Islamic states increase pressure on Burma's government - Europe should not lift the sanctions

The Foreign Affairs Ministers of eleven Muslim countries call for better protection of the Muslim Rohingya minority in Burma. On Sunday, at an emergency meeting of the Contact Group of the "Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)" in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), the politicians demanded the Burmese government to accept the visit of a delegation of OIC Foreign Affairs Ministers to gather information on the situation of the Rohingya. "While the Islamic states are increasing the pressure on Burma to respect human rights, the EU-states are thinking about lifting all the sanctions," criticized the STP's Asia-consultant, Ulrich Delius, in Göttingen on Monday. "But regarding the continued discrimination and persecution of the Rohingya, it would be a wrong signal if the EU were to lift the suspended sanctions completely."

On April 22, the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will decide whether the economic sanctions and travel restrictions against Burma – which were suspended in May 2012 – will be lifted completely or whether the suspension period is to be extended in view of the critical human rights situation. Furthermore, the EU must decide whether the arms embargo should remain in effect. Germany has a particular interest in lifting the sanctions.

"Apparently, economic interests are more important for the countries of the EU than the basic human rights. But it will not help the European companies who are investing in Burma if the violent clashes between the Muslims and the Buddhists continue – and if the Muslims are not protected by the authorities properly," said Delius. The STP and a coalition of 15 European Burma-groups recommend the sanctions to be continued.

After heavy fighting took place in Arakan State (Rakhine, western Burma) in June and October of 2012, a violent conflict broke out in central Burma in March 2013. At least 43 people were killed and about 1,470 houses, 77 shops, and 37 mosques were destroyed.

The Rohingya, who mostly live in Arakan state, are the largest of the Muslim minority groups in Burma. The Burmese authorities do not only refuse to provide adequate protection for the Rohingya – they also encourage their exclusion. They are not being recognized as citizens and their rights are restricted in many ways. "But the riots are not only against the Rohingya – meanwhile, they have turned against all the Muslims," says Delius, describing the situation. In October 2012, several Muslim Kaman people had also been randomly attacked by Buddhists, although this group is officially recognized by the authorities.