Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM)

BBC report stirs anti-Rohingya sentiment

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:26:43 +0000

BBC report stirs anti-Rohingya sentiment

By FRANCIS WADE
Published: 9 November 2011

Amended map first published on BBC on 6 November 2010 (BBC)

A BBC report from last November that carried a map depicting Arakan state as populated by the ethnic Rohingya minority has caused anger in Burma, and once again brought to the fore accusations of entrenched racism within Burmese society.

Although published a year ago, and since corrected, the BBC report has circulated rapaciously on the internet in recent weeks, and has become the subject of a number of blog posts either criticising the BBC for implying the Rohingya are part of the Burmese population, or lamenting the vitriolic responses its report has attracted.

The map in question demarcates areas of Burma as belonging to specific ethnic groups, albeit somewhat erroneously: the Shan, for instance, are said to inhabit only a third of modern-day Shan state, and the Karen are shown as the main ethnic group in Irrawaddy division.

But it was the identification of Arakan state as the home of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group that has been the subject of a perennial and fiery dispute over its origins, that has sparked outrage.

Following the publication, the BBC’s Burmese Facebook page was hit with hundreds of complaints, some from monks, calling on the organisation to issue a public apology and even remove any reference to Rohingya from the map. Failing to apologise should result in a boycott of the BBC, some even argued. The BBC has since amended the map to include ‘Rakhine’, the name given by the government to Arakanese, as also populating the state, but anger continues to boil.

Many Burmese believe the Rohingya to be of Bengali origin that over centuries have migrated to western Burma, a sentiment shared by the Burmese government which denies them citizenship and which for decades has meted out hefty treatment against the group, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the country.

Rohingya support groups say however that there is evidence that Islam existed in Burma prior to the now-dominant Theravada Buddhism, and that the Rohingya’s roots in Arakan state go back centuries.

Rumours circulated in Rangoon today that a protest would be held outside the British embassy over the BBC report, although except for a number of local and foreign journalists, little appeared to happen. Jeremy Hodges, deputy head of mission at the embassy, told DVB that he had made himself available to accept any petition that may have been circulated among protestors, but that nothing was in sight.

“We know there is a perception among some Arakanese groups that Rohingya are singled out for preferential treatment by groups like the International Organisation for Migration, and that money is given to them at the expense of other Arakanese, but we feel this is a misconception,” he said.

Unlike many Arakanese, Rohingya are prevented from travelling freely outside of specially-designated zones, and are often subject to racial and religious persecution. Up to 400,000 are living as refugees in neighbouring Bangladesh, having fled decades of maltreatment at the hands of the military and local civilians.

An article last week on the New Mandala blog, run by academics from the Australia National University, said the cries of protest were somewhat hypocritical.

“…although Arakan ethnic members very often talk against majority ethnic Burmans (or Bamar) for what they call the ‘colonization of Arakan’, ‘Burmanization’ and Burmese chauvinism, they now mobilize the entire Burmese population against Rohingyas to ‘protect Burma and its ‘national races’’.”

Among critics of the Rohingya are high-profile Burmese, including Berlin-based historian Khin Maung Saw, whose paper, “Islamization of Burma Through Chittagonian Bengalis as ‘Rohingya Refugees’”, triggered angry responses.

Widespread anger was also vented at current Burmese ambassador to the UN, Ye Myint Aung. During his tenure as Consul-General to Hong Kong, he wrote in a letter to other heads of mission, and copying in international newspapers, that Burma’s ethnic Rohingya were “ugly as ogres”.

Tags: bangladesh, burma, myanmar, rangoon, rohingya

Author: FRANCIS WADE Category: News,

Ohn says:

November 9, 2011 at 11:32 am

Fair and equal treatment is essential for peace and happiness
Mr. Real Naive Rakhine says:

November 9, 2011 at 12:43 pm

BBC was very popular in Rakhine State and people trusted it throughout the rule of military. However the native Rakhine people regard BBC now the stooges of the rootless invaders. BBC should be shameful for its stupid and incompetent reporter and reports. How can we trust BBC now? BBC and the British should educate themselves about Myanmar. the British invaded Myanmar. Now they are encouraging invaders again. The British should be shameful for their invasion to Myanmar and for their stupid and unethical reporting. We, the native Theravada Buddhist Rakhines, who has stayed in the Rakhine State,over 2500 years ago, strongly demanded BBC to apologize for its unintelligent and idiotic reports. And we call for the participation of all authentic ethnic brothers and sisters to protest against BBC. This is the danger to all ethnics in Myanmar.
Zaw Win says:

November 9, 2011 at 1:39 pm

lollll.. What a funny article, Francis Wade. What you did is collecting all the negative pieces of information of Burmese against Bengalis and compiling into an article. What a journalism DVB is propagating!!! Shame on you!!!
Zaw Win says:

November 9, 2011 at 2:07 pm

Why don’t you post the original map? You don’t have it? Let me know if you want it.
Myat Phyo Kyaw says:

November 9, 2011 at 3:46 pm

so… show the historical evidence…who is the last king of Rohingya in Rakhine
naing win says:

November 9, 2011 at 7:45 pm

It is nice to know the feeling of both side othewise difficult to solve the problem or solution.I like that Rakhine Racist what they expressing orginal feeling.Rakhine people are like Rohingya people on the same expesssion.It,s a not big conflictbut the problem is on the hand of Burmanism minded malitary who are rulling the country since 1948.
chitkoko says:

November 9, 2011 at 10:06 pm

thank you for reporting this
ngenge says:

November 9, 2011 at 11:43 pm

People got angry because “Rohingya” does not represent Rhakines(and by the way it is Rhakhines;not Arakanese) the Britishs gave these name(the way they hear our original names/words)just like Yangon was called Rangoon, Pyi was called Prome and so on. I am not saying that those Rohingya should be kicked out of the country or anything like that! About human rights and stuffs–we all(people in Burma(again named by the British)–regardless of our religion or ethnicity) do not have full human rights;the minority groups are not the only ones without human rights.Ok? We all are suffering here.
We got angry because those “misleading” reports tried to change the history. If some Burmese groups have been living in UK/US for decades, or even for century, would they be reported as native to that country? I do not think so!
For those who claimed that Islam existed in Burma prior to Theravada Buddhism, I just want to say “please check the history” because it does not worth arguing for this topic.
Ramiel says:

November 10, 2011 at 12:23 am

It is however, true that these so-called “Rohingyas” are not Burmese ethnics.
It is acceptable if these “Rohingyas” want humane treatment or citizenship.
However, when they start claiming as if they are an ethnic group of Burma or that they have been living in Arakan before anyone else, etc, it is starting to get pretty unacceptable. Why? It’s because they are trying to change history. Which is really absurd.
Also note that not every Muslim in Burma are “Rohingyas”. Even if the claims of Islam existing in Burma is correct, that doesn’t automatically make the claims of those “Rohingyas” relevant. “Rohingya” historians claim that Arab merchants arrived in Arakan state. However, “Rohingyas” are Bengali. There is no doubt in that.
The “Rohingya” thing should be objected unless they stop claiming to be an ethnic group of Burma and making up absurd histories. Anyone trying to make up or create false history should be scorned. If they just want humane treatment, refugee status or citizenship or whatever, that’s fine. But changing history to fit their claims? That’s absurd.
Pyae Phyo Kyaw says:

November 10, 2011 at 12:29 am

Everyone know that Rohingya are migrant from Bangladesh and there is no evident of Rohingya and Muslim expect on the Myanmar Land since 1000 years ago. Why BBC want to lie the whole world?
Kayin the mogolian origin says:

November 10, 2011 at 1:17 am

why Burmese r so offensive when Rohingya group are commented as one of burmese tribes.
The burmese r karlar origin too.
Kan Sitta, Anawrata, r Karlar names obviously.
The temples of Pagan represent Hindi the Karlar architecture
the different is the religion.
Maung Kyaw Nu A Former Political Prisoner of Conscience Gneneration says:

November 10, 2011 at 2:07 am

To de-clonise Arakan ,you better join to the Arms groups NUPA,ALP who are trying to re gain lost Independence of Arkan from BAMA. Dr.Aye Kyaw ,Dr.Aye Chan ,U Khin Maung Saw and some Monks stage many protest befroe the UN and some Embassies of overseas for declonisation of Arakan from Burman.
Now the same groups are trying to create communal RIOTS in Arakan and Burma.Even this groups defame Burmese Muslims too.What are your real hidden PROGRAM.
You would like to drive first Rohingyas ,then BAMA .AREN’T IT????

