Inter-Communal violence and discrimination - Myanmar - incidents and the humanitarian situation

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Title: The Buddhists massacring Muslims in Burma (video)
Description: "Mantra Of Rage (2013): Muslims and Buddhists once lived in peace in Myanmar. But recent violence has left more than 60 Muslims dead. Some claim the attacks are being organised by the regime to undermine a transition to democracy..."
Source/publisher: Journeyman Pictures
Date of publication: 2013-09-02
Date of entry/update: 2018-07-04
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Title: Rohingya: Hate speech, lies and media misinformation - How a vicious media campaign has intensified the pressure on an embattled people.
Description: "n The Listening Post this week: behind the Rohingya crisis, a vicious media campaign has steadily intensified the pressure on an embattled people. Plus, the media black hole in Sinai, Egypt. Rohingya: Hate speech, lies and media misinformation The number of majority Muslim Rohingya forced from their homes in Myanmar is now around 400,000. The United Nations says it looks like a "textbook example" of ethnic cleansing. The country?s de facto leader - a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and darling of the international news media - is being seen in an entirely new light. Aung San Suu Kyi and her government are on the defensive. She has taken to talking about fake news and a "huge iceberg of misinformation". Aung San Suu Kyi?s refusal to condemn the violence is a troubling angle for many Western journalists to cover, given the way they have venerated her in the past..."
Source/publisher: Aljazeera (Listening Post)
Date of publication: 2017-09-16
Date of entry/update: 2017-09-19
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: The Rise of Anti-Muslim Hate Speech Shortly Before the Outbreaks of Mass Viol ence Against Muslims in Myanmar
Description: Abstract: "Anti-Muslim sentiment is not a new phenomenon in Myanmar but it is deeply rooted in its pre-­independence history. Throughout the military junta in Myanmar, the escalation of anti-­Muslim hate speech aimed to instigate Buddhist-­Muslim riots in order to deflect the people?s anger and exasperation away from the military regime. Since 1988 when the military ruled Myanmar, anti-­Muslims hate and dangerous speech have been mainly circulating in the print media, and nowadays particularly on social media in Myanmar although most of the people in rural areas cannot access the internet. Anti-­Muslim hate speech and propaganda such as pamphlets, leaflets, DVDs, VCDs, CDs, posters and others have been distributed in some parts of Myanmar right before outbeaks of mass violence against Muslims such as the anti-­Muslim riot in Mandalay (1997), the anti-­Muslim riot in Taungoo (2001), and the anti-­Muslim riot in Meikhtila (2013). Based on interviews and documents such as pamphlets, leaflets, DVDs, VCDs, and CDs, and sermons, as well as interviews given by nationalists and nationalist Buddhist monks, this paper analyses speech acts that promote anti -­‐ Muslim sentiment, which is a precondition for instigating anti-­Muslim violence. This pap er argues that promotion of anti-­Muslim sentiment has always escalated shortly before the outbreaks of mass violence against Muslims in Myanmar. The contribution of this paper is to call attention to a dynamic that could lead to atrocities against Muslims in Myanmar.".....Paper delivered at the International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-­26 July 2015.
