya were either killed in pits bulldozed by the military or buried alive. The State Department’s investigation was modelled on a US forensic examination of mass atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region in 2004, which led to a US declaration of genocide that culminated in sanctions against the Sudanese government. The Trump administration, which has been criticized by human rights groups and some US lawmakers for a cautious response to Myanmar, could now face added pressure to take a tougher stand. The United States on Monday announced it was almost doubling its aid for displaced Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Myanmar, with an extra $185 million. Any stiffer measures against Myanmar authorities could be tempered though by US concerns about complicating relations between civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the powerful military which might push Myanmar closer to China. The US government on Aug. 17 imposed sanctions on four military and police commanders and two army units but Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, was spared. Further targeted sanctions have been under consideration, officials said earlier. The Rohingya, who regard themselves as native to Rakhine state, are widely considered as interlopers by Myanmar's Buddhist majority and are denied citizenship.

US accuses Myanmar military of 'planned and coordinated' Rohingya atrocities

Myanmar's powerful army chief said the United Nations had no right to interfere in the sovereignty of his country, a week after UN investigators called for him and other top generals to be prosecuted for "genocide" against the Rohingya.

The defiant response is the army chief's first public reaction since a UN fact-finding mission urged the Security Council to refer Myanmar's top military brass to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Min Aung Hlaing also shrugged off demands from the UN for the army to get out of political life in Myanmar, where it remains hugely influential despite a nominal transition to civilian rule in 2011.

No country, organisation or group has the "right to interfere in and make decision over sovereignty of a country", military-run newspaper Myawady reported Min telling troops in a speech Sunday.

"Talks to meddle in internal affairs (cause) misunderstanding."

The 444-page UN probe report, compiled over 18 months, outlined in meticulous and searing detail claims of atrocities against the Rohingya, who fled a violent military campaign that started in August last year.

Troops, sometimes aided by ethnic Rakhine mobs, committed murder, rape, arson and torture, using unfathomable levels of violence and with a total disregard for human life, investigators concluded.

More than 700,000 of the stateless Muslim minority took refuge in Bangladesh, where they remain, fearful of returning to Myanmar despite a repatriation deal between the two countries.

The military has denied nearly all wrongdoing, justifying its crackdown as a legitimate means of rooting out Rohingya militants.

But rights groups and the UN say the operations were vastly disproportionate and that a troop build-up in the area occurred before insurgents attacked police posts in August 2017.

Army 'will continue' efforts

In a further ratcheting up of pressure on Myanmar, the ICC independently ruled that it had jurisdiction to open a preliminary investigation, even though the country has not signed the treaty underpinning the court.

Analysts say, however, that any road to prosecution would be long and fraught with political difficulties.

Last month Facebook removed the pages of Min Aung Hlaing and other top generals, accusing them of sowing ethnic divisions in a country where the social media platform enjoys excessive influence.

Myanmar's civilian government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, rejected the UN report's finding as "one-sided" and "flawed" and dismissed the ICC's authority.

Suu Kyi's government shares power with the still-mighty army, which retains control over a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries.

The UN team also criticised the Nobel Laureate's government for "acts and omissions" that had "contributed to the commission of atrocity crimes".

In a rare, if understated, criticism of the military, Suu Kyi recently said that the Rakhine crisis "could have been handled better".

The army chief made it clear that the Tatmadaw, as the military is known locally, has no intention to extract itself from politics.

"Take a look at the democracy practices in the world, the countries exercise the democracy system suited to them," he said, adding that the country needs to end armed conflict on its road to true multi-party democracy.

"The Tatmadaw will continue its efforts to achieve eternal peace," he said.

The Rohingya languishing in refugee camps in Bangladesh refuse to return to a Myanmar that does not grant them citizenship.&nbsp;

In his speech the army chief doubled down on the narrative widely held in Myanmar that the minority are outsiders, calling them "Bengalis" and insisting that the law, which does not recognise the group among the country's many ethnicities, will remain in place.&nbsp;

Myanmar's powerful army chief said the United Nations had no right to interfere in the sovereignty of his country, a week after UN investigators called for him and other top generals to be prosecuted for "genocide" against the Rohingya.

Myanmar's powerful army chief said the United Nations had no right to interfere in the sovereignty of his country, a week after UN investigators called for him and other top generals to be prosecuted for "genocide" against the Rohingya. The defiant response is the army chief's first public reaction since a UN fact-finding mission urged the Security Council to refer Myanmar's top military brass to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Min Aung Hlaing also shrugged off demands from the UN for the army to get out of political life in Myanmar, where it remains hugely influential despite a nominal transition to civilian rule in 2011. No country, organisation or group has the "right to interfere in and make decision over sovereignty of a country", military-run newspaper Myawady reported Min telling troops in a speech Sunday. "Talks to meddle in internal affairs (cause) misunderstanding." The 444-page UN probe report, compiled over 18 months, outlined in meticulous and searing detail claims of atrocities against the Rohingya, who fled a violent military campaign that started in August last year. Troops, sometimes aided by ethnic Rakhine mobs, committed murder, rape, arson and torture, using unfathomable levels of violence and with a total disregard for human life, investigators concluded. More than 700,000 of the stateless Muslim minority took refuge in Bangladesh, where they remain, fearful of returning to Myanmar despite a repatriation deal between the two countries. The military has denied nearly all wrongdoing, justifying its crackdown as a legitimate means of rooting out Rohingya militants. But rights groups and the UN say the operations were vastly disproportionate and that a troop build-up in the area occurred before insurgents attacked police posts in August 2017. Army 'will continue' efforts In a further ratcheting up of pressure on Myanmar, the ICC independently ruled that it had jurisdiction to open a preliminary investigation, even though the country has not signed the treaty underpinning the court. Analysts say, however, that any road to prosecution would be long and fraught with political difficulties. Last month Facebook removed the pages of Min Aung Hlaing and other top generals, accusing them of sowing ethnic divisions in a country where the social media platform enjoys excessive influence. Myanmar's civilian government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, rejected the UN report's finding as "one-sided" and "flawed" and dismissed the ICC's authority. Suu Kyi's government shares power with the still-mighty army, which retains control over a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries. The UN team also criticised the Nobel Laureate's government for "acts and omissions" that had "contributed to the commission of atrocity crimes". In a rare, if understated, criticism of the military, Suu Kyi recently said that the Rakhine crisis "could have been handled better". The army chief made it clear that the Tatmadaw, as the military is known locally, has no intention to extract itself from politics. "Take a look at the democracy practices in the world, the countries exercise the democracy system suited to them," he said, adding that the country needs to end armed conflict on its road to true multi-party democracy. "The Tatmadaw will continue its efforts to achieve eternal peace," he said. The Rohingya languishing in refugee camps in Bangladesh refuse to return to a Myanmar that does not grant them citizenship. In his speech the army chief doubled down on the narrative widely held in Myanmar that the minority are outsiders, calling them "Bengalis" and insisting that the law, which does not recognise the group among the country's many ethnicities, will remain in place.

