I

t is strange that the Myanmarese regime was willing to take certain "measures" as regards the Rohingyas while at the same time denied the refugees are from Myanmar.

Indonesia can deport them or do as it likes but it will be unfair to dismiss their plight as simply fleeing the country for economic reasons. No one in their right mind would have risked their life and set out on dangerous seas in rickety boats if not out of utter desperation.

In general, human rights abuses are rampant in Myanmar. Muslims in general are subject to institutionalized discrimination and the Rohingyas are the most sought out target. In 2006 in his article titled "The Outsider" Harry Priestley wrote, "In a country where discrimination against minority groups is a fact of life, Muslims are bottom of the heap".

It is a fact that the Muslims in Myanmar are not recognized as full- fledged Burmese. They are officially termed Indian Burmese, Chinese Burmese on their identification cards, if one is issued, although they have lived in the country for generations. The case of Rohingyas is worse because they are not even entitled to identification cards. The Washington-based Human Rights Watch in its 2002 report also said "In Arakan State, a predominantly Muslim area, human rights violations, including forced labor, restrictions on the freedom of movement, and the destruction of mosques, have been commonplace."

Violence against Rohingya Muslims in Arakan is a way of life, according to UN staff based in camps for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. As opposed to other parts of Burma, however, in Arakan the violence against Muslims is carried out systematically by the Burmese army. The persistent abuse of human rights in Arakan, including institutionalized discrimination and forced labor has been documented by the Human Rights Watch and others.

The condition has worsened over the years, particularly after the 2007 saffron revolution. But the regime will do what it does best; deny the truth and lie to the world that everyone is well treated and well fed. We have seen how systematically and consistently it has abused even "ethnic Burmese". What are a few hundred of these stateless and hungry people to the regime?'

It is anyone's guess what the fate of these Rohingas will be if they are repatriated but this should not be a case for guessing. Indonesia and India have already shown them an act of kindness by rescuing them. It is hoped the U.N. or other NGO refugee organizations could look into the matter so that at least the safety of these desperate people can be assured.