Are there any dengerious communal discriminations in others Ethinic Areas in the country??
Every people need unity and peace.

Please be sincere and honest.
We are very tired of to restore democracy and peace in the country. Many political prisoners of conscience are still languaging in the prisons.Please don’t try to divert the younger generations’ nobel mind to wards Democratic movements.
Please focus your energy and state of mind to the democratic movements.Keep it aside your divide and rule politics which is as if like Bo Ne Win policy.
Are you collaborators of JUNTAS?

Don’t play with the peace loving people!!
Norman Hla says:

November 10, 2011 at 4:33 am

Fransic Wade wrote :Many Burmese believe the Rohingya to be of Bengali origin that over centuries have migrated to western Burma, a sentiment shared by the Burmese government which denies them citizenship and which for decades has meted out hefty treatment against the group, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee the country.
Rohingya support groups say however that there is evidence that Islam existed in Burma prior to the now-dominant Theravada Buddhism, and that the Rohingya’s roots in Arakan state go back centuries.”
Many Burmese who reject the Rohingya as Burmese ethnics, should find out the (above) truth of the claim from Rohingya’s support group. In history, late prime minister U Nu offered Burmese nationality cards to some Rohingya for his election vote or whatever. However, from my knowledge, the only possible claim of Burmese nationality right needs to prove that he or she must be the descent of the Burmese or born in Burma. Those Rohingya might not be in refugee status in Burma before they were granted their Burmese citizenships by U Nu. I never heard that Burmese government offered Burmese citizenship in law to any refugees in Burma during my time. I think there is no such kind of Laws for refugee in Burma until now. Chinese refugees living in Burma held the certificates of identity(CI holder-foreigner status) during U Nu and Ne win rules and they needed to re-new with payment when expired . I never heard that those CI(refugee) was offered Burmese citizenship for voting U Nu as well. If so, the existing of Burmese ethnic as Rohingya was accepted by legitimate Burmese government(U Nu) at that time. Late General Aung San earlier accepted Rohingya in history but I do not know the real reason behind. He might want to recruit Rohingya to fight British colony at that time or because of ancient living of Rohingya in Arakan state claimed by Rohingya support group(above). However, it is true that there are ancient Muslim temples in Arakan state which means…
Norman Hla says:

November 10, 2011 at 4:40 am

refugee to Australia and ASEAN because “than shwe” has the cheapest labor for opium plantation and methamphetamine factories. Killing of more ethnics by “than shwe” rape-rewarded cheapest bama soldiers force to produce more opium and methamphetamine for ethnics’ weapon cost to against rich “than shwe”. Racial discrimination(ethnics cleansing) is the principle of bama military’s “bama-nization” for their personal gain(wealth and power consolidation). Burmese should not be in the trap of ‘than shwe” manipulation. Burmese must know that Australia and Singapore are benefit from multiculturalism respectively with their governments’ good intention to their own citizens. Now, the best Burmese brains are draining to those countries. This kind of benefit needs time, financial burden and civilized manner . However, Burma is the world poorest country because of suppressive all bama military rules , especially “Nargis killer military than shwe.”
Norman Hla says:

November 10, 2011 at 5:44 am

I do not hope that some Arakanese or Burmese should not be cheated by “than shwe” military strategy like cheating DASSK to make more distant to future giant Chinese leaders in Myistone Dam case. Than shwe has a lot of time to play the political game but we, Burmese has not much time. The more longer the survival of the than shwe, the more richer he is due to the unethical ASEAN chair in 2004. The sanction from EU and US is nothing for brutality of than shwe who only need China , India and ASEAN business for his survival. The seek-and hide is “than shwe” game for US and EU who also have no interest in Burmese natural resources as well as political influence. The influence of India and Thailand are enough for them(US and EU). The creating the faked patriotism for “than shwe” personal gain should be aware by Burmese , especially Arakanese. Can you say , who is the origin for “chicken and egg” for this long, long history in the respect of exiting of Rohingya in Arakan land. Your mouth say that “if it is the refuge issue and refuge right upon Rohingya, you accept them sincerely” If so, you can enact your own law for humanitarian ground with your true Buddhism or Christian heart without “than shwe” approval. Don’t discuss about the than shwe’s shit to you or than shwe will give more his own shit and bull shit to your naïve patriotism. I finally say you that “than shwe” is not my Burmese government so his any opinions and laws especially in all ethnics issue , patriotism are invalid(shit). Than shwe has his own law for his personal gain but we, all civilians must have our own law for our nation. WE NEED Rohyingya and China to fight than shwe’s colony like late General Aung San. Do you all expect that the next Burmese ruler is than shwe’s grandson because of his patriotism?
R. Chakma says:

November 10, 2011 at 11:13 am

BBC and western media is spreading a lie that so called Rohingyas are natives of Arakan. In reality these people are nothing but Bengali Muslims brought to Burma by British colonial rulers. These Bengali Muslims were involved in heinous crime and ethnic cleansing agaist the Rakhine Buddhists soon after the 2nd World War with the backing of the British Indian army. Now these Bengali Muslim settlers want to turn Rakhine a Muslim majority state by fast breeding and financial backing of the oil rich Middle East. Indigenous people of Burma will never accept these racist and religious sumpremacist Bengali Muslims as one their own.
Maung Kyaw Nu A Former Political Prisoner of Conscience Gneneration says:

November 10, 2011 at 2:06 pm

You guys are very happy in overseas life to be longer .You got Refuggees status by falsely claiming Students demonstrators and politicians.I am sure you are not democrats and just helpers of Military Regimes’ divide and rule policy.You are destroying our democratic cultures.You are misguiding our younger democrats.

What the majority Rakhines realy need ? The answer is Arakan Independence. They are very busy in Foreign including USA and UN to de colonise Arakan. To make Arakan in to BAMAR FREE. In the mean times they need Juntas’ help to drive out Rohingyas /Arakanese Muslims from Burma. After that they will fight to drive out all BAMAR from ARAKAN. The Rakhine leaders said the BAMA stole the MAHAR MYAT MUNI .BAMAR are “PAYA DAMYA”.The Rakhines need the MAHA Myat Muni back.Please go and take arms to regain ARAKAN INDEPENDENCE.This is the right of Arakanese.

What to do all these with democratic movement? Our only Political MOTTO is to end the dictatorial rule first.

