On August 25, 2017, the world witnessed one of the most brutal and inhumane atrocities of our time: the Rohingya genocide. On this solemn day, we commemorate the lives lost, the countless displaced, and the ongoing struggle of the Rohingya people for justice, dignity, and a place to call home. As we mark the seventh anniversary of this dark chapter, we stand united as a community, committed to honoring the memory of those who suffered and to continuing the fight for human rights.
For decades, the Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority in Myanmar, have faced systemic persecution, discrimination, and violence. Stripped of their citizenship in 1982, the Rohingya were rendered stateless in their own homeland, denied basic rights, and subjected to severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, education, and employment. This marginalization laid the groundwork for the horrific events that unfolded in 2017, when the Myanmar military launched a campaign of mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacement against the Rohingya.
The United Nations has described the actions of the Myanmar military as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing,” and numerous human rights organizations have called it genocide. Over 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee their homes in Rakhine State, seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh, where they now live in overcrowded and squalid conditions in refugee camps. The trauma of these events continues to haunt survivors, many of whom lost loved ones, their homes, and their entire way of life.
Despite the international community’s condemnation, justice remains elusive for the Rohingya. The Myanmar government has consistently denied responsibility for the atrocities, and the military leaders who orchestrated the genocide have yet to be held accountable. Efforts to repatriate the Rohingya to Myanmar have been stalled, with the refugees fearing further persecution if they return. The Rohingya’s right to citizenship remains unrecognized, leaving them in a state of limbo and vulnerability.
In the face of these challenges, the Rohingya people have shown remarkable resilience. In refugee camps, communities have organized to provide education for children, healthcare for the sick, and support for survivors of trauma. Activists and advocates, both within the Rohingya community and around the world, continue to raise awareness about the plight of the Rohingya and to push for justice and accountability.
As a voice for the Rohingya in Georgia, the Rohingya Community Service of Georgia (RCSG) is committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of the Rohingya people. We work tirelessly to support Rohingya refugees in Georgia, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and legal assistance. Our mission is not only to help Rohingya refugees rebuild their lives in the United States but also to keep the memory of the genocide alive and to ensure that the world does not forget the atrocities committed against our people.
This year, on Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, we renew our call for justice and accountability. We demand that the international community take concrete actions to hold the perpetrators of the genocide accountable, to ensure that the Rohingya are granted citizenship and full rights in Myanmar, and to support the safe and dignified return of refugees to their homeland.
Despite the immense challenges, there is hope. The international community is beginning to recognize the Rohingya genocide for what it is—a crime against humanity that demands justice. Legal proceedings, such as the case brought against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, are steps in the right direction. Grassroots movements and advocacy efforts are growing stronger, fueled by the unwavering spirit of the Rohingya people and their allies.
As we observe Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, let us not only mourn the losses but also reaffirm our commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity. The road ahead is long, but together, we can build a future where the Rohingya and all people are free from fear, oppression, and violence.
The Rohingya Community Service of Georgia stands in solidarity with all those affected by the genocide and with those who continue to fight for justice. We will not forget the atrocities committed against our people, and we will not stop until justice is served. We invite you to join us in this journey—because together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a difference.
Today, as we remember the Rohingya genocide, let us also renew our commitment to creating a world where such horrors are never repeated. Let us honor the memory of those we have lost by standing up for the rights of the living. And let us continue to work towards a future where the Rohingya people—and all people—can live in peace, with dignity, and free from fear.