Rohingya crisis: UN should not 'interfere' says Myanmar army chief

Canadian lawmakers on Thursday unanimously voted to declare Myanmar's military against the Rohingya people a "genocide."

The House of Commons endorsed the findings of a UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar that found "crimes against humanity have been committed against the Rohingya" and that these acts were sanctioned by top Myanmar military commanders.

In a motion, Canadian lawmakers said they "recognize that these crimes against the Rohingya constitute genocide" and urged the UN Security Council to refer the case to the International Criminal Court, while also calling for Myanmar's generals to be investigated and prosecuted "for the crime of genocide."

"I want to underscore how tragic, how horrific the crimes against the Rohingya are," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. "We are leading an international effort for justice and accountability for the Rohingya."

"Today's unanimous motion is a very important step in that effort."

A brutal military campaign drove more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they now live in cramped refugee camps.

Many have given accounts of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and arson.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement last year to repatriate the Muslim minority -- but it has stalled as the Rohingya fear returning to Rakhine without their safety and rights guaranteed.

Canadian lawmakers on Thursday unanimously voted to declare Myanmar's military against the Rohingya people a "genocide." The House of Commons endorsed the findings of a UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar that found "crimes against humanity have been committed against the Rohingya" and that these acts were sanctioned by top Myanmar military commanders.

Canadian lawmakers on Thursday unanimously voted to declare Myanmar's military against the Rohingya people a "genocide." The House of Commons endorsed the findings of a UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar that found "crimes against humanity have been committed against the Rohingya" and that these acts were sanctioned by top Myanmar military commanders. In a motion, Canadian lawmakers said they "recognize that these crimes against the Rohingya constitute genocide" and urged the UN Security Council to refer the case to the International Criminal Court, while also calling for Myanmar's generals to be investigated and prosecuted "for the crime of genocide." "I want to underscore how tragic, how horrific the crimes against the Rohingya are," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said. "We are leading an international effort for justice and accountability for the Rohingya." "Today's unanimous motion is a very important step in that effort." A brutal military campaign drove more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they now live in cramped refugee camps. Many have given accounts of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and arson. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement last year to repatriate the Muslim minority -- but it has stalled as the Rohingya fear returning to Rakhine without their safety and rights guaranteed.

Canada lawmakers declare Myanmar Rohingya killings 'genocide'

At least 14 people were killed and several others went missing today as torrential rains triggered landslides near camps housing over one million Rohingya refugees in southeast Bangladesh.

The landslides triggered by heavy rains washed away several homes and shelters in the districts of Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati - both bordering Myanmar from where some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled into the country due to a military crackdown.

Heavy rains have caused severe structural damage to camps. So far, more than 9,000 have been affected and the number is expected to rise as the monsoon rains, which lashed the camps for the last two days, continue.

At least twelve people were killed in landslides in different areas of the hilly district of Rangamati while two people were killed in Cox’s Bazar. 
 
Rangamati Civil Surgeon Shahid Talukder said the victims could not be identified yet and rescue and relief teams were struggling to reach people due to difficult terrain.

Most of the victims were buried under mud when surrounding hills gave way after a deluge.&nbsp

Officials said that the death toll could increase in Rangamati district, which has been cut off from the rest of the country due to debris on the roads caused by landslides.&nbsp 
 
A senior official in Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commission, said that around 1,500 shacks have been damaged or destroyed since the weekend due to the rain.&nbsp

More than 30,000 camp residents are still living in areas considered to be at high risk of deadly flooding and landslide.&nbsp 
 
On this day a year ago, landslides struck the Rangamati district killing more than 100 people.&nbsp

The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority community in Myanmar, where most citizens are Buddhist. The majority of those in Bangladesh began arriving in the wake of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state which began last August.&nbsp 
&nbsp

&nbsp

Heavy rains have caused severe structural damage to camps. So far, more than 9,000 have been affected and the number is expected to rise as the monsoon rains, which lashed the camps for the last two days, continue

At least 14 people were killed and several others went missing today as torrential rains triggered landslides near camps housing over one million Rohingya refugees in southeast Bangladesh. The landslides triggered by heavy rains washed away several homes and shelters in the districts of Cox’s Bazar and Rangamati - both bordering Myanmar from where some 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled into the country due to a military crackdown. Heavy rains have caused severe structural damage to camps. So far, more than 9,000 have been affected and the number is expected to rise as the monsoon rains, which lashed the camps for the last two days, continue. At least twelve people were killed in landslides in different areas of the hilly district of Rangamati while two people were killed in Cox’s Bazar. Rangamati Civil Surgeon Shahid Talukder said the victims could not be identified yet and rescue and relief teams were struggling to reach people due to difficult terrain. Most of the victims were buried under mud when surrounding hills gave way after a deluge. Officials said that the death toll could increase in Rangamati district, which has been cut off from the rest of the country due to debris on the roads caused by landslides. A senior official in Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commission, said that around 1,500 shacks have been damaged or destroyed since the weekend due to the rain. More than 30,000 camp residents are still living in areas considered to be at high risk of deadly flooding and landslide. On this day a year ago, landslides struck the Rangamati district killing more than 100 people. The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority community in Myanmar, where most citizens are Buddhist. The majority of those in Bangladesh began arriving in the wake of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state which began last August.

14 killed as landslides sweep away Rohingya shelters in Bangladesh

US-backed Radio Free Asia has pulled broadcasts from a television channel in Myanmar after the government tried to ban the word "Rohingya" on its shows.

Myanmar labels the persecuted Muslim minority "Bengalis" as it does not recognise the Rohingya as native to the country, and bristles when the word is used in media coverage.

Radio Free Asia made the decision to stop airing its Burmese broadcasts with local network Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), which airs on state television.

