Rohingya and the National Unity Government (NUG)
A Detailed Overview
1. The 2017 Crisis and Accusations of Genocide
In August 2017, after a militant Rohingya group known as ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) attacked several police posts, the Myanmar military launched a massive and violent crackdown in northern Rakhine State.
Key Events:
Mass killings, including children and women.
Systematic rape and sexual violence.
Over 300 villages were destroyed.
Approximately 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh, where they remain in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
International Response:
The United Nations described the military’s actions as having “genocidal intent.”
The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are both investigating Myanmar for crimes against humanity and genocide.
2. Emergence of the National Unity Government (NUG)
Background
On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup, deposing the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD).
In response, elected members of parliament, civil society groups, and ethnic minority leaders formed the National Unity Government (NUG) in April 2021, which claims to be the legitimate government of Myanmar.
Goals of the NUG:
Oppose the military junta (Tatmadaw).
Establish a federal democracy that respects the rights of all ethnicities.
Represent the people of Myanmar domestically and internationally.
3. NUG’s Position on the Rohingya
The NUG represents a significant departure from previous Myanmar governments—including the NLD—by acknowledging the rights and suffering of the Rohingya.
Key Commitments by the NUG:
Recognition of Identity: The NUG uses the term “Rohingya,” which the military and earlier governments have long rejected.
Citizenship Rights: The NUG publicly stated that Rohingya people are entitled to full citizenship and pledged to review and amend the 1982 Citizenship Law.
Justice and Accountability: The NUG supports efforts by the ICC and ICJ to prosecute those responsible for atrocities, including genocide and crimes against humanity.
Inclusion in a Federal Union: The NUG has promised that the Rohingya will have equal rights in a future Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar, including political participation, cultural recognition, and legal protections.
Policy Documents:
In June 2021, the NUG issued a formal policy position outlining:
Support for voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.
Restoration of lost citizenship and compensation for victims.
Establishment of a truth, justice, and reconciliation process.
On June 30, 2023, the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar appointed Rohingya human rights defender Aung Kyaw Moe as Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Human Rights, making him the first Rohingya person in a ministerial position within the NUG. Aung Kyaw Moe previously served as an advisor on human rights to the NUG. As an advisor, Aung Kyaw Moe helped the NUG develop a policy on ensuring the inclusion of the Rohingya community in the political process in Myanmar. Aung Kyaw Moe is also the founder and former director of the Center for Social Integrity, a humanitarian organization working across Myanmar.
4. Challenges and Limitations
While the NUG’s position is progressive, there are several obstacles that hinder real progress for the Rohingya:
a. Limited Power on the Ground
The NUG is largely in exile and does not control territory in Rakhine State.
It cannot currently enforce laws or protect Rohingya communities from military violence or discrimination.
b. Historical Distrust
The Rohingya community has expressed skepticism toward the NUG because many of its key members were part of the NLD, which denied Rohingya rights and even defended the military’s actions in international courts.
The shift in stance is seen by some as a political move rather than a sincere commitment.
c. Inclusion and Representation
Critics have pointed out that while the NUG supports Rohingya rights in principle, very few Rohingya are included in the government’s leadership structure or consulted in policymaking.
d. Domestic Opposition
Among Myanmar’s majority Buddhist population, anti-Rohingya sentiment remains widespread. The NUG must balance its inclusive policies with a population still heavily influenced by anti-Muslim narratives and military propaganda.
5. International Significance
The NUG’s recognition of the Rohingya is important in the eyes of the international community:
It provides an alternative narrative to the military’s denial of wrongdoing.
It helps the NUG gain legitimacy abroad and secure international aid and political recognition.
It contributes to building alliances with human rights groups, the UN, and governments concerned with justice for the Rohingya.
6. The Path Forward
To transform its promises into reality, the NUG must:
Ensure Rohingya representation within its governing structures.
Engage directly with Rohingya leaders and refugee communities.
Prepare policy frameworks for restitution, resettlement, and reintegration.
Maintain international support to pressure the military and support future transitional justice processes.
The Rohingya issue is a litmus test for the future of democracy and human rights in Myanmar. The NUG has taken historic steps by acknowledging past atrocities and committing to inclusive governance. But actions must follow words. Building trust with the Rohingya, implementing reforms, and securing justice will be critical not only for the Rohingya people but also for the legitimacy and moral authority of the NUG in the eyes of all Myanmar citizens and the international community.