Saying she saw with her own eyes her two daughters killed by the Myanmar military, Rahima Khatun is hopeful the US designation of the 2017 onslaught against the Rohingya as “genocide” will bring some justice
The girls, thrown into a burning house as their village was razed to the ground, were among thousands of victims of a brutal crackdown against Myanmar’s long-marginalised Muslim minority.
Myanmar’s junta denies the allegations and the case is currently being heard at the United Nations’ highest court at The Hague, but the US declaration has provided hope for justice among many Rohingya.
“The Myanmar military slaughtered and raped women. One day they came and threw our children alive into the fire. My two daughters were among them,” said Khatun, 52, tears rolling down her cheeks at a refugee camp in Bangladesh.
The crackdown prompted an exodus of about 740,000 people into Bangladesh, joining more than 100,000 others who had fled earlier waves of violence
They live in a vast network of squalid camps made up of bamboo shacks, refusing to return home until Myanmar ensures the rights of the Rohingya.
Washington said this week there was clear evidence of an attempt at the “destruction” of the minority group.
Community leaders in the camps, activists and victims told AFP that the US move would bring Myanmar’s military to account and — perhaps — allow them to go back and rebuild their villages and lives across the border.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Mbuso Khoza ready to give Gospel a twist in musical showcase
Actor, musician and heritage enthusiast Mbuso Khoza is launching his one-of-its-kind Gospel show “Ihubo: Song of Ages”.
The concert is set to take place from Friday, April 1, until Sunday, April 3, at the Joburg Theatre.
Khoza will be accompanied by a seven-piece band comprising Qhubekani Mthetwa on bass. Learn more