The move came after the government told DVB that they could not carry content with the word "Rohingya," referring to Radio Free Asia's coverage.

The president of RFA Libby Liu said complying with Myanmar's order would be "inaccurate and disingenuous to both our product and our audience" in a statement posted online Monday .

"RFA will continue to refer to the Rohingya as the 'Rohingya’ in our reports," she said, adding that forbidding the usage was an "Orwellian step".

RFA said it will continue its coverage of Myanmar on radio and social media platforms such as Facebook.

The Democratic Voice of Burma worked in exile during military rule but came back after Myanmar launched political reforms in 2011 that included the abolition of pre-publication censorship.

It was one of a handful of companies recently granted new television licenses by the government and started broadcasting on the state-controlled MRTV channel in April.

Toe Zaw Latt, Myanmar bureau chief for DVB, said his office had received an official letter from MRTV complaining about the "controversial" word.

"If the government platform doesn't want it, we have to obey," he said, adding that the decision would not affect content carried via satellite or their website.

Aung Hla Tun, the Deputy Minister of Information, told AFP that news outlets can use whatever house style they want, "but when they use our TV, they have to accept ours".

"As you know, 'Rohingya' is such a controversial term here," he added.

The stateless Rohingya Muslim community has suffered decades of apartheid-like conditions in largely Buddhist Myanmar, which claims they are illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since last August after a military crackdown the US and UN have said amounted to ethnic cleansing.

Both countries have signed a repatriation agreement but Rohingya say they do not want to return en masse unless they are guaranteed safety, citizenship and rights.

The president of RFA Libby Liu said complying with Myanmar's order would be "inaccurate and disingenuous to both our product and our audience"

US-backed Radio Free Asia has pulled broadcasts from a television channel in Myanmar after the government tried to ban the word "Rohingya" on its shows. Myanmar labels the persecuted Muslim minority "Bengalis" as it does not recognise the Rohingya as native to the country, and bristles when the word is used in media coverage. Radio Free Asia made the decision to stop airing its Burmese broadcasts with local network Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), which airs on state television. The move came after the government told DVB that they could not carry content with the word "Rohingya," referring to Radio Free Asia's coverage. The president of RFA Libby Liu said complying with Myanmar's order would be "inaccurate and disingenuous to both our product and our audience" in a statement posted online Monday . "RFA will continue to refer to the Rohingya as the 'Rohingya’ in our reports," she said, adding that forbidding the usage was an "Orwellian step". RFA said it will continue its coverage of Myanmar on radio and social media platforms such as Facebook. The Democratic Voice of Burma worked in exile during military rule but came back after Myanmar launched political reforms in 2011 that included the abolition of pre-publication censorship. It was one of a handful of companies recently granted new television licenses by the government and started broadcasting on the state-controlled MRTV channel in April. Toe Zaw Latt, Myanmar bureau chief for DVB, said his office had received an official letter from MRTV complaining about the "controversial" word. "If the government platform doesn't want it, we have to obey," he said, adding that the decision would not affect content carried via satellite or their website. Aung Hla Tun, the Deputy Minister of Information, told AFP that news outlets can use whatever house style they want, "but when they use our TV, they have to accept ours". "As you know, 'Rohingya' is such a controversial term here," he added. The stateless Rohingya Muslim community has suffered decades of apartheid-like conditions in largely Buddhist Myanmar, which claims they are illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since last August after a military crackdown the US and UN have said amounted to ethnic cleansing. Both countries have signed a repatriation agreement but Rohingya say they do not want to return en masse unless they are guaranteed safety, citizenship and rights.

US broadcaster stops broadcast on Myanmar channel over 'Rohingya' dispute

&nbspSome Rohingya refugees who fled from Myanmar are finding work in the fishing industry in neighbouring Bangladesh, earning a tiny daily income and occasional share of the catch, all under the official radar.

The Shamlapur refugee camp, near a fishing colony on one of the world's longest beaches, is home to about 10,000 Rohingya refugees, aid groups say, many driven out of Myanmar's Rakhine State by sectarian violence last year.

"We saved our lives by escaping here, so we are happy to be here," said Mohammed Yosuf, 20, who works as a fisherman, earning about 200 or 300 taka ($1.20 to $3.60) for each five-day trip.

Yosuf said he fled with his wife, Sobora Khatun, who was nine months' pregnant when they escaped after two months shackled in captivity. Their three-year-old son drowned in a river crossing, but baby daughter Rukia was born safely.

They are among nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a military crackdown, the United Nations and human rights groups say, almost all of them winding up in makeshift camps around the southern district of Cox's Bazar.

Although the refugees cannot work legally, some find jobs on fishing boats or help push them out to sea. The vessels are similar to the craft that carried thousands of Rohingya across the waters to Bangladesh.

Others in the camp earn money by shattering ice blocks to preserve the catch in the searing heat, mending nets or repairing boats.

Two in five Rohingyas depend on a family member with an informal job in Shamlapur, while one in 20 rely on financial assistance from a family member abroad, a survey by migration research group the Exchange Foundation shows.

"Rohingyas in Shamlapur are mostly living in makeshift accommodation and are only occasionally engaged in (illegal and seasonal) gainful employment," the group said in March.

Some Rohingya women have found work drying fish at a yard in nearby Nazirartek, for a daily takehome of 100 taka to 200 taka ($1.20 to $2.40).

"I was wounded by a sword to my face," said Hasina Begum, 30, describing how she fled her home.

"Then I lost consciousness and I was lying on the ground and some of my neighbours took me to the boat and we crossed the river to the Bangladesh border," said Hasina, who battles pain and memory difficulties after losing the sight of one eye.

She escaped from Kutupalong refugee camp to seek fish-drying work.

"Yes, it's a better life, as I can work here with drying fish and I can earn money," she added.

Spread over 200 acres (81 hectares), the fish-drying yards handle around 100 tonnes of fish every day of the peak drying season from September to May.

Here, under a blistering noon sun, a Rohingya woman toils over a long wooden table, sorting pungent clusters of fish while constantly swatting away flies and mosquitoes. Others tie up fish that had been draped over bamboo poles to dry.

The fish-drying industry generates annual revenue of about $20 million, traders and government officials say.

Even the children work hard.

From dawn, they push boats into the water or join fishing trips to earn a small bag of fish they can swap for tamarind from canny beachside vendors who get the better of the deal, as the fish is prized above the sour flavouring the children enjoy.

