Rahingya Persecution in Myanmar and whether it fall into the Category of Mass Killing or Ethnic Cleansing or Genocide

This thesis offers a detailed legal, historical, and humanitarian assessment of the persecution of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. It systematically evaluates whether the acts committed against them meet the international definitions of mass killing, ethnic cleansing, or genocide, as articulated in conventions and customary international law. The study draws upon eyewitness testimonies, NGO and UN reports, and photographic and satellite evidence to construct a factual narrative of the events. It also addresses the international community’s varied responses, including diplomatic actions, sanctions, and humanitarian interventions, and how these have shaped the evolving situation on the ground. The research is grounded in a rigorous legal framework, referencing the 1948 Genocide Convention, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and United Nations resolutions. It combines doctrinal legal analysis with political risk assessment, considering the influence of regional geopolitics and ASEAN’s non-interference principle. The thesis further examines the role of media framing, public advocacy, and civil society in bringing international attention to the crisis. Ultimately, the work offers a nuanced understanding of the legal classification of the atrocities and their implications for international justice, refugee protection, and human rights enforcement.