International relief is now needed for the Rohingya

A UAE newspaper has said that the country is always at the ready to assist those in need, and an initiative organised by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is now providing regular aid to the Rohingya who have been forced to flee their homeland in Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh.

In an editorial on Thursday, Gulf News said, "The images of more than half a million desperate Rohingya being forced to leave their homes and villages, through minefields or taking to the high seas to escape military violence should be seared in all our minds. They leave everything behind, risk their lives and those of their families to live in uncertainty and in cramped conditions in refugee camps. They are fleeing hatred and hurt that is based solely upon their faith.

The paper continued, "Although the Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for generations, they are socially shunned, treated as outcasts, and now hounded by military and security forces in acts that the United Nations defines as ethnic cleansing.

"Yes, the UAE is at the forefront of an international relief effort, and so far, an air bridge that has been established has provided regular logistical and humanitarian support and sustenance to those affected.

"By Tuesday, that air bridge had delivered more than 270 metric tonnes of relief supplies to the Rohingya in camps in Bangladesh. That is impressive, but the UAE and those now delivering aid, need more assistance from the international community. It’s estimated that another $400 million (AED1.47 billion) is needed urgently to ensure those Rohingya who must now endure the existence as refugees are catered to and are provided with the help they need.

"Other nations must pick up the burden and help as needed," concluded the Dubai-based daily.