Hakim Ali, 45, works on a salt pan on the edge of the Teknaf river dividing the two countries, carrying bags of salt for 10 taka (12 cents) each to gather between 300 and 500 taka ($3.60 and $6) every day.

Ali said he left his home near the town of Buthidaung in Myanmar eight months ago, after rampaging mobs killed one of his brothers, threw another in jail and razed his home and paddy fields.

"We want justice and freedom of movement in Myanmar," Ali told Reuters, when asked what it would take for him to return.

"If the Myanmar government fulfils the demand, that day I will go."

The Shamlapur refugee camp, near a fishing colony on one of the world's longest beaches, is home to about 10,000 Rohingya refugees, aid groups say, many driven out of Myanmar's Rakhine State by sectarian violence last year

&nbspSome Rohingya refugees who fled from Myanmar are finding work in the fishing industry in neighbouring Bangladesh, earning a tiny daily income and occasional share of the catch, all under the official radar. The Shamlapur refugee camp, near a fishing colony on one of the world's longest beaches, is home to about 10,000 Rohingya refugees, aid groups say, many driven out of Myanmar's Rakhine State by sectarian violence last year. "We saved our lives by escaping here, so we are happy to be here," said Mohammed Yosuf, 20, who works as a fisherman, earning about 200 or 300 taka ($1.20 to $3.60) for each five-day trip. Yosuf said he fled with his wife, Sobora Khatun, who was nine months' pregnant when they escaped after two months shackled in captivity. Their three-year-old son drowned in a river crossing, but baby daughter Rukia was born safely. They are among nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled a military crackdown, the United Nations and human rights groups say, almost all of them winding up in makeshift camps around the southern district of Cox's Bazar. Although the refugees cannot work legally, some find jobs on fishing boats or help push them out to sea. The vessels are similar to the craft that carried thousands of Rohingya across the waters to Bangladesh. Others in the camp earn money by shattering ice blocks to preserve the catch in the searing heat, mending nets or repairing boats. Two in five Rohingyas depend on a family member with an informal job in Shamlapur, while one in 20 rely on financial assistance from a family member abroad, a survey by migration research group the Exchange Foundation shows. "Rohingyas in Shamlapur are mostly living in makeshift accommodation and are only occasionally engaged in (illegal and seasonal) gainful employment," the group said in March. Some Rohingya women have found work drying fish at a yard in nearby Nazirartek, for a daily takehome of 100 taka to 200 taka ($1.20 to $2.40). "I was wounded by a sword to my face," said Hasina Begum, 30, describing how she fled her home. "Then I lost consciousness and I was lying on the ground and some of my neighbours took me to the boat and we crossed the river to the Bangladesh border," said Hasina, who battles pain and memory difficulties after losing the sight of one eye. She escaped from Kutupalong refugee camp to seek fish-drying work. "Yes, it's a better life, as I can work here with drying fish and I can earn money," she added. Spread over 200 acres (81 hectares), the fish-drying yards handle around 100 tonnes of fish every day of the peak drying season from September to May. Here, under a blistering noon sun, a Rohingya woman toils over a long wooden table, sorting pungent clusters of fish while constantly swatting away flies and mosquitoes. Others tie up fish that had been draped over bamboo poles to dry. The fish-drying industry generates annual revenue of about $20 million, traders and government officials say. Even the children work hard. From dawn, they push boats into the water or join fishing trips to earn a small bag of fish they can swap for tamarind from canny beachside vendors who get the better of the deal, as the fish is prized above the sour flavouring the children enjoy. Hakim Ali, 45, works on a salt pan on the edge of the Teknaf river dividing the two countries, carrying bags of salt for 10 taka (12 cents) each to gather between 300 and 500 taka ($3.60 and $6) every day. Ali said he left his home near the town of Buthidaung in Myanmar eight months ago, after rampaging mobs killed one of his brothers, threw another in jail and razed his home and paddy fields. "We want justice and freedom of movement in Myanmar," Ali told Reuters, when asked what it would take for him to return. "If the Myanmar government fulfils the demand, that day I will go."

Rohingya refugees fish in troubled waters to earn living in Bangladesh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday all states have been asked to <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/ensure-measures-to-restrict-rohingyas-entry-centre-tells-jammu--kashmir-govt-141837">conduct a survey of Rohingya Muslims living in the country</a>, but have been cautioned against providing any legal documents to the community that would help the latter claim Indian citizenship.&nbsp

He was responding to questions about the steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deport the Rohingyas.&nbsp

"Advisory was issued to them (all states) that no document should be given to them (Rohingyas) so that they claim citizenship of the country in future," the minister told a press conference in Jammu.&nbsp

Singh said the process of deportation of the community would begin once the survey information from all the states reaches the ministry.&nbsp

"After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation," he said.

The MHA had written to all the states, asking them to identify the Rohingyas living in their respective states and a survey be conducted to know their numbers in order to start the deportation process.&nbsp

More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims are living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Their presence is most found in Jammu and Samba districts of the state.&nbsp

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had in January said in the state assembly that some madrasas were associated with the Rohingya Muslims in the state.

She said no Rohingya Muslim had been found involved in militancy-related incidents, but 17 FIRs have been registered against 38 Rohingyas for various offences, including those related to illegal border crossing.

Rohingyas belong to Rakhine province of Myanmar. Most of the community has left the country due to alleged persecution by the majority Buddhists

'After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation,'Rajnath Singh said

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday all states have been asked to conduct a survey of Rohingya Muslims living in the country, but have been cautioned against providing any legal documents to the community that would help the latter claim Indian citizenship. He was responding to questions about the steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deport the Rohingyas. "Advisory was issued to them (all states) that no document should be given to them (Rohingyas) so that they claim citizenship of the country in future," the minister told a press conference in Jammu. Singh said the process of deportation of the community would begin once the survey information from all the states reaches the ministry. "After getting the information from the state governments about the number of Rohingyas, we will hand over the case to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). We will talk to Burma (Myanmar) government for starting the process of their (Rohingyas) deportation," he said. The MHA had written to all the states, asking them to identify the Rohingyas living in their respective states and a survey be conducted to know their numbers in order to start the deportation process. More than 10,000 Rohingya Muslims are living in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Their presence is most found in Jammu and Samba districts of the state. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had in January said in the state assembly that some madrasas were associated with the Rohingya Muslims in the state. She said no Rohingya Muslim had been found involved in militancy-related incidents, but 17 FIRs have been registered against 38 Rohingyas for various offences, including those related to illegal border crossing. Rohingyas belong to Rakhine province of Myanmar. Most of the community has left the country due to alleged persecution by the majority Buddhists

Centre asks states not to give any documents to Rohingyas

Facebook has blacklisted a group of Myanmar Buddhist hardliners including monks notorious for bilious hate speech against Rohingya Muslims, the company said Thursday, as it scrambles to show it is tackling inflammatory content.

