Amnesty International has recently accused the Myanmar army's commander-in-chief of orchestrating mass murder against the Rohingya minority. It was clear from the outset that the Myanmar's junta in collaboration with the Buddhist nationalist extremists slaughtered Rohingyas whom they consider outsiders in spite of the fact that they have lived there for generations. Therefore, it will be futile to repatriate the Rohingya refugees stranded in Bangladesh to Myanmar because they might come under renewed attacks once they go back.

While China promises to help, it may not live up to its pledge because it would not want to disturb its allies in the Myanmar army or jeopardise its own interests. And, the international community has little interest or ability to cause a massive change. This leaves us with only one choice: resettlement of the Rohingyas in a third country. Countries such as Canada and Australia accepted many Vietnamese boat people who fled their country after the American defeat. Recently, Canada has also resettled 25,000 Syrian refugees. These countries should do more for the Rohingya refugees.

Mahmood Elahi

Canada