We should have to concentrate our full energies to restore Democracy first.
This is my ardent request to every overseas activist to follow the our MARTYRS’s Rules.
Fight for all political prisoners of consciences’ release.
Fight for to retore peace in Ehinics Areas.
These are our duties.
Ramiel says:

November 10, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Blind patriotism, extreme nationalism, historical frauds, selfish politicians, racist bigots and corrupted governments are all equally crap.
The Rohingya course is acceptable on humanitarian grounds(in my opinion). However, they seriously need to stop claiming themselves as one of Burmese ethnics. Their claims about history are pretty doubtful. If one analyses Arakanese history, it is pretty clear that Rohingyas are making up history. General Aung San accepted Rohingyas as Burmese ethnics? I have yet to seen such thing.
No doubt, there will be loads of immigrations in this age. People are moving around the world, holding several citizenships of different countries, etc. There is no stopping in that. If Rohingyas want citizenship status, that’s pretty fine (in my opinion). Humanitarian aids, refugee status, etc, that’s all fine.
However, making up histories and proposing pseudo-historical facts lacking solid evidence, in order to get earn themselves an ethnic status is just wrong. Their claims about history are disputable and one of the books published online by one of the Arakanese organizations pretty much criticizes Rohingyas’ claims quite well.
It is really sad that this could lead to racial and at worse religious riots. Let’s all hope it won’t get to that point.
mahamed sayad says:

November 10, 2011 at 3:11 pm

dear,,mr chakma,,what r u talking about,,arakan is arabic name,,go and check history,,no body can hide history,,history is not personal property of any individual,,what bbc did it the right direction for the rohingya people,,while the rakhine people come from india and bangladesh,,in bangladesh still have rakhine community,,they enjoy the same status as bengali,,,you simply cant say that rohingya face similar to baegali,,,while rakhine face similar to mizoram,manipuri,,
Qutub Shah says:

November 10, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Might is right..! As the muslims are minority in burma, and the rest are all buddhist, we must say it is anti-muslim campign, not anti-rohingya. Why the muslims even in Yangon are not enjoying the same rights as even chinese burmese who arrived recently although There are available evidences proving rohingy’s ethnicity but ignored by the buddhists. The startling fact is that they are muslims. Buddhists are destroying all of rohingya milestones, features and landmarks and falsifying their history. But…
I Love you Arakan, my mother land. I love you Rohingya, my blood. our struggle will go on till our last breath.
Qutub Shah says:

November 10, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Don’t you feel shy to say Kalla (ကုလား)? You know Your God was also a Kalla according to your definition. So we are proud to be of your God’s tribe. We are ဘုရား လူမ်ိူး..
S.ALAM says:

November 10, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Existence of Rohingya:
Between 7th Century to 16th Century AD, tradings in Java, Malacca, Myanmar and Arakan were influenced by Arab traders. At the same time, the religion Islam was introduced there. When Islamic preachers arrived, some of the first group in Arakan who accepted Muslim were moon worshippers, descendants of ”San-Da-Wan-Tha” and people of Sandathuriya king who ruled over Sandawantha-moon worshipers and Thuriyawantha-sun worshipers. (Researcher)

“In 680 AD after the war of ‘Karbala’ Mohammed Hanofiya with his army arrived at Arab-Shah Para, near Maungdaw in the Northern Arakan, while Kaiyapuri, the queen of Cannibals ruled this hilly deep forest attacking and looting the people of Arakan. Mohammed Hanif attacked the Cannibals and captured the queen. She was converted to Islam and married to him. Her followers embraced Islam en masse. Mohammed Hanif and the queen Kaiyapuri lived in Mayu range. The peaks where they lived were still known as Hanifa Tonki and Kaiyapui Tonki. The wild cannibals were tamed and became civilised. Arakan was no more in danger of them and peace and tranquillity prevailed. The followers of Mohammed Hanif and Kaiyapuri were mixed up and lived peacefully.” The descendants of these mixed people no doubt formed the original nucleus of the Rohingya Muslims in Arakan. (from Historical Background of Arakan)
In 788 AD, during the season of Wae Tha Li, many of Arab traders’ boats were demolished by cyclone and landed to an island. And the king of the land relocated them into the lands. Thus, they named that Island as ‘Raham Bre’ (In Arabic, helper island), today call as ‘Rambre Island’. (from historians)
In 887 AD, most of Arakaneses converted to Islam as the results of propagation from India. (from Arab history)
Later from Portugal slavery time, some people from Bangladesh including non-Bangladeshies, were brought into Arakan and sold as slaves to Arab traders and Arakaneses.
S.ALAM says:

November 10, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Rohingya in Arakan is long rooted, can be proved by historical buildings with Mosques firstly built in 7th Century AD, Muslim Kings ruled for 4 centuries in Arakan, and others of Islamic names of towns, villages, rivers and others, and some Rakine kings also used Islamic names in 14 Century. Otherwise, the latest DNA may prove their existences. Moreover, some buildings built by Arakanese Muslim combatants, can be seen today in Yangon and Mawlamyaing. (from Burman King Invasions)

The name of Rohingya is founded as the people from Roshang/Rohang-Arakan: Rohang-Gya (‘Gya’ is villager). Like ‘Rakhasa’ to ‘Rakkha’ to ‘Rakkhaing’ to Rakhaing (Rakhine). Like Arakan to Rakhine, Burma to Myanmar. Time by time, states, people, names, cultures, are changed based on determination by influences.
mong pru says:

November 10, 2011 at 11:51 pm

Rohingyas have not been in Burma for centuries, they have been there only after the 1950′s! With continuous infiltration they have changed demographic map of western Burma and now they demand a fictitious islamic extremist eclave! what a brainchild by rohingyanists and their mentors in Britain including some christian extremist groups in London (including BBC). Should BBC has been objective in their reporting they must not have purposefully left out the majority ethnic group of Rakhine State in their reporting. BBC and Anna represent the evils of british colonialism and fanning of race and communal hatred. They have been asked to apologize for their evil report, but they will never do so because they are themselves no better than racists, imposing a name to part of Burma which is alien and fictitious. there are thousands of muslim patriots in Burma who are good citizens, employed in government services, doing trade, agriculture and what not. But BBC only sees the nonexistant and islamist socalled rohingyas. those who committed race riots during the british rule against buddhists in Maungdaw and Buthidaung by crossing the Naaf river from bangladesh side, why should burma recognize them as citizens as they have invented a name to prove their burmese ethnicity? the cause of rise in islamic militancy in Burma through rohingyanism is not because of the Burmese junta’s oppression of any kind, it is of socalled rohingyas’ own creation fanned and supported by a muslim neighbourhood, which commits the worst forms of human rights abuse and pogrom against its Buddhist, Hindu and Christian citizens in the name of democracy. Do I need to name it?
Tin Shwe says:

November 11, 2011 at 1:06 am

It is true that rohingya are son of inherit by Arakan. It is historically recognize and proved. If rakhine or ruling dictator (now civilian face) not grant rohingya right.UN must interfere on this issue.only being of non Buddhist ruling dictator and racist rakhine ignor rohingya fundamental right.
ko aung says:

November 11, 2011 at 2:58 am

it is not suprising that rakhine chauvinist ,khin maung saw, u aye chan etc denying rohingya legtimate right.but they are monority, majority of rakhine educated intellectual, who know arkan history will never deny existance rohingya as ethnic of burma.

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Views on Burmese president’s call for citizens abroad to come home

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:15:16 +0000

Views on Burmese president’s call for citizens abroad to come home

http://www.mizzima.com/edop/interview/5791-views-on-burmese-presidents-call-for-citizens-abroad-to-come-home.html

from news Mizzima, Wednesday, 17 August 2011 21:47 Mizzima News

(Interview) - In a speech delivered in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, President Thein Sein said that organizations and people in exile could come back home by contacting their state or regional governments. Mizzima reporter Ko Wild interviewed exile-based political activists on their opinions on the president’s call.

