Today’s genocides and forced displacements of the Rohingya Muslims, coupled with the inability of the international community to save them – as reported in the media –is a new chapter in the tragedies that should pique the conscience of humanity, only if there is any good conscience left in the East or the West! Statements of condemnation and denunciation are no longer a sufficient response to these tragedies, especially when we take into account the horrific images circulating the world of the killings, displacement, arson, genocide, and brutal massacres there. These ferocities have claimed the lives of hundreds of women, children, and young and old people who were trapped in Rakhine, Myanmar. The authorities force the Muslims there to flee their homeland under the pressure of unprecedented brutal, barbaric attacks. Some of them died of the onerous journeys, fierce hunger and thirst, and burning sun. Some others were drowned in rough seas.
Once again, this barbaric and inhuman scene would not have happened had it not been for the numbed global conscience and abandoned human morals, bringing to dead silence all the voices of justice, freedom and human rights, and interring all international covenants that pledged to protect human rights and the peace and rights of peoples on their own lands. All of these covenants have been reduced to sheer ink on paper, or utter lies!
In this age of sophistication, international organizations, international human rights associations, civil society organizations, and international conventions do undertake to protect the vulnerable and the wretched and pledge to provide security and safety for the people. Yet, it turned out that most of these institutions are heedless of the sufferings of vulnerable children, the tears of orphans and the moaning of the bereaved. Again, we are sure that these international organizations would have taken a different, strong, and quick stance had this vulnerable group of citizens been Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, or followers of any other religion or denomination than Islam.
Early this year in Cairo, in cooperation with the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif already sought to bring together the conflicting parties in Rakhine and induce a rapprochement between them, hosting a number of young leaders who represent all religions and ethnicities in Myanmar. The meeting aimed at searching for peace for all. In doing so, Al-Azhar renews and reaffirms its commitment to support the vulnerable in Burma, thus proceeding from its religious and humanitarian responsibility. It also reaffirms commitment to its global mission, and again calls on all international bodies, organizations and human rights associations around the world to fulfill their duty and take the necessary measures to stop these massacres and track down their perpetrators.
The humanitarian cry shouted out by Al-Azhar will keep resounding until the ruling authorities in Myanmar return to reason and stop the policy of racial and religious discrimination among the citizens. Al-Azhar thus reassures our brothers and sisters in Burma that it will keep the pledge towards them; “We are with you; we will not let you down; and Allah will help you!”