The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people.

UN investigators have said that Facebook has morphed into a "beast" in the country and that hate speech and incitement to violence against the Rohingya are rampant on the site.

Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled a violent army crackdown in Myanmar to Bangladesh since August last year -- after years of increasingly violent and angry discourse against the minority, much of it playing out on Facebook.

In response, Facebook this week has undertaken its highest-profile visit yet to Myanmar.

It banned the Buddhist nationalist movement Ma Ba Tha from its platform, as well as a pair of prominent monks known for stoking hatred towards the Rohingya.

"They are not allowed a presence on Facebook, and we will remove any accounts and content which support, praise or represent these individuals or organisations," said Content Policy Manager David Caragliano.

Extremist monks Parmaukkha and Thuseitta join their fellow firebrand clergyman Wirathu on the blacklist after he was banned in January.

Activists have criticised the platform for responding too slowly to reports of malicious posts, with some content being shared by users for more than 48 hours before being removed.

Examples include calls for the killing of a Muslim journalist and posts last September saying Buddhists and Muslims were each preparing attacks against the other.

Activists flagged these repeatedly to Facebook but it still took several days for the platform to act.&nbsp;

"We can do more, and we have been slow to respond," admitted Facebook Vice President of Public Policy in Asia-Pacific Simon Milner.

He said Facebook is increasing the number of people working on Myanmar from Singapore and Bangkok, including those who speak the language, although declined to give specific numbers.

The platform says it is also stepping up measures to prevent fake accounts and block repeat offenders while improving systems for users to report harmful content.

Myanmar activists welcomed the high profile visit but urged the platform to be more transparent.

"What is the time it takes to remove harmful content? How many people do we have in the team that speak Myanmar?" tech hub Phandeeya CEO Jes Kaliebe Petersen asked.

"Users deserve to know."

Facebook is caught up in a data sharing scandal that also stirred furious debate on its responsibilities for the content users share including "fake news" and hate speech. 
&nbsp;

The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people

Facebook has blacklisted a group of Myanmar Buddhist hardliners including monks notorious for bilious hate speech against Rohingya Muslims, the company said Thursday, as it scrambles to show it is tackling inflammatory content. The social media company plays an outsized role in a country that has only recently come online and boasts 18 million accounts among the population of around 50 million people. UN investigators have said that Facebook has morphed into a "beast" in the country and that hate speech and incitement to violence against the Rohingya are rampant on the site. Some 700,000 Rohingya have fled a violent army crackdown in Myanmar to Bangladesh since August last year -- after years of increasingly violent and angry discourse against the minority, much of it playing out on Facebook. In response, Facebook this week has undertaken its highest-profile visit yet to Myanmar. It banned the Buddhist nationalist movement Ma Ba Tha from its platform, as well as a pair of prominent monks known for stoking hatred towards the Rohingya. "They are not allowed a presence on Facebook, and we will remove any accounts and content which support, praise or represent these individuals or organisations," said Content Policy Manager David Caragliano. Extremist monks Parmaukkha and Thuseitta join their fellow firebrand clergyman Wirathu on the blacklist after he was banned in January. Activists have criticised the platform for responding too slowly to reports of malicious posts, with some content being shared by users for more than 48 hours before being removed. Examples include calls for the killing of a Muslim journalist and posts last September saying Buddhists and Muslims were each preparing attacks against the other. Activists flagged these repeatedly to Facebook but it still took several days for the platform to act. "We can do more, and we have been slow to respond," admitted Facebook Vice President of Public Policy in Asia-Pacific Simon Milner. He said Facebook is increasing the number of people working on Myanmar from Singapore and Bangkok, including those who speak the language, although declined to give specific numbers. The platform says it is also stepping up measures to prevent fake accounts and block repeat offenders while improving systems for users to report harmful content. Myanmar activists welcomed the high profile visit but urged the platform to be more transparent. "What is the time it takes to remove harmful content? How many people do we have in the team that speak Myanmar?" tech hub Phandeeya CEO Jes Kaliebe Petersen asked. "Users deserve to know." Facebook is caught up in a data sharing scandal that also stirred furious debate on its responsibilities for the content users share including "fake news" and hate speech.

Facebook blacklists Myanmar hardline Buddhist group

The European Union ambassador to Myanmar on Wednesday warned the Southeast Asian country that receiving aid from the bloc was conditional on the protection of human and social rights.

Kristian Schmidt was addressing the opening of the Myanmar-EU Economic Forum in the capital city Naypyidaw, which was also attended by Myanmar's vice president, U Myint Swe.

The two held a bilateral meet and were also due to participate in a series of panel discussions on trade and investment.

The pair discussed "friendly matters", Myanmar's Ministry of Information said, relating to aid from the European Union with regard to the Myanmar Police Force transition and "assisting in national peace".

Schmidt was more explicit in his keynote address, pointing out that receiving European assistance was conditional on "human rights and fundamental freedoms" being respected.

"We are monitoring developments in Myanmar, including the freedom of the media, the right to peaceful assembly, the peace process, respect for the rights of ethnic minorities and the situation in Rakhine State."

Schmidt concluded that trade and investments would "suffer" if the country "starts sliding backwards on democracy, human and social rights".

Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces.

Last month, the United Nations reported that thousands of ethnic Kachin villagers had been displaced from villages near the northern Chinese border.

"What we are seeing in Kachin State over the past few weeks is wholly unacceptable, and must stop immediately. Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said.

She added that there were reports that the military had carried out aerial bombings and used heavy weapons and artillery fire in civilian areas close to the border with China.

Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces.