Photo: MRTV-4″ src=”http://www.mizzima.com/images/NewsPhotos/AUG11/thein-sein-august-17.jpg” alt=”Burmese President Thein Sein Photo: MRTV-4″ width=”329″ height=”244″ />Burmese President Thein Sein. Photo: MRTV-4

Dr. Naing Aung, general-secretary Forum for Democracy in Burma

I think they need to issue an official law, order or decree rather than an oral offer. So we can know clearly what this involves, a general amnesty or what? Our political forces here left home because there was no democracy or human rights in the country and there were no political freedoms because of repression.

If there these rights will exist, we will come back home and work in our homeland. We have no reason to stay here. If they cannot guarantee these rights to us, the situation will not be what we need. If President Thein Sein said this honestly for the sake of national reconciliation and peace, he needs to invite the people in exile with a clear official announcement and an order. And then he must guarantee the political freedoms that we have always called for. He needs to guarantee not to take any action on any offence [an amnesty].

Ngwe Lin, general-secretary Democratic Party for a New Society

Whether to go back home or not mainly depends on the existence of democracy and human rights and it depends on whether we can build a federal union that we have called for.

As far as I understand it, these things cannot be achieved under the rule of Thein Sein’s government or under the 2008 Constitution. Therefore, what he said has no significant meaning to us regardless of what he said.

If he really wants to build a genuine federal union, a new state with permanent peace, a new state with full democracy, then first he needs to release all the political prisoners, build a genuine peace across the country and convene an all-inclusive political dialogue. Without these things, such an invitation will have no meaning. It will just be a PR campaign.

If they issue a general amnesty order like in 1980, some of our idealist friends might go back home. But I think, under a situation of no concrete proposals about the future, no one will go back home. If one considers going back home under these circumstances, it would be foolish.

Nyo Ohn Myint, in-charge of the foreign affairs department of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)

I’d like to say President’s Thein Sein speech is constructive but I have to say that for all the people in exile including the politicians who left their homes because of their political beliefs that if the government does not recognize their political beliefs it will be difficult to say this is really an offer of national reconciliation.

I think they will release political prisoners in dribs and drabs. No one will go back home if their security is not guaranteed and there are no political guarantees. No one will go back home if they cannot do politics in Burma. I think it will be more appropriate to welcome these people with a political guarantee.

Tin Tin Nyo, secretary Women League of Burma

From the point of view of those who are devoting their lives to this democratic struggle, and judging what happened in exile throughout these years, it is not logical to hear him saying everyone can come back home. If they really want us to come back home, they must make proper arrangements between the two sides. Now what they offer is like surrendering to go back to the legal fold. I think this is a careless and irrational statement.

What I’d like to suggest to President Thein Sein is to halt all offensives along the border rather than just saying you can come back. It’s important for him to work to establish a genuine peaceful democracy at the earliest date through talking with Aung San Suu Kyi. And then he must work to find an economic solution for the people, a solution for economic crisis is a priority. And then I wish he would work for the refugees along the border to alleviate their plight, the lack of food and lack of shelter.

Myo Win, vice chairman All Burma Students Democratic Front

He didn’t talk about the most important thing: how to resolve the political issue. Just saying to come back home cannot resolve the crises and issues in Burma. If President Thein Sein wants to resolve all the issues in the country peacefully, the most important thing is, as we’ve always said, is to engage in a dialogue with all forces and stakeholders in these conflicts on an equal footing.

Without an equal political dialogue, just calling for people to come back home will not resolve the political issues. Similarly, just a cease-fire agreement cannot resolve the current armed conflicts. There must be a concrete process of what to do next after a cease-fire.

And if they really want to rebuild the country by all people contributing from both exile and internal movements, they must develop their political programmes first. And at the same time, they must release all political prisoners. They must have a working programme. They must show these concrete programmes first and then invite everyone to implement them. Only in this way, can this offer be useful and effective. I don’t think just calling for people to come back home can resolve these political issues.

Refugees: UN convention fails to protect displaced people

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:24:40 +0000

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/23fugy-2/Article/art_print

Refugees: UN convention fails to protect displaced people

ZAFAR AHMAD ABDUL GHANI, President Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organisation Malaysia Kuala Lumpur
letters@nst.com.my
2011/06/22

JUNE 20 was World Refugee Day. The Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Merh-rom) regrets that there is no change in our condition over the years.

June 20 also marked the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. We must analyse whether this convention has done enough to protect refugees.

Every year, we see wars and conflicts across the world. This is worrying as more people flee their countries and become refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons. While many have found new homes after resettlement to third countries, many more are struggling for survival.

There are too few countries involved in the resettlement of refugees compared with the number of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons born each day.

United Nations agencies, especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), parties to the Refugee Convention and world leaders must adopt new strategies to deal with refugee issues.

The condition of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Malaysia is a classic example of how the failure of UN agencies and world leaders has destroyed generations. There is no future for them.

In Southeast Asia, most refugees and asylum seekers come from Myanmar because of persecution and prosecution by the junta.

Asean leaders must deal with the junta to stop the flood of Myanmar refugees to neighbouring countries.

Being a refugee is hard, especially as some transit countries have not signed the Refugee Convention that provides protection for them. What this means is that in most situations, refugees are not recognised and protected.

While UN agencies protect refugees around the world, more effort must be made to stop wars and conflicts, which cause people to become refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons.

AN APPEAL FOR LIFE OF REFUGEE.

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:06:55 +0000

20 July 2011

Press Statement

AN APPEAL FOR LIFE OF REFUGEE.

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM) applaud the move of the Malaysian government to give amnesty to the undocumented migrant workers. Though currently the government is very busy with the registration process, we would like to draw the attention of the Malaysian government to look into our plight.

We are not new to the Malaysian government and the Malaysian people as we exist in Malaysia since more than 20 years ago. After 20 years being here we are still hoping our situation will change. We are still hoping for permanent solution to our plight but it was never happen. We are hoping our protector- UNHCR to find permanent solution for us but very little of us manage to get it. Very little Rohingya refugees get resettle to third country. Most of us stranded in Malaysia for more than 20 decades until we die here.

Though the Malaysian government did not sign the 1951 Refugee Convention, we are still hoping for the Malaysian government to look into our plight on humanitarian ground. Today, once again we appeal to the Malaysian government to continue the registration for IMM13 so that we can work and have access to formal education for our children while waiting for UNHCR to resettle us.

In 2006, the Malaysian government registered more than 5000 Rohingya refugees but it was stop and there is no development until now. We really hope the government will continue the registration as it will help to lessen our burden.

Everyday we are struggling for our survival. Now it become more difficult as the price of goods increase tremendously and over here very difficult for us to find work as we do not have work permit. Many of us working but get cheated by the employer. We cannot feed our family decently.

Outsiders will never understand how we are struggling as stateless person and refugee. Outsiders see us as foreigners not as human being. Outsiders only see us generally but never go deep into our world. Many people do not understand the struggling and the complexity of our world until they become refugee.

We have no where to go. We cannot go back to Myanmar as the junta never recognize us as citizen. We cannot go to third country until UNHCR send us. We can only stay in Malaysia temporarily while waiting for permanent solution.

