Rohingya Delegation Meets Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa

RB News

March 6, 2013

A delegation of the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) is visiting South Africa to raise awareness about the situation of the Rohingya and human rights in Burma. The delegation was invited by Burma Campaign South Africa and Protect the Rohingya Group from Johannesburg. 

Yesterday evening the delegation met the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa, Ibrahim Ibrahim and highlighted the new apartheid system against Rohingya being imposed by the Burmese Government. 

The delegation highlighted how the immediate priorities are safety and security, and for President Thein Sein to allow full international humanitarian access, not just to those in camps, but also those in villages. The delegation asked the Foreign Minister to support international observers on the ground, support a UN Commission of Inquiry, and to pressure Thein Sein to repeal the 1982 Citizenship Law. 

BROUK President Tun Khin said: “I am extremely satisfied with the meeting with the South Africa Deputy Foreign Minister. We were able to deliver the message that the world needs to wake up to the new apartheid system against the Rohingya which is being created by President Thein Sein.” 

Yesterday the delegation also held a press conference, and met lawyers from the Muslim Association to discuss justice and accountability issues relating to violence and discrimination against the Rohingya. 

Today BROUK President will give an interview on South African national television and give a speech at the prestigious Johannesburg University. 

During South Africa trip the delegation will raise awareness the plight of Rohingya in Cape Town.