The European Union ambassador to Myanmar on Wednesday warned the Southeast Asian country that receiving aid from the bloc was conditional on the protection of human and social rights. Kristian Schmidt was addressing the opening of the Myanmar-EU Economic Forum in the capital city Naypyidaw, which was also attended by Myanmar's vice president, U Myint Swe. The two held a bilateral meet and were also due to participate in a series of panel discussions on trade and investment. The pair discussed "friendly matters", Myanmar's Ministry of Information said, relating to aid from the European Union with regard to the Myanmar Police Force transition and "assisting in national peace". Schmidt was more explicit in his keynote address, pointing out that receiving European assistance was conditional on "human rights and fundamental freedoms" being respected. "We are monitoring developments in Myanmar, including the freedom of the media, the right to peaceful assembly, the peace process, respect for the rights of ethnic minorities and the situation in Rakhine State." Schmidt concluded that trade and investments would "suffer" if the country "starts sliding backwards on democracy, human and social rights". Over 700,000 members of the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled Myanmar's western Rakhine state, escaping sectarian violence between rebels and the security forces. Last month, the United Nations reported that thousands of ethnic Kachin villagers had been displaced from villages near the northern Chinese border. "What we are seeing in Kachin State over the past few weeks is wholly unacceptable, and must stop immediately. Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," United Nations Special Rapporteur Yanghee Lee said. She added that there were reports that the military had carried out aerial bombings and used heavy weapons and artillery fire in civilian areas close to the border with China.

EU trade, aid conditional on Myanmar respecting rights, ambassador says

The Union Home Ministry has asked the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that all necessary measures were taken to restrict the entry of illegal migrants including Rohingyas in the state.

A letter was sent to the State Chief Secretary Bharat Bhushan Vyas, the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Anuj Sharma has asked the state government to " kindly review this matter &nbsp;(of the entry of illegal migrants) and issue instructions to take necessary steps and share updated information in the prescribed form .. as soon as possible..".

The Home Ministry highlighted its serious concern over the Rohingyas and other foreign nationals who have already entered India illegally.

The letter further said, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation."

It further states, "It has been brought to the notice of the Government that some of the Rohingyas/foreigners are involved in crimes, anti-national activities, money laundering, procuring fake/fabricated Indian documents and some of them have illegally and fraudulently obtained Indian identity documents e.g. Pan Card, Voter Card, etc."

"Most of these persons have entered India illegally, and many of them have taken (the) help of organised groups of touts and agents," the letter added.

The letter also said that all states have been issued with five instructions from time to time that they need to follow against the illegal immigrants including Rohingyas.

The instructions were as follows: &nbsp;

Restrict them to specified identified locations and their activities/movements be strictly watched by State Police/Intelligence Agencies.

Each one of them must be identified, personal particulars (name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, father/mother names, address in Myanmar/some other country, nationality, etc. may be captured and got signed by such illegal migrant/their guardian.

Biometrics of illegal migrants, including Rohingyas, be captured to ensure unique identification/de-duplication and to prevent impersonation in future. FRO must coordinate with UIDAI to ensure that no Aadhar Card other documents are issued to Rohingya immigrants, which may later help them in claiming to be Indian citizens.

The personal particular forms/identity documents of such Rohingyas/foreigners to be shared with the Government of Myanmar through MEA for their nationality verification, issue of travel documents and repatriation to Myanmar.

Keep a watch on their movement and activities and ensure action for their repatriation/deportation as per Law/Policy/Instructions.

The Union Ministry has issued the letter six months after the Home Minister Rajanath Singh asked all the states to keep hawk eye on the issues.

According to estimates, about 40,000 Rohingyas residing in India.

The government had told the Supreme Court in January that the country could not become the "Refugee Capital of the World".&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The Home Ministry highlighted its serious concern over the Rohingyas and other foreign nationals who have already entered India illegally

The Union Home Ministry has asked the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that all necessary measures were taken to restrict the entry of illegal migrants including Rohingyas in the state. A letter was sent to the State Chief Secretary Bharat Bhushan Vyas, the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs Anuj Sharma has asked the state government to " kindly review this matter (of the entry of illegal migrants) and issue instructions to take necessary steps and share updated information in the prescribed form .. as soon as possible..". The Home Ministry highlighted its serious concern over the Rohingyas and other foreign nationals who have already entered India illegally. The letter further said, "Such illegal migrations poses serious challenges and has security implications since some of the migrants have been found to have indulged in illegal activities and are vulnerable to radicalisation." It further states, "It has been brought to the notice of the Government that some of the Rohingyas/foreigners are involved in crimes, anti-national activities, money laundering, procuring fake/fabricated Indian documents and some of them have illegally and fraudulently obtained Indian identity documents e.g. Pan Card, Voter Card, etc." "Most of these persons have entered India illegally, and many of them have taken (the) help of organised groups of touts and agents," the letter added. The letter also said that all states have been issued with five instructions from time to time that they need to follow against the illegal immigrants including Rohingyas. The instructions were as follows: Restrict them to specified identified locations and their activities/movements be strictly watched by State Police/Intelligence Agencies. Each one of them must be identified, personal particulars (name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, father/mother names, address in Myanmar/some other country, nationality, etc. may be captured and got signed by such illegal migrant/their guardian. Biometrics of illegal migrants, including Rohingyas, be captured to ensure unique identification/de-duplication and to prevent impersonation in future. FRO must coordinate with UIDAI to ensure that no Aadhar Card other documents are issued to Rohingya immigrants, which may later help them in claiming to be Indian citizens. The personal particular forms/identity documents of such Rohingyas/foreigners to be shared with the Government of Myanmar through MEA for their nationality verification, issue of travel documents and repatriation to Myanmar. Keep a watch on their movement and activities and ensure action for their repatriation/deportation as per Law/Policy/Instructions. The Union Ministry has issued the letter six months after the Home Minister Rajanath Singh asked all the states to keep hawk eye on the issues. According to estimates, about 40,000 Rohingyas residing in India. The government had told the Supreme Court in January that the country could not become the "Refugee Capital of the World". (With inputs from ANI)

Ensure measures to restrict entry of Rohingyas, Centre tells Jammu & Kashmir govt

Regular incidents of violent attacks have been reported against Rohingya Muslims throughout Myanmar in 2017.

As reported by the Anadolu Agency, United States International Religious Freedom Report 2017 was released on Tuesday as per which ethnic Rohingyas residing in Myanmar have faced religious discrimination.

"Violence, discrimination, and harassment against ethnic Rohingya, who are nearly all Muslim, and other minority populations continued," said the annual US State Department report.