Therefore we seek help from the Malaysian government to continue registration for IMM 13 so that we can work legally, have access to formal education and health care. We thank the Malaysian government to allow us to stay here until we find our new home.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Zafar Ahmad Bin Abdul Ghani

President of Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM)

Tel: 6016-6827287

Email: rights4rohingya@yahoo.co.uk

Blog: http://www.merhrom.wordpress.com

Six Asean summit protestors arrested, birds ‘missing’ (Malaysia) – 1

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:46:41 +0000

by from, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9068345329348234030&hl=en

Six Asean summit protestors arrested, birds ‘missing’ (Malaysia) – 1

Watch this video on english.ntdtv.com

Six Asean summit protestors arrested, birds ‘missing’ (Malaysia) – 1

03:03 – 5 years ago

Even before they could unfurl their banners, the police swooped in and arrested six people who attempted to stage a protest close to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (near the Petronas Twin Towers) where the 11th Asean Summit is being held. The would-be protest, initiated by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members, had aimed to highlight the regional grouping’s failure to address certain crucial issues. At about 11am, as the protestors were gearing up to send their message from the nearby KLCC park, when some 30 police personnel moved in and arrested them. Within 10 minutes, it was all over. During the commotion, the 60 pigeons brought to the park by the protestors to be set free during the event went missing. The pigeons, which were in two cages, could not be found after the melee with the police. According to a party worker, he saw uniformed police officers packing the pigeons away. Those arrested were PKR information chief Tian Chua, party workers Jasmine Ng and Ginie Lim, activist Fiqtriey al-Hakim and Burmese nationals Kolatt Aung Lwin and Jadoi. The two Burmese were arrested inside the KLCC shopping complex while the others were nabbed outside. The organisers had earlier predicted a turnout of about 100 people. The six were then taken to the Pudu police station and released at 5pm on police bail. Even before they could unfurl their banners, the police swooped in and arrested six people who attempted to stage a protest close to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (near the Petronas Twin Towers) where the 11th Asean Summit is being held. The would-be protest, initiated by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members, had aimed to highlight the regional grouping’s failure to address certain crucial issues. At about 11am, as the protestors were gearing up to send their message from the nearby KLCC park, when some 30 police personnel moved in and arrested them. Within 10 minutes, it was all over. During the commotion, the 60 pigeons brought to the park by the protestors to be set free during the event went missing. The pigeons, which were in two cages, could not be found after the melee with the police. According to a party worker, he saw uniformed police officers packing the pigeons away. Those arrested were PKR information chief Tian Chua, party workers Jasmine Ng and Ginie Lim, activist Fiqtriey…all » Even before they could unfurl their banners, the police swooped in and arrested six people who attempted to stage a protest close to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (near the Petronas Twin Towers) where the 11th Asean Summit is being held. The would-be protest, initiated by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members, had aimed to highlight the regional grouping’s failure to address certain crucial issues. At about 11am, as the protestors were gearing up to send their message from the nearby KLCC park, when some 30 police personnel moved in and arrested them. Within 10 minutes, it was all over. During the commotion, the 60 pigeons brought to the park by the protestors to be set free during the event went missing. The pigeons, which were in two cages, could not be found after the melee with the police. According to a party worker, he saw uniformed police officers packing the pigeons away. Those arrested were PKR information chief Tian Chua, party workers Jasmine Ng and Ginie Lim, activist Fiqtriey al-Hakim and Burmese nationals Kolatt Aung Lwin and Jadoi. The two Burmese were arrested inside the KLCC shopping complex while the others were nabbed outside. The organisers had earlier predicted a turnout of about 100 people. The six were then taken to the Pudu police station and released at 5pm on police bail.«

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Statement on the 66th Birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi June 19th, 2011

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:53:05 +0000

From: come e-mail; This sender is DomainKeys verified

“Angeline Shannan”

Statement on the 66th Birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
June 19th, 2011

June 19th, 2011, is the 66th birthday of Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This is the first birthday she will celebrate free after spending fifteen of the last twenty years under house arrest. Since her release, she has enthusiastically continued her struggle with unwavering political conviction. Therefore, the Women’s League of Burma (WLB) would like to express our great respect for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and honor her on this special occasion.
On this occasion, we would also like to express our deep pleasure at Daw Suu’s video messages during key events.She greatly encouraged women migrant workers and activists in Thailand on International Women’s Day and inspired many others during her addresses to the 7th ASEAN People’s Forum in Indonesia in May 2011, and to the International Conference to End Violence against Women that was held from May 23‐25 in Canada.
In her video speech, she critically highlights the situation of women in Burma who have been suffering various violations under the dictatorship. She also clearly stated that if men and women work together to achieve human rights and democracy, the entire people of Burma will enjoy genuine peace. Each speech emphasized the lack of security of women, who are critical to the development of peace and democracy in Burma and as they comprise over 50% of country’s population.

The WLB is deeply concerned about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s security during her upcoming national‐wide organizing
trip due to her previous trip to Debayin in 2003, which resulted in a military regime backed massacre. In any case,
the current puppet government is fully responsible for her security against any political assassination attempt
throughout her trip.

Recently, the so called democratic government, led by president U Thein Sein, announced to be a faultless
government that is governing a prosperous country. This deception is an attempt to gain some legitimacy from the
people inside Burma and the international community. The recently issued false amnesty for prisoners and
escalating border conflicts show the real face of the new government. Moreover, people from Burma including Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi have no freedom of expression, which is imperative for any genuine democracy.

The WLB strongly urges this puppet government to resolve the ongoing conflicts in border areas, to release all
political prisoners unconditionally, and to begin a tripartite political dialogue with ethnic forces and democratic
parties, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, for peace and justice to transpire in Burma.

We also urge the United Nations and international community not to support or cooperate with the puppet
government until there is positive concrete change in the political situation in Burma. We also appeal to the
international community to increase support for innocent people, including women and children who suffer from
civil war, and to prioritize cross border assistance to people from Burma who face poverty and various untold
sufferings.

On this special occasion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 66th birthday, we, the WLB, would also like to urge the entire
people including the youth of Burma to work hand in hand with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to topple the so called
democratic government and achieve genuine democracy and peace in Burma.

Contact

Daw Tin Tin Nyo + 66 810 322 882
Daw Lwin Lwin Hlain + 66 852 502 982
Daw Thin Thin Aung + 919 891 252 316
Saw Mi Mi Than + 880 1727 200 198

STATEMENT ON THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2011: SQUALID CONDITION OF THE ROHINGYA BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE WORLD

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:33:57 +0000

From come, e-mail; “National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR) exile South East Asia Regional Office”

20 June 2011

Press Release

STATEMENT ON THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2011:
SQUALID CONDITION OF THE ROHINGYA BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE WORLD

We, National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR) (exile)-Headquarters based in the
United States of America and the South East Asia Regional Office in Malaysia, would like to
express our concern over Burma’s regime’s installation of the worst proportion of inhuman pogrom
against ethnic minorities in Burma. Particularly of the Rohingyas in western border of Burma
through out the forced labour, force eviction, forced extortion, forced extermination, forced
relocation, torture, extra judicial killings, rape, model village settlement, restriction on their
movement and freedom of worship, education, social and business development Rohingya
refugees which make continuous flow of refugees. Hence the Rohingya Burmese refugees are
languishing under the traumatic mistreatments around the world specifically in Bangladesh,
Thailand, Malaysia and Suadi Arabia.

As Rohingya refugees are Burma’s first refugees and defined as the world most oppressed group,
the plights received international attention and UNHCR’s supports thereupon global leaders have
yet to pave solution for the plights.