Creator/author: Ye Myint Win
Source/publisher: International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies: Burma/Myanmar in Transition: Connectivity, Changes and Challenges: University Academic Service Centre (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, Thailand, 24-­26 July 2015
Date of entry/update: 2015-08-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 354.37 KB
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Title: Rohingya Women Flee Violence Only to Be Sold Into Marriage (text, video)
Description: "GELUGOR, Malaysia — The young woman had been penned in a camp in the sweltering jungle of southern Thailand for two months when she was offered a deal. She fled Myanmar this year hoping to reach safety in Malaysia, after anti-Muslim rioters burned her village. But her family could not afford the $1,260 the smugglers demanded to complete the journey. A stranger was willing to pay for her freedom, the smugglers said, if she agreed to marry him. ?I was allowed to call my parents, and they said that if I was willing, it would be better for all the family,” said the woman, Shahidah Yunus, 22. ?I understood what I must do.” She joined the hundreds of young Rohingya women from Myanmar sold into marriage to Rohingya men already in Malaysia as the price of escaping violence and poverty in their homeland. While some Rohingya women agree to such marriages to escape imprisonment or worse at the hands of smugglers, others are tricked or coerced. Some are only teenagers. Continue reading the main story RELATED COVERAGE France and Britain Seek Help on Calais Migrants From E.U.AUG. 2, 2015 A Bangladeshi Town in Human Trafficking?s GripJULY 23, 2015 Jubair, 13, was left behind when his mother and siblings fled Myanmar for Malaysia. ?I didn?t know about it,” he said. ?She could not find me. She could not tell me.”A Migrant Mother?s Anguished ChoiceJULY 5, 2015 Oma Salema, 12, holding her undernourished brother, Ayub Khan, 1, in Sittwe Camp.Myanmar to Bar Rohingya From Fleeing, but Won?t Address Their PlightJUNE 12, 2015 Malaysia offers at least some modicum of opportunity for Rohingya migrants. Rohingya gathered at an apartment block in Kuala Lumpur that is home to several families.Even in Safety of Malaysia, Rohingya Migrants Face Bleak ProspectsJUNE 3, 2015 Rohingya migrants with airdropped food. A boat carrying them and scores of others, including young children, was found floating in Thai waters; passengers said several people had died.Rohingya Migrants From Myanmar, Shunned by Malaysia, Are Spotted Adrift in Andaman SeaMAY 14, 2015 How Myanmar and Its Neighbors Are Responding to the Rohingya CrisisMAY 14, 2015 Their numbers are difficult to gauge, but officials and activists estimate that in recent years hundreds, if not thousands, of Rohingya women every year have been married off this way, and that their numbers have been increasing..."
Creator/author: Chris Buckley, Ellen Barry
Source/publisher: "New York Times"
Date of publication: 2015-08-02
Date of entry/update: 2015-08-20
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Muslims Fear for Their Lives as Flames Consume Burma Town Near Former Capital
Description: "RANGOON — Pages of a Koran lay torn and spread on the ground outside two mosques in the town of Okkan, on the outskirts of Rangoon. At the Cho Bali mosque, Korans were dumped in a small well outside. Down the road, a Muslim-owned shop lay in ruins while a crowd of about 100 Buddhist onlookers surveyed the scene. No help came for the victims of Burma?s latest round of inter-communal violence. They were left to pick up the pieces of their trashed possessions..."
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy"
Date of publication: 2013-04-30
Date of entry/update: 2013-05-01
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: ANTI-MUSLIM VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL BURMA
Description: Anti-Muslim violence hits Meikhtila... Attacks spread to Pegu Division... Rangoon tense... Thein Sein warns of ?use of force?... Regime authorities fail to intervene... UN cites possible regime complicity... Int?l community expresses concern, calls for regime to take action... Buddhist Monk U Wirathu and ?969? spearhead anti-Muslim campaign... Chronology of events.