Ambassador Sam Brownback, who prepared the report, told a press briefing that "I don't think you've seen progress taking place there in the country (Myanmar)".

He further noted that the arrival of rainy season would invite multiple hardships for migrant Rohingyas who will be forced to move.

The report documented incidents of mass gang rapes, killings of infants and young children, and abduction of citizens.&nbsp

As reported by the Anadolu Agency, United States International Religious Freedom Report 2017 was released on Tuesday as per which ethnic Rohingyas residing in Myanmar have faced religious discrimination

Regular incidents of violent attacks have been reported against Rohingya Muslims throughout Myanmar in 2017. As reported by the Anadolu Agency, United States International Religious Freedom Report 2017 was released on Tuesday as per which ethnic Rohingyas residing in Myanmar have faced religious discrimination. "Violence, discrimination, and harassment against ethnic Rohingya, who are nearly all Muslim, and other minority populations continued," said the annual US State Department report. Ambassador Sam Brownback, who prepared the report, told a press briefing that "I don't think you've seen progress taking place there in the country (Myanmar)". He further noted that the arrival of rainy season would invite multiple hardships for migrant Rohingyas who will be forced to move. The report documented incidents of mass gang rapes, killings of infants and young children, and abduction of citizens.

US reports several violent attacks against Rohingyas across Myanmar

Myanmar has claimed that several Rohingya Muslims have voluntarily returned to the&nbspcountry and will be sent to a transit centre pending resettlement.

Quoting a statement published from the office of Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a report said that about 58 Rohingyas have already crossed back to Myanmar after the situation in Bangladesh became unbearable.

It further added that the Rohingyas were detained for failing to follow proper repatriation procedures and on their return to Myanmar they would be&nbsp"temporarily" housed in a transit camp.

It said that in the last four months, the Rohingyas have returned to Myanmar in different stages.

While a Bangladeshi refugee commissioner has refused of having any knowledge of Rohingya refugees returning to Rakhine on their own.&nbsp

Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said, "We haven't heard of any such incidents of refugees returning to Rakhine through their own volition or under their own arrangement from the camps".

The UN has meanwhile stated that the condition in Myanmar was not yet favourable for the Rohingyas to return.

It said, "Safe, dignified and sustainable returns are of course impossible under current conditions."&nbsp

Myanmar has witnessed a mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims due to alleged large-scale violence by the country's army. Consequently, over 700,000 people from the community fled from the country.

As the refugees began to arrive, Bangladesh requested Myanmar to take them resulting in an agreement between the two sides.

Myanmar said it was ready to take back the Rohingyas who had fled from the country last August.

The two countries are accusing each other of&nbspthe responsibility for the delay in implementing a repatriation deal.

The Rohingya Muslims who had fled Myanmar to avoid persecution have been unwilling to return to their land without assurance of basic rights and protections.

They also wanted the right to return to their old villages rather than to transit camps. 
 
&nbsp

(With inputs from AFP)

 
 
&nbsp

&nbsp

Quoting a statement published from the office of Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a report said that about 58 Rohingyas have already crossed back to Myanmar after the situation in Bangladesh became unbearable

Myanmar has claimed that several Rohingya Muslims have voluntarily returned to the&nbspcountry and will be sent to a transit centre pending resettlement. Quoting a statement published from the office of Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a report said that about 58 Rohingyas have already crossed back to Myanmar after the situation in Bangladesh became unbearable. It further added that the Rohingyas were detained for failing to follow proper repatriation procedures and on their return to Myanmar they would be "temporarily" housed in a transit camp. It said that in the last four months, the Rohingyas have returned to Myanmar in different stages. While a Bangladeshi refugee commissioner has refused of having any knowledge of Rohingya refugees returning to Rakhine on their own. Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said, "We haven't heard of any such incidents of refugees returning to Rakhine through their own volition or under their own arrangement from the camps". The UN has meanwhile stated that the condition in Myanmar was not yet favourable for the Rohingyas to return. It said, "Safe, dignified and sustainable returns are of course impossible under current conditions." Myanmar has witnessed a mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims due to alleged large-scale violence by the country's army. Consequently, over 700,000 people from the community fled from the country. As the refugees began to arrive, Bangladesh requested Myanmar to take them resulting in an agreement between the two sides. Myanmar said it was ready to take back the Rohingyas who had fled from the country last August. The two countries are accusing each other of&nbspthe responsibility for the delay in implementing a repatriation deal. The Rohingya Muslims who had fled Myanmar to avoid persecution have been unwilling to return to their land without assurance of basic rights and protections. They also wanted the right to return to their old villages rather than to transit camps. (With inputs from AFP)

Myanmar says some Rohingya refugees returned voluntarily

Marooned on a dusty slope in the world's largest refugee camp, Osiur Rahman looked to the hill where a Rohingya girl was buried in a landslide just days earlier and contemplated his chances should the earth give way beneath his feet.

"Our families would be killed. There are children everywhere around here. We constantly fear that rain could trigger a landslide," the 53-year-old told AFP on the steep embankment where he lives with nine family members in a bamboo shack.

For the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to southeast Bangladesh in the past nine months, the approaching monsoon season poses the most serious threat since they were violently expelled from Myanmar.

Close to one million of the stateless Muslim minority live in the Cox's Bazar district but the new arrivals, stranded on unstable hills in bamboo and plastic shacks, are especially vulnerable.

A massive operation to shore up the camps against disaster is in overdrive, with bulldozers levelling hills and refugees bunkering down however they can.

But as the rains approach, the young girl's death this month in a torrent of mud and rock has heightened fears of a much greater tragedy.

There is a dearth of safe land to relocate the estimated 200,000 refugees in direct danger of floods and landslides, and just 21,000 have been moved so far.

"We could literally have lives lost as people slide down hillsides and valleys are flooded with water," Kevin J&nbspAllen, head of the UNHCR refugee agency's operations in Cox's Bazar, told AFP.

"They could face yet again another emergency, this time driven by mother nature."

The camps' makeshift homes are predicted to receive more than 2.5 metres (eight feet) of rainfall over three months starting June -- roughly triple what Britain gets in a year.

Cox's Bazar has been battered by cyclones for three years running, having already suffered astonishing devastation in the past.

Cyclones have killed tens of thousands along the Bangladesh coast in recent decades and countless more have been swept to their deaths in floods and landslides.