In Bangladesh, the situation is cramp and the government restricts aid of Rohingya. About 28,000
Rohingya Burmese refugees are in squalid at the UNHCR runs camps of Kutupalong and
Nayapara in southern district of Cox’s Bazar, have been there for three decades, and about 30,000
Rohingyas in unregistered camp are for years. While no one know how the rest about 250,000
Rohingyas in outside refugee camps are surviving. The UNHCR has resettled less than thousand
Rohingyas from the registered camps since the year 2006. The enormous problems in Bangladesh
are direct impacts on vulnerable Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Despite having well knowledge
of the world on repatriated refugees, UNHCR and Bangladeshi government have still uphold to
establish agreement with Burma for involuntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees. We would like
to call upon Bangladesh itself depends on funds, should not ban international aid of the other and
to respect non-refoulement and customary laws.

The expression of majority willing to repatriate by UNHCR in Aug 1994 was flawed after MSF
survey in March 1995 revealed that 63% did not want to repatriate. Therefore we deeply concern
for processing of repatriation of Rohingya refugees which advantages on their malnutrition or
starvation, stuck, with other stimulation by offers.

In Thailand, recent repeated mistreatments towards Rohingya boat people show Thai-authorities
barbarous commitment of genocide crimes against humanity and defiance against international
communities and international laws. Thai army and Internal Security Operation Command-ISOC
are responsible for misconception of the Rohingya as threat to Thai national security.

That lead in March 2008, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej attempted to explore a deserted island to place Rohingya refugees living in Thailand, Bankok Post Paper on 28 March 2008.
Again in Dec 2008, total about 1116 Rohingya and some Bangladeshi boat people were towed into
international waters and more than half were feared dead including firing, some were shot dead on
boat and some were thrown over boat to drown.

Current PM Abhisit Vejjajiva had promise to hold all those involved to account. Instead of
investigation to bring into account or compensation for those lost of lives, Thai PM is still upheld
its authorities to treat rank-less behaviour towards vulnerable boat people.

Again in Jan 2011, three boats of Rohingya refugees landed over the weekend of January in
Southern Thai-waters, were similarly pushed back into international waters. A group 91 persons
rescued near India-Andaman Island and another group 129 persons rescued near Indo-Acheh.
We therefore would like to urge international community to take action on Thai-authority and PM
for pursuing similar crimes.

In Saudi Arabia, Rohingyas been there for five decades and still facing arrests, detentions and
forceful deportations, and exempt from basic rights. They are living mostly in Makkah, Jeddah and
Madina in poor conditions. Even though Former King Abdullah had showed a little favour towards
their plights, detention of Rohingyas is slightly increased from 5,000 persons estimated in 2008
Oct who were nab from Mecca and Jeddah. Those detainees were forced to accept to
say Bangladeshi and several hundreds were deported to Bangladesh in this manner. They are kept
without adequate foods and equipments in dilapidated buildings by guarding due to overcrowding
in prisons and failure of deportation. Most of them are in inhuman situation and suffering from
types of diseases, shortage of food and in non hygienic and squalid environment. Half of those
detained in dilapidated building had been escaped. This kind of treatments are totally unexpectable
in Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia therefore we would like to call Saudi Arabia to show
humanity towards its Muslim brothers and at least they must be protected under Islamic universal
Laws.

In Malaysia Rohingyas is the first among Burmese refugee groups. Rohingya refugees in
Malaysia have been languishing more than two decades in limbo with lack of basic needs.
Malaysia is not a signatory country therefore Rohingya refugees are still subject to arrest,
detention and other abuses. Current UNHCR representative has yet to explore assistance of widow,
over aged and sick Rohingyas, Rohingya families whose husband are kept in Australian
detentions, registration of unregistered Rohingyas whose data were collected since the mid-2009,
fair and equal opportunity in resettlement quota. Because there are less than 250 Rohingyas found
in UNHCR resettlement, about 43,000 refugees from Malaysia in the past decade. Compare to the
past years UNHCR has able to get release of refugee detainees from some detentions. But it does
not mean they are protected. There are still swapped in raids and hundreds of unreported
numbers are still languished and detained in dehumanized conditions where UNHCR service not
explore or access. The Malaysian government is also still silent on Home Minister said in Feb
2010 that the refugees to be allowed to work was being considered while waiting to be resettled in
third countries. We would like to call Malaysian government to corporate to find permanent
solution for the plights of Rohingyas refugees in Malaysia and to upgrade its detention system.
Repressions of oppressed Rohingya refugees in host countries became one of the issues
why Rohingya refugees in neighboring countries are busy to find a safe place through risky
journey. We see secondary movements of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Malaysia and
Rohingya refugees in Malaysia departing for Australia because they expect to find more secure
and safe place. From the year 2006, we escalated that total Rohingyans landed to Australia from
Malaysia are; 8 Rohingyans by a boat in Aug 2006, 42 Rohingyans by four different boats in
between September to Dec 2009, 98 Rohingyans and 8 different ethnic Burmeses by six different
boats in between March to October 2010 and recently 18 Rohingyans landed near Ashmore
Reef by a boat on 12 May 2011. This last group was told that they would be transferred to where
they came from and they are kept separately for final decision near North West Point Immigration
Detention Centre of Christmas Island. One of the key reasons of their arrival was after the talk of
swap deal. We urge Malaysian government not to accept this 18 Rohingya men as Malaysia is not
in position to fulfill their basic needs and Malaysia has yet to settle existing Rohingya cases.
108 Rohingyans landed by a boat in Pulau Kendi, off Penang on 4 March 2007, were detained in
Juru detention camps and half of them were deported to Burma border through voluntary
corporation with Thai. The rest were langusihed for fear of repatriation so that they were finally
handed over to human traffickers in Malays-Thai border.

A few of trafficked in fishing boat were landed in Terenganu beach in Oct 2007 after broke down
the engine. They were detained in Ajil detention camp and some accessed UNHCR’s intervention.
93 Rohingyans landed by a boat in Kedah in Mrch 2010 after received aid from Thai. They were
detained prolong then finally some got UNHCR’s intervention.

Some of those Thai pushed back Rohingya boat people in Indonesia captured in Malay-waters in
March 2010, were detained prolong and a few were met UNHCR accessement.
We also found that Rohingya boat people asylum-seekers in Australian detentions are being the
longest group and treated unequally in visa processing and then detained inappropriately by
advantaging on security checks despite Australia has well understanding about Rohingya position
and Australia itself is one of the country which advocate for their plights and contributed for the
welfare of Rohingyas both in home and exile. Such prolong detention contracts psychological
torture and affects mental and then that bruise their families left behind. On the consequences of
pressure so far 32 of 42 Rohingya refugees arrival in 2009 were released after averagely detained
13 months, the rest six persons in Northern Immigration Detention Centre (NIDC), 3 persons in
Villawood and one person in Maribyrnong detentions are still languishing in limbo. Including two
of them; Mr Habiburahman is head and Mr Sayad Kasim is Joint Secretary of NDPHR (exile)
South East Asia Regional Office based in KL, Malaysia, have been detaining now in 18 months in
NIDC. Their lives in Malaysia were risked and they both had been personally experienced with
arrests, detentions and deportation to human traffickers in Malay-Thai border.

We acknowledged their detention is worst than mandatory detention as mandatory detention has a
mandate with key values which ensure fair and humane treatment. The period of their detention
excessive length of proper process while thousands of clients who arrived lately and faking
Rohingya cases were already released. Unfortunately, such indefinite detention doesn’t import
the way to have good conduct and good order in Australian society. They proved their identities
received UNHCR-Malaysia but their cases are still hanging for puppet security checks regardless
of government notice released on 17 March 2011. There is no Rohingya threat to Burmese society
or other country. Rohingya community in Burma have been terrorized at least five decades by
terror military government. Moreover, they are bounded in the cycle of arrests, detentions,
deportations and other brutal abuses in neighbouring countries. Therefore, their detention is
nothing more than arbitrary detention of innocent refugees.

