RB News
December 03, 2012

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Ufuk Gokcen, recently hosted representatives of several members of ethnic minorities from Myanmar at the OIC mission in New York. The delegates includes representatives from Karen, Kachin, Shan, Chin, Rohingya, guests and human right activists, and some diplomats from the United Nations. 

Representatives from each ethnic minority provided updates on the current situation on the ground in their respective states and regions in Myanmar, and stressed the need for a unified voice for universal human rights for all the ethnic groups, including those less privileged, in Myanmar. Prof. Dr. Wakar Uddin, Director General of Arakan Rohingya Union and Chairman of the Burmese Rohingya Association of North America, and a renowned Rohingya leader (identity not available) of the Rohingya Muslim women in Myanmar represented the Rohingya community in Myanmar.

Both Rohingya leaders echoed the calls of the representatives of the other ethnic minorities with regard to human rights, political rights, mutual respects and support within the minorities, community developments, active participation in the political process during the democratic transition, and sustaining the collective efforts to bring peace and tranquility in several states in Myanmar.

Both the Rohingya leaders along with minority representatives and diplomats also called for engagement with Myanmar Government with dialogue at various levels starting with confidence building with mutual trusts. All the delegates expressed their gratitude to the OIC for taking the important initiatives in Burma for humanitarian aids for all the affected people by the recent waves of violence. The minority delegates also discussed to garner supports from other minorities for cooperation with OIC, and appealed OIC for the continuous humanitarian support for the people of Myanmar.