USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia

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USCIRF Releases Factsheet on Rohingya Refugees in Southeast Asia

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a new report on Rohingya refugees who have escaped persecution in Burma:

Rohingya Refugees Factsheet – This factsheet highlights the conditions of Rohingya refugees in Southeast Asia. While the majority of Rohingya refugees have fled from Burma to Bangladesh, a significant number have escaped to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Some Rohingya refugees have managed to successfully settle in Southeast Asia, but others have faced discrimination or other religious freedom violations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments in the region have been less willing to admit boats with Rohingya refugees. This factsheet also explores the role of regional and international actors in addressing flows of refugees within Southeast Asia.

In its 2020 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the State Department designate Burma as a ‘country of particular concern’ in large part because of its ethnic and religious violence against Rohingya Muslims. USCIRF has also recommended the State Department include Malaysia and Indonesia on its Special Watch List.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].