Canada Becomes The First Country to Officially Declare Myanmar Atrocities a Genocide

The Canadian Government recently officially declared the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar to be a genocide.

Canada has become the first country to make this declaration. It has come in the wake of mounting evidence that seems to prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the actions of the Myanmar military constitute genocidal crimes against a largely defenseless, innocent population.

Ahmed Ramadan, Executive Director of Burma Task Force Canada said in response to Canada's announcement; “This is a significant milestone for the cause of the Rohingya. This official declaration of genocide reflects the Canadian Government's forward-thinking leadership on this issue when so many others have dragged their feet. Working with the Canadian government on this issue has been an honor and humbling, and I've seen real concern reflected in their dedication, from the over $300 million they have pledged to the targeted sanctions they've placed, to now declaring it the ultimate crime, genocide. Sincere and huge thanks go out to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, MPs Iqra Khalid, Omar Alghabra, Gary Anandasangaree, Minister Freeland, the Honourable Bob Rae, and many more that have shown genuine concern, leadership, and commitment.”

Recently, the United Nations International Fact-Finding Mission in Myanmar released a detailed report documenting the full extent of the military's crimes against their people. The report details that the Myanmar military, which is known as the Tatmadaw, has systematically engaged in a bloody campaign of terror and murder against the native Rohingya population of Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Burma Task Force, founded in 2012, is the only organization dedicated full-time to ending the genocide in Burma. It advocates for the Rohingya in the media, government, and civil society organizations, pushing for a genuine resolution that would restore citizenship to the Rohingya and allow for a safe return to their ancestral homelands. “This is a tremendous achievement. It is the fruit of tireless work of countless friends of the Rohingya the world over,” said Abdul Malik Mujahid, Chair of Burma Task Force USA. “It is a great step, but we must not become complacent. The U.S. government should follow Canada’s lead in declaring this catastrophe a genocide so that, finally, justice and a humane future can be secured for the Rohingya.”