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Canada’s response to the Rohingya refugee crisis cannot and should not be overlooked.
Since August of 2017, Canada has recognized the unacceptable persecution of Rohingyan communities and exercised exemplary strategies to promote international cooperation, protect human rights, and ensure accountability for those who are responsible for the genocide. It is through their leadership and initiative that refugees, displaced people, and the individuals who are hosting them have received humanitarian assistance and support.
Overall, Canada has donated over $68 million towards humanitarian assistance and gender-responsive assistance in Myanmar and Bangladesh - where the majority of refugees have fled. They have assisted in improving the living conditions in the camps and have been integral in advocating for the resettlement of the refugees to Canada and other countries. Furthermore, Canada has placed a particular focus on providing support for women and girls. As a part of the Myanmar government’s ethnic cleansing, hundreds of women were disproportionately impacted by the crisis through brutal sexual assault and rape by military men. Supported by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has worked to protect the human rights of these women and has organized sexual and reproductive health programming in an effort to provide safe spaces and support for survivors of sexual assault. Offering assistance with PTSD, depression, and health care after a rape, it is clear that Canada has efficiently worked to address the needs of women and girls who were maliciously exploited.
Canada was one of the first countries to pass a motion that the crimes committed in Myanmar constituted genocide as the United States stopped short. This action demonstrated to the international community the gravity of injustice that has occurred and how the Rohingya - a minority group - needed protection. Furthermore, the Government of Canada has partnered with the United Nations, the International Red Cross and other non-governmental agencies to advance positive development through tackling the causes of discrimination and conflict that facilitated the crisis. Funds are also being used to ensure clean water, sanitation, and other hygiene-related accommodations for the overcrowded conditions of Bangladesh, the world’s largest refugee settlement.
Therefore, it is evident that Canada continues to be a powerful voice that advocates for the mobilization of Rohingya refugees. Instead of remaining passive towards the issue or simply just offering financial support, Canada has taken strong political actions to identify and resolve pertinent issues. As Canadians, it is important we demonstrate the same compassion and responsibility towards the Rohingyan refugees so that they may finally know peace and security.
Danielle Gonsalves, February 2021
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