This time, nature is on a collision course with refugees who have nowhere to run -- no higher ground and no cyclone shelters.

Nowhere to go&nbsp

The first storms underscored the fragility of the camps: the brief rains turned roads into quagmires, crumbled hillsides and flooded low-lying areas.

The huge endeavour to prevent disaster has seen slopes vulnerable to collapse flattened and extensive canal systems carved throughout the camps.

Toilets are being fortified with sandbags to prevent a major disease outbreak should floodwater meet overflowing latrines.

But there are limits to how much can be done.

Bangladesh has restricted the use of sturdier materials for shelters because it may suggest the Rohingya plan to stay, contrary to Dhaka's desire to return them to Myanmar.

The roof was blown clean off Noor Mohammad's shack in a recent squall. He had gathered chunks of wood and rocks to weigh it down but was "scared of what could pass" when Bangladesh's wild weather barrels through.

The Rohingya are no strangers to the monsoon, he said. But in Myanmar, villages were built to withstand its ferocity and trees provided a bulwark against the elements.

"Here, there is nothing to stop the wind," he said, gesturing to the deforested hills stretching for miles.

Bangladesh has freed up hundreds of hectares (acres) but most is hilly and was prone to landslides even before the Rohingya uprooted trees for shelters and firewood.

We will die

Mosques and community centres could shelter 150,000 people if needed, said Kazi Abdur Rahman, acting district administrator of Cox's Bazar.

"But if there is a big cyclone, and all these people need relocating, there is not a system for that yet. It is not possible to shift one million people," he told AFP.

The Rohingya, who have fled persecution time and again, fear being on the run once more.

"Everybody is afraid, wondering where we'll go if our houses are destroyed," Rohingya imam Muhammad Yusuf told AFP.

Aid groups say a cyclone or devastating storm could cut access to the camps for a week -- restricting food and supplies to a tent city with a population greater than San Francisco.

The World Food Programme's emergency coordinator Peter Guest said thousands of porters were being assembled to carry food on foot if access roads were cut.

Those left homeless or starving will have nowhere to run anyway: the Rohingya are encircled by military checkpoints and prohibited from leaving.

"What else can we do? If Allah does not protect us, we will die," said 60-year-old refugee Dil Mohammad.

For the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to southeast Bangladesh in the past nine months, the approaching monsoon season poses the most serious threat since they were violently expelled from Myanmar

Marooned on a dusty slope in the world's largest refugee camp, Osiur Rahman looked to the hill where a Rohingya girl was buried in a landslide just days earlier and contemplated his chances should the earth give way beneath his feet. "Our families would be killed. There are children everywhere around here. We constantly fear that rain could trigger a landslide," the 53-year-old told AFP on the steep embankment where he lives with nine family members in a bamboo shack. For the 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to southeast Bangladesh in the past nine months, the approaching monsoon season poses the most serious threat since they were violently expelled from Myanmar. Close to one million of the stateless Muslim minority live in the Cox's Bazar district but the new arrivals, stranded on unstable hills in bamboo and plastic shacks, are especially vulnerable. A massive operation to shore up the camps against disaster is in overdrive, with bulldozers levelling hills and refugees bunkering down however they can. But as the rains approach, the young girl's death this month in a torrent of mud and rock has heightened fears of a much greater tragedy. There is a dearth of safe land to relocate the estimated 200,000 refugees in direct danger of floods and landslides, and just 21,000 have been moved so far. "We could literally have lives lost as people slide down hillsides and valleys are flooded with water," Kevin J&nbspAllen, head of the UNHCR refugee agency's operations in Cox's Bazar, told AFP. "They could face yet again another emergency, this time driven by mother nature." The camps' makeshift homes are predicted to receive more than 2.5 metres (eight feet) of rainfall over three months starting June -- roughly triple what Britain gets in a year. Cox's Bazar has been battered by cyclones for three years running, having already suffered astonishing devastation in the past. Cyclones have killed tens of thousands along the Bangladesh coast in recent decades and countless more have been swept to their deaths in floods and landslides. This time, nature is on a collision course with refugees who have nowhere to run -- no higher ground and no cyclone shelters. Nowhere to go The first storms underscored the fragility of the camps: the brief rains turned roads into quagmires, crumbled hillsides and flooded low-lying areas. The huge endeavour to prevent disaster has seen slopes vulnerable to collapse flattened and extensive canal systems carved throughout the camps. Toilets are being fortified with sandbags to prevent a major disease outbreak should floodwater meet overflowing latrines. But there are limits to how much can be done. Bangladesh has restricted the use of sturdier materials for shelters because it may suggest the Rohingya plan to stay, contrary to Dhaka's desire to return them to Myanmar. The roof was blown clean off Noor Mohammad's shack in a recent squall. He had gathered chunks of wood and rocks to weigh it down but was "scared of what could pass" when Bangladesh's wild weather barrels through. The Rohingya are no strangers to the monsoon, he said. But in Myanmar, villages were built to withstand its ferocity and trees provided a bulwark against the elements. "Here, there is nothing to stop the wind," he said, gesturing to the deforested hills stretching for miles. Bangladesh has freed up hundreds of hectares (acres) but most is hilly and was prone to landslides even before the Rohingya uprooted trees for shelters and firewood. We will die Mosques and community centres could shelter 150,000 people if needed, said Kazi Abdur Rahman, acting district administrator of Cox's Bazar. "But if there is a big cyclone, and all these people need relocating, there is not a system for that yet. It is not possible to shift one million people," he told AFP. The Rohingya, who have fled persecution time and again, fear being on the run once more. "Everybody is afraid, wondering where we'll go if our houses are destroyed," Rohingya imam Muhammad Yusuf told AFP. Aid groups say a cyclone or devastating storm could cut access to the camps for a week -- restricting food and supplies to a tent city with a population greater than San Francisco. The World Food Programme's emergency coordinator Peter Guest said thousands of porters were being assembled to carry food on foot if access roads were cut. Those left homeless or starving will have nowhere to run anyway: the Rohingya are encircled by military checkpoints and prohibited from leaving. "What else can we do? If Allah does not protect us, we will die," said 60-year-old refugee Dil Mohammad.

'Our families would be killed': Rohingya brace for monsoon

rohingya

Rohingya, News on Rohingya, stories on Rohingya, articles on Rohingya, Rohingya stories at Wion, Rohingya news, Rohingya latest news