Justice Prevails: Unraveling the Arrests in the Tragic Murder of Rohingya Leader Mohib Ullah

16-10-2023

Alexandra Posta

East and South Asia Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

In a shocking revelation, the arrest of Arakan Salvation Army (Arsa) Commander Nur Kamal sheds light on the dark episode surrounding the murder of Rohingya luminary, Mohib Ullah (Dhaka Tribune, 16 October 2023). This gripping incident not only underscores the urgency of justice but also unravels the intricate web of the ongoing Rohingya crisis, prompting a resolute call for action.

Against the backdrop of a humanitarian catastrophe, the Rohingya crisis unfolds as a tale of relentless persecution and forced displacement. Originating from the discriminatory policies of the Myanmar government, the Rohingya, a resilient Muslim minority, find themselves at the center of a global outcry (Dhaka Tribune, 16 October 2023; The New York Times, 2 October 2021). The crisis demands international attention, urging a united front for the protection of fundamental human rights.

The chilling details of Mohib Ullah's assassination on September 29, 2021, at the heart of the Ukhiya Rohingya camp, paint a harrowing picture (Dhaka Tribune, 16 October 2023; The New York Times, 2 October 2021). Gunmen, driven by ethnic and religious animosities, brutally silenced a passionate advocate. The void left by Mohib Ullah's demise echoes in the corridors of Rohingya advocacy, emphasizing the gravity of his contributions in documenting human rights abuses (Dhaka Tribune, 16 October 2023; The New York Times, 2 October 2021).

The murder of Mohib Ullah reverberates with profound human rights implications, invoking the spirit of international agreements (The New York Times, 2 October 2021). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the guardian documents of liberty and security, have been violated time and again. Beyond individual rights, the assailants targeted the very essence of free expression and peaceful assembly, principles championed by advocates worldwide (The New York Times, 2 October 2021).

Furthermore, Mohib Ullah's dedication to documenting human rights abuses aligns seamlessly with the aspirations of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (The New York Times, 2 October 2021). His endeavors sought not only to expose the crimes against the Rohingya but also to establish a foundation for legal repercussions against the perpetrators.

In the aftermath of Mohib Ullah's tragic demise, the urgency to address the Rohingya crisis intensifies. As we mourn the loss of a valiant advocate, the international community must elevate its commitment to justice and human rights. The echoes of Mohib Ullah's untimely departure should resonate as a rallying cry for a collective stand against impunity, discrimination, and the root causes of the Rohingya crisis.

SOURCES
Dhaka Tribune. (16 October 2023). One arrested over killing of Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah. Available at https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/328178/one-arrested-over-killing-of-rohingya-leader-mohib.

The New York Times. (2 October 2021). Mohib Ullah, 46, Dies; Documented Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya. Available at https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/02/world/asia/mohib-ullah-dead.html.