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Date of publication: 2013-04-17
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-17
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Myanmar: Meikhtila inter-communal violence Situation Report No. 4 (as of 9 April 2013)
Description: * Since 6 April IDPs have been allowed to return to t heir damaged houses to search through debris in Meikhtil a prior to land clearance in preparation for rebuildi ng homes. * As a result of the Government-led ?family reunifica tion process? several persons have been reunited with fa mily members. IDPs sheltering in monasteries are now relocated to two schools (BEMS 2 and BEPS 16) whils t others will be relocated from four schools to train ing centers..... According to the updated Government figures release d on 9 April, the total number of IDPs in seven cam ps in Meikhtila currently stands at 8,441. As a result of the family reunion process, begun on 27 March, som e people have relocated from camps to settle with family mem bers whilst others have returned to their homes. Mo reover, the Government has relocated some IDPs from schools to the Transportation and Communication Training Cente r in preparation for classes to resume in June. Further movements of those who lost their homes and were te mporarily housed in monasteries are now reported to be settli ng into two schools (BEPS 16 and BEMS 2) as they aw ait a return to their homes. This process of relocation to shelters is expected to be completed in the comi ng days. On 2 April unconfirmed reports from local residents estimate Meikhtila township and more located in Sue Lay Kone in Myit Tahr towns hip. with assessment to these areas, in collaboration wi th the government The official Government figures on the number of houses by arson sits at 1,594. Starting on 6 April, family members have been allow ed to return to their properties and search for personal belongings before the debris an d land No further reports of unrest have been recorded to normal, although IDPs report that they are cautious and there remains a sense of a maintains a state of emergency for the imposed following the unrest in late March Similarly, no further incidents have been reported Region. As is the case in Meikhtila, the Nattalin, Okpo and Zigon townships of Bago that security measures are in place and the Government is reporting more than on accusations of inciting the unrest. On 3 April the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Wunna Maung Lwin, in Nay Pyi Taw where he outlined the Government?s position most recent information on government contributions and private donations. Humanitarian Response Food Needs: Inter- agency rapid assessment reco oil, and salt, to guarantee standards of assistance women is also prioritized. Response: The WFP team is in place and co allocations 15 day rations to all displaced persons , this includes bags of salt, and 46 bags of nutrition powder food is being distributed by private donors, community based orga nizations and Government rice and instant noodles or snacks). Gaps & Constraints: Ensure regular food distribution in back to their homes and assistance to host families has yet to be determined. Meikhtila, Myanmar from local residents estimate d 3,000 IDP may be sheltering in Yin Daw within and more located in Sue Lay Kone in Myit Tahr towns hip. Agencies are on stand with assessment to these areas, in collaboration wi th the government..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication: 2013-04-09
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-16
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Myanmar: Aid for people hit by inter-communal violence
Description: 03-04-2013 Operational Update: "Violence that erupted on 20 March in Meikhtila, in the centre of the country, has driven some 10,000 people from their homes. Scores more have been killed or injured. The Myanmar Red Cross Society, supported by the ICRC, has started distributing relief supplies in an effort to meet the most urgent needs. So far, some 10,000 people have received aid. "We are deeply concerned about the recent outbreak of inter-communal violence in Meikhtila and the growing tensions throughout the country," said Tha Hla Shwe, president of the Myanmar Red Cross. "It is crucial that we work with full impartiality. The fact that our volunteers belong to both communities facilitates our access to those in need and fosters acceptance by the population."..."
Source/publisher: International Committee of the Red Cross
Date of publication: 2013-04-03
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-08
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Anti-Muslim violence spreads in Myanmar
Description: "Sectarian violence between Buddhists and Muslims is spreading beyond central Myanmar, international and local officials have warned after angry mobs last week destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed an estimated 50 people in the town of Meiktila. Attacks, mainly by Buddhist mobs on Muslim shops and mosques, were reported on Sunday in several towns and villages, including Yamethin and Lewei, near the 150km route south from Meiktila to the capital, Naypyidaw. No deaths were confirmed..."
Creator/author: Gwen Robinson, agencies
Source/publisher: "Financial Times"
Date of publication: 2013-03-25
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-06
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Myanmar: Meikhtila inter-communal violence Situation Report No. 3 (as of 2 April 2013) - UNOCHA
Description: Highlights: • Since 28 March the authorities began to clear damaged houses and debris in Meikhtila as shops and commercial businesses reopen. • As a result of the Government-led ?family reunification process? several persons have been reunited with family members. IDPs sheltering in monasteries are being relocated to two schools whilst others will be relocated from four schools to training centers. • Sporadic acts of arson and unrest spread from Meikhtila to Bago Region and in Yangon reports of disturbances in four townships continue. • A state of emergency remains in place for four townships in Meikhtila (Mahliang, Meikhtila, Thazi, and Wundwin) and Bago townships (Gyobingauk, Minhla, Monyo, Nattalin, Okpo, and Zigon townships
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication: 2013-04-02
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-03
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 184.2 KB
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Title: Myanmar: Inter-communal conflict -- Information Bulletin n? 1, 29 March 2013 - IFRC
Description: Summary: "Inter - communal conflict erupted on 20 March following an argument in a shop selling gold items in the Eastern Market of Meikhtila, around 150 km south of M andalay in central Myanmar. Reports indicate a quarrel between a Buddhist cust omer and a Muslim shop owner escalated , leading to clashes that quickly spread to many parts of the town. In Meikhtila, a total of 12,846 people are estimated to have been displaced, including 9,563 now living in five temporary locations ( i.e. three schools, one education al college and a football stadium) with a further 3,283 in local monasteries. According to a recent UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ( UNOCHA ) situational report , up to 40 people have been killed and 61 injured in the fighting with a n estimated total of 2,245 houses destroyed. The Myanmar Red Cross Society has responded immediately to those affected by the clashes , in co ordinat ion with the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) , to provide search and rescue, first aid and referral services. Red Cross ambulances have also been used to transfer more serious cases of injury to local healthcare facilities. Local v olunteers are participating in support of the inter - agency assessment team to ascertain needs and are working closely with local authorities..."
