Council Leader on persecution of people of Rohingya

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council

On Thursday 28 September I had the honour of addressing a fundraising event at Rochdale Town Hall in aid of the persecuted people of Rohingya.

There can not be many people who have not been horrified at the TV images of the unforgiveable atrocities meted out to the population on a daily basis.

The world has rightly recoiled at the sight of innocent people being treated in this way. It is also right that we do all we can here in Rochdale to help if we can.

This is the speech I gave on the night:

Thank you for inviting me to speak tonight.

Half a million people have fled Rohingya to Bangladesh since the troubles. This is an international crisis which should shame the world.

The persecution of Muslims – men, women and children – by the Myanmar army has been evil and grotesque.

It follows a long history of mistreatment of Muslims and Buddhists in the region.

• Extra-judicial killings
• Rapes and gang rapes
• Arson
• Infanticide

There have been thousands of brutal and horrific murders.

These are crimes against humanity. This ethnic and religious persecution has led to protests right around the world and the United Nations (UN).

Earlier this year the UN High Commissioner condemned the persecution and serious human rights violations in Rohingya.

I will read just one extract from his report:

'The cruelty to which Rohingya children have been subjected is unbearable – what kind of hatred could make a man stab a baby crying out for his mother’s milk.'

This barbarity has to stop.

In the meantime we must do all we can to help alleviate the pain and suffering.

I would like to thank the Rochdale Council of Mosques, the Al Mahmood Foundation and Muslim Charity for organising tonight’s dinner.

Rochdale has always had an internationalist outlook.

In times of crisis we support those affected by tragedy, disaster and hate.

Rochdale’s values of peace and solidarity are an important part of our history – and continue to be a valued part of our future.

Tonight is no different.

Let us dig deep and raise as much money as we can to help ease the pain, suffering and desperation that those innocent families face today as they flee the horrors of Rohingya.

Thank you for your generosity.

Councillor Richard Farnell
Leader of Rochdale Council