We concerns seriously for prolong detention of the world most oppressed Rohingya refugee
asylum-seekers detained in Australia and Australia as a leader in humanitarian fields and that uplift international laws, should not detained inappropriately, nor materialize the swap deal to send back Rohingya refugee boat people asylum-seekers to the country where is not safe for refugees and asylum-seekers even for legal migrants. Despite boat people issue in Australia brought to a hot debate by politicians, their rights in Australian territory should not be deprived for political interaction. This is nothing more than degrading of Australia’s human rights record and letting to mess-up the situation.

In summary we also would like to call international communities to encourage UNSC to take
action unexceptionally on military regime. Burma’s neighbouring countries or its associations does
not import security and safety of the Burmese people therefore there is nothing to rely on them.

Thank you,

Executive Committee
National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR), exile
Headquarters, United States of America
For media contact:
Kyaw Soe Aung Te: +14147364273

60 YEARS AFTER 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION: STOP WAR AND CONFLICT, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES.

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:20:39 +0000

20 June 2011

Press Statement

60 YEARS AFTER 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION: STOP WAR AND CONFLICT, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES.

Today 20 June 2011 is World Refugee Day. The day to remember the struggle and hardship refugee went through all their life. Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM) remember this day every year as we hope there is a future for us as year change. However we regret to see there is no changes in our conditions as years pass. We regret to see the number of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons increase year by year. Today also mark the 60^th Anniversary of 1951 Refugee Convention. This is very important day because after 60 years of existence of Refugee Convention, we must analyze whether this convention has done enough to protect refugees and persons of concerns to this convention.

Every year we see war and conflict emerging in many countries. This is very worrying as more and more people will flee their countries and become refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons. While many refugees has found their new home after Resettlement to third countries, there are many more refugees struggling for survival.

There are too little countries involved in Resettlement of refugees compared to the number of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons that born each day. This shows that United Nations agencies especially UNHCR, State Parties to the Refugee Convention and World Leaders must adapt new strategy in dealing with refugee issues.

Most resources must be channel for prevention of war and conflict so that the number of refugee will be reduce. The failure of United Nations, World Leaders and International Community to stop the war and conflict cause more and more people becoming refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons.

All parties must be honest in dealing with refugees because we are vulnerable. It is not only affecting one refugee itself but few of its generation. The conditions of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Malaysia is a classic example of how the failure of UN agencies and World Leaders destroyed the generation after generation. There is no more future for them.

In South East Asia, most refugees and asylums seekers come from Myanmar due to persecution and prosecution by the junta. This is not only affecting the refugee personally but also has create many impact to neighboring countries especially Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. ASEAN Leaders must seriously deal with junta to stop the flood of Burmese refugee to neighboring countries.

Being a refugee in a foreign land is very hard and though because some transit countries did not sign the Refugee Convention that provide protection to the refugees and persons of concerns. Meaning that in most situation, refugees are not recognized and protected. Those who sign the Refugee Convention must be able to follow the principles.

In May 2011 we were shocked by the plan of the Australian government to deport 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia. This should not happen as Australia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention while Malaysia is non-signatory. We really hope the Australian and Malaysian government to stop the plan for the sake of the asylum seekers. There should be other alternative to deal with the issue.

In current situation where the price of goods has increase tremendously, refugees are more depressed in order to survive. We face various problem in order to continue our lives. We do not have rights to work, education, health care and legal document which the most important for our survival.

The time has come for the United Nations, World Leaders and the International Community to look back what they have done 60 years ago and what they want to achieve for the year after. While the United Nations agencies protect refugees around the world, more effort must be channel to stop war and conflict which is one of the root causes of people becoming refugee, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons.

In relation to the treatment of refugees, UNHCR must be equal in protection of refugee without any discrimination and distinction based on race, religion, ethnic or nationality. In Malaysia for example, the number of Resettlement of Rohingya refugees are very small compared to other ethnic of the same country. This should not happen as we are also refugee and made stateless in our own county by the junta.

On behalf of Burmese refugee, we urge the United Nations, World Leaders, ASEAN Leaders and the International Community to seriously look into our plight as more and more Burmese fleeing the country each day to save their life. Stern action must be taken to junta who cause millions of Burmese people are prosecuted, killed and suffering in different ways. The junta has committed the crime against humanity and must be brought to the International Court of Justice. There must be political change in Myanmar in order to resolve refugee issues.

In conjunction with the 60^th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, we demand:

More effort to lobby countries to accept refugees under Resettlement Program
More countries especially transit countries of refugees to sign 1951 Refugee Convention
Increase effort by the United Nations and World Leaders to stop war and conflict
UNHCR to equally treat refugees regardless of their race, religion and nationality
Transit countries to protect refugees and asylum seekers and give them their rights until we resettled to third countries
Stop deportation of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless and displaced persons.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Zafar Ahmad Bin Abdul Ghani

President of Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM)

Tel: 6016-6827287

Email: rights4rohingya@yahoo.co.uk

Blog;: http://www.merhrom.wordpress.com

Heavy rain and landslides cut Maungdaw-Buthidaung road

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:20:22 +0000

mill used in grinding rice” src=”http://www.kaladanpress.org/v3/images/stories/slide/rohingyaculture-01.jpg” alt=”" width=”500″ height=”326″ /> paddy” src=”http://www.kaladanpress.org/v3/images/stories/slide/rohingyaculture-02.jpg” alt=”" width=”500″ height=”326″ />

Rohingya traditional carrying harvest paddy

Heavy rain and landslides cut Maungdaw-Buthidaung road

Thursday, 16 June 2011 13:15

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Heavy rain and landslides have cut off the main road connecting Maungdaw and Buthidaung today, said Hashim, a driver who frequently travels on this road.

The road of Maungdaw-Buthidaung condition after raining

Deep sea gas blocks open to export

Thursday, 16 June 2011 13:11

Chittagong, Bangladesh: The government has signed a production-sharing contract (PSC) with American firm ConocoPhillips for exploration of oil and gas in the deep sea blocks while discounting howls of protests, according to Petrobangla Chairman Hossain Monsur.

The map of oil and gas fields in Bangladesh

116-year-old Rohingya female still strong and healthy

Thursday, 16 June 2011 13:05

Chittagong, Bangladesh: A 116-year-old grandmother who is the oldest living female in the Rohingya community is still strong and healthy, said Amena, a granddaughter of the elderly woman.

116-year-old grandmother, Nawnam Bahar

Police officer harasses Rohingya in Maungdaw

Tuesday, 14 June 2011 14:34

Maungdaw, Arakan State: Police officers from the district police department are harassing the Rohingya community in Maungdaw after the district police chief went to Akyab (Sittwe), according to an aide from the district police office.

Village administration head officer and Nasaka collect money from villagers

Tuesday, 14 June 2011 14:32

Maungdaw, Arakan State: The village administration head officer and officers from the Burma border security force (Nasaka) personnel station at Kyauk Pyin Seik (Nari Bil) have been collecting money from local villagers since June 10, said a villager from Nari Bil.

UNHCR plans varied World Refugee Day programme during 60th year

Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia ( merhrom) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:07:12 +0000

From News; http://www.unhcr.org/4df231cf6.html

UNHCR plans varied World Refugee Day programme during 60th year

News Stories, 10 June 2011

public awareness and World Refugee Day messages.

One of the trams in Europe UNHCR public awareness and World Refugee Day messages.

In Belgium, UNHCR has decorated the tram that runs along the country’s coastline until the end of November. A series of tents is depicted on the outside of the tram, with the written message: ”Ýeah, holidaaaaay! Nope, a refugee camp.”

