"Statelessness and Citizenship: Examining the Consequences and Legal Implications of the Denial of Citizenship to the Rohingya People in Myanmar”

Abstract

The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority group in Myanmar, have been denied citizenship and subjected to discrimination for the last few decades by their government. This denial of citizenship renders them stateless, leaving them vulnerable to human rights abuses. The Rohingya have faced mass killings, torture, rape, and forced displacement, culminating in the horrific 2017 Rohingya crisis that exposed the gravity of their difficulty to the world. The 1982 Citizenship Law stands as a cornerstone of this injustice, effectively stripping the Rohingya of Burmese citizenship and erasing their legal presence in their historical homeland. This research examines the consequences of statelessness on the Rohingya population, considering issues such as restricted access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Moreover, by scrutinising international laws, conventions, and human rights frameworks, the research evaluates the compatibility of Myanmar's legal framework with international standards, its impact on their fundamental rights, and the available legal remedies to address this grave injustice. In conclusion, the research calls for a reevaluation of legal and policy frameworks to address the denial of citizenship to the Rohingya, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and collective action to safeguard the rights of stateless populations, and it will draw upon a range of empirical evidence from governmental and non-governmental reports to provide a comprehensive analysis. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to a future where the Rohingya are no longer denied the fundamental right to citizenship and can live with dignity and security.