Source/publisher: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Date of publication: 2013-03-29
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Myanmar: Meikhtila inter-communal violence, Situation Report No. 1 - UNOCHA
Description: "The inter-communal violence began on 20 March with an argument in a gold shop in the Eastern Market of Meikhtila, Mandalay Region, which escalated quickly with crowds setting fire to business properties, religious buildings and houses. The Government estimates that over 12,000 people have been displaced by the violence, including some 9,710 now in six temporary locations (schools, football stadium) and another 2,800 in local monasteries.These figures, according to the Deputy Minister MoSWRR, who is in charge of the response, are still provisional. Reports indicate that another unspecified number of people may have fled the area. Media reports indicate several casualties and fatalities but numbers are still unclear and vary depending on the source. The violence continued throughout the night and into the 21 st of March, subsequently spreading to other areas of the town and in the neighbouring town of Tharzi on 22 March. In Meikhtila, although the atmosphere remains tense, there are no reports of violence since 22 March. However , other minor incidents occurred in Tharzi, Yamethin and Tatkon townships on 23 March. The Meikhtila market remains closed although a number of shops in the area reopened on the weekend. 2 www.unocha.org The mission of the United Nations Office for the Co ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mob ilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. Celebrating 20 years of coordinated humanitarian ac tion The government deployed additional troops to contro l the situation and declared a curfew from 18:00 to 6:00 on 20 March and subsequently the State of Emergency in Meikhtila and 3 neighboring townships: Tharzi, Wandwin and Ma Hlaing on 22 March. High-level Gove rnment and UN delegations visited the area and appealed for calm. The Inter-faith Friendship Organ ization issued a statement calling for restoration of peace and stability on 23 March. On the same day, the Gov ernment has requested international partners to mobilize humanitarian assistance..."
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication: 2013-03-25
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 196.61 KB
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Title: Myanmar: Meikhtila inter-communal violence, Situation Report No. 2 - UNOCHA
Description: Highlights: • A state of emergency remains in place for four townships in Meikhtila (Mahliang, Meikhtila, Thazi, and Wundwin) and, although the atmosphere remains cautious, security has been restored with some markets and shops reopening • Preliminary findings from the Inter - agency rapid assessment team indicate 12,846 people are displaced in Meikhtila . • Coordinatio n Meetings have begun in Meikhtila between humanitarian organizations and the authorities . The M inistry of S ocial Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (MSWRR) is in charge of coordinating the emergency response for affected population • Sporadic acts of arson spread from Meikhtila to Okpho and Gyobingauk in Bago Region . Minor disturbances in Yangon
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication: 2013-03-27
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Update on the Inter-communal violence in Meikhtila and Bago as of 29 March 2013 - UNOCHA
Description: As the Government, UN agencies and partners are responding to the need in Meikhtila in accordance to the needs identified by the Inter-agency rapid assessment, which were shared and agreed with the authorities, the following note is an update on the current situation in Meikhtila Township, Mandalay Region and Bago Region.
Source/publisher: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication: 2013-03-29
Date of entry/update: 2013-04-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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