In the Romanian capital of Bucharest, popular restaurants, artists and photographers will get together on June 18 to present “SlideLuck PotShow,” an event that combines eating and visual arts, including photos from the Magnum exhibition. Artists submit images and guests and restaurants bring along food. The lights are dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the show begins.

ASIA-PACIFIC

For the first time, the Tokyo Tower – Japan’s second tallest artificial structure – will be lit in blue for three hours from seven o’clock on the evening of June 20. But because of tsunami-linked damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the lighting will be at 50 per cent of normal brightness.

UNHCR’s Malaysia office will celebrate early, with a public event at the Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station on June 18-19. Several thousand visitors are anticipated to attend while more than 200 refugees will also participate and interact with the public. Malaysians will be able to sample what it’s like to be a refugee by going through a series of scenarios in a maze-like structure.

In neighbouring Thailand, a refugee film festival will be held from June 20-22, kicking off with the screening of “Moving to Mars,” which tells the epic journey from a refugee camp in Thailand to the UK made by two families from Myanmar. UNHCR resettlement experts will later talk to the audience.

Hong Kong will also host a film festival among many other events. Popular Chinese actress Yao Chen is expected to help promote WRD events in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Indonesia’s WRD plans include an exhibition of handicrafts made by refugees, cooking, flower arranging and drawing and colouring competitions, tree planting, a futsal match and a badminton tournament.

MIDDLE EAST

In the Middle East, UNHCR will be screening the premiere on World Refugee Day of “United in Exile,” by Syrian director Nabil Maleh. The 45-minute documentary portrays the lives of Iraqi refugees in Syria. It will be screened at the Opera House in Damascus.

In the Lebanon, staff of the popular TSC supermarket chain will wear UNHCR t-shirts for the week beginning on June 20, while on June 25 refugees will sell handicrafts in eight UNHCR tents to be pitched in Beirut’s flea market, the Souk-el-Tayeb. The same day, UNHCR will help judge a talent show for refugees at Saint Joseph University.

Despite the volatile situation in North Africa, UNHCR will be organizing a concert by famed local oud (lute) player, Lofti Bouchnaq, in the open air theatre of the Tunisian town of Djerba on June 20. The refugee agency has also organized a photo competition for Tunisians, with applicants asked to send images of the influx of tens of thousands of people fleeing Libya since February. A selection will be exhibited on June 18-19 and the winner will receive a professional camera.

AFRICA

Several events are planned in South Africa, many of them linked to the new “One” campaign and what people can do to help refugees. On June 20, UNHCR will use a ceremony in Soweto to launch the kwaito-style song, “I’m My Brother’s Keeper.” Performed by well-known local artists Zonke and Stoane, it promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence between locals and foreigners, including refugees and asylum-seekers.

In Chad on World Refugee Day, UNHCR will help organize a debate at N’Djamena University on “Refugees and Migrants in Chad.” In Ghana, UNHCR will launch a six-month fund-raising project to provide secondary education scholarships to 60 refugee students.

A 10-kilometre walk will be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo capital, Kinshasa, to promote awareness about the “One” campaign, with more than 5,000 people expected to take part. In the southern town of Lubumbashi, films will be screened at the Halle de l’Etoile, followed by a debate on the situation of refugees in the vast country.

Restaurants in Uganda will hold special WRD meals from June 16-20, with 25 per cent of the proceeds going to help urban refugees. Staff from UNHCR and partner agencies will take on refugees in a football match in Kampala on June 17, while there will be a WRD parade through the city two days later.

AMERICAS

The Americas will be the last to celebrate World Refugee Day, but not the least. On the day itself, former Somali refugees Siham and Iman Hashi will give a special musical performance as “Sweet Rush” in Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre. The event will also feature the exhibition, “Nowhere People,” by award-winning photographer Greg Constantine, which will be on display in the Hall of Nations from June 13-July 10.

Elsewhere in the United States, Goodwill Envoy and acclaimed author Khaled Hosseini will join a senior UNHCR official in a public event at the World Affairs Council of Northern California in San Francisco on June 16. In New York, meanwhile, the top floors of the Empire State Building will be illuminated in blue for the second year running. The Norwegian mission to the United Nations, UNHCR and the Women’s Refugee Commission will host a Nansen lecture on “The Changing Face of Displacement in the 21st Century.”

Across the border in Canada, many cities have full activities planned. In Toronto, the CN Tower, once the world’s tallest man-made structure, will be lit blue. There will be a ministerial event in Ottawa to mark WRD and UNHCR’s 60th anniversary, while Montreal will have information stands, concerts, dance performances and photo exhibitions.

In South America, an event on the theme of “Put Yourself in a Refugee’s Shoes” will be organized on Colombia’s border with Venezuela attended by celebrities Andrea Echiverri and Sebastian Yepes. In the northern Ecuador town of Lago Agrio, locals and refugees are organizing a WRD meal for 500 people, including a whole roasted cow. Meanwhile, the tiny riverside community of Barranca Bermeja, on the border with Colombia, will mark the day with electric light for the first time, after being linked to the national grid with UNHCR help.

In Costa Rica, UNHCR will organize a theatrical performance on the streets of San José on June 20. Young people will hand out flyers with key messages that reflect the suffering of the displaced. And in Mexico, UNHCR and the Mexican Refugee Commission will stage story-telling performances from June 21-24 for unaccompanied refugee children and young Mexicans living in shelters. The annual WRD festival will be held in Mexico City on June 25.

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STATEMENT ON THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2011: SQUALID CONDITION OF THE ROHINGYA BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE WORLD

From come, e-mail; “National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR) exile South East Asia Regional Office”

20 June 2011

Press Release

STATEMENT ON THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2011: SQUALID CONDITION OF THE ROHINGYA BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE WORLD

As Rohingya refugees are Burma’s first refugees and defined as the world most oppressed group, the plights received international attention and UNHCR’s supports thereupon global leaders have yet to pave solution for the plights.

Current PM Abhisit Vejjajiva had promise to hold all those involved to account. Instead of investigation to bring into account or compensation for those lost of lives, Thai PM is still upheld its authorities to treat rank-less behaviour towards vulnerable boat people.

In summary we also would like to call international communities to encourage UNSC to take action unexceptionally on military regime. Burma’s neighbouring countries or its associations does not import security and safety of the Burmese people therefore there is nothing to rely on them.

Thank you,

Executive Committee National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR), exile Headquarters, United States of America For media contact: Kyaw Soe Aung Te: +14147364273

60 YEARS AFTER 1951 REFUGEE CONVENTION: STOP WAR AND CONFLICT, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES.

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Statement on the 66th Birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
June 19th, 2011

STATEMENT ON THE WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2011:
SQUALID CONDITION OF THE ROHINGYA BURMESE REFUGEES IN THE WORLD

As Rohingya refugees are Burma’s first refugees and defined as the world most oppressed group,
the plights received international attention and UNHCR’s supports thereupon global leaders have
yet to pave solution for the plights.

Current PM Abhisit Vejjajiva had promise to hold all those involved to account. Instead of
investigation to bring into account or compensation for those lost of lives, Thai PM is still upheld
its authorities to treat rank-less behaviour towards vulnerable boat people.

In summary we also would like to call international communities to encourage UNSC to take
action unexceptionally on military regime. Burma’s neighbouring countries or its associations does
not import security and safety of the Burmese people therefore there is nothing to rely on them.

Executive Committee
National Democratic Party for Human Rights (NDPHR), exile
Headquarters, United States of America
For media contact:
Kyaw Soe Aung Te: +14147364273