Good luck Aung San Suu Kyi! The hardest part still lies ahead. Such a message might sound exaggerated, even inappropriate, when you think that this woman spent 15 years under house arrest, having always shown tremendous determination against the junta's generals.
Her fight has indeed paid off at last, as she has gained the paradoxical support of the military, who finally and rather unexpectedly decided to let Myanmar move forward on the path towards unprecedented political reforms. But it's also true that this is the moment that new roadblocks might start to appear after this internationally renowned figure came to power on April 1.
Suu Kyi, known as "The Lady," is surrounded by an aura that virtually no other world leader has, and the Burmese people's expectations are high. Perhaps too high. What is happening in Myanmar right now is reminiscent of the "Obamania" that hit the United States after Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election. And as such, it risks provoking its own share of disillusions and frustrations. (Courtesy of worldcrunch.com)
April 15, 2016
U.S. government agency calls on Myanmar to end abuses against Rohingya
The U.S. government agency charged with monitoring international religious freedoms called on Myanmar's new government on Thursday to do away with abusive policies against the country's minority Rohingya Muslims.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) praised the government of de facto head of state Aung San Suu Kyi for releasing political prisoners after its November election victory.
But it said Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, needed to act to protect freedom of religion and end discrimination against minorities.
"One such step is Burma's government radically changing its abusive policies and practices in Rakhine state, which have harmed members of the ethnic communities who live there, especially Rohingya Muslims," it said in statement. (Courtesy of Reuters)
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) praised the government of de facto head of state Aung San Suu Kyi for releasing political prisoners after its November election victory.
But it said Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, needed to act to protect freedom of religion and end discrimination against minorities.
"One such step is Burma's government radically changing its abusive policies and practices in Rakhine state, which have harmed members of the ethnic communities who live there, especially Rohingya Muslims," it said in statement. (Courtesy of Reuters)
They Would Call Me An "Extremist" : Zarni's Buddhist New Year Note
Though a Burmese from Mandalay - Burma's most popular site for the Thin Gyan or water throwing new year festival - I do not celebrate the New Year - because my country that likes to call itself "Buddhist" is committing a slow genocide
against the Rohingya stimatizing them as "Bengali". For we view them, wrongly, as simply the descendants of British colonial era 'farm coolies' who came to Western Burma only after the first Anglo-Burmese war of 1824. Wrongly because many of them have verfiably maintained their historical presence and distinct identity as early as AD1500. (Courtesy of Rohingya Blogger)
against the Rohingya stimatizing them as "Bengali". For we view them, wrongly, as simply the descendants of British colonial era 'farm coolies' who came to Western Burma only after the first Anglo-Burmese war of 1824. Wrongly because many of them have verfiably maintained their historical presence and distinct identity as early as AD1500. (Courtesy of Rohingya Blogger)
Rohingyas Escaped Myanmar For A Better Life In India, But This Is Their Life Now
India is home to a culturally diverse population and the birthplace of various religions. As such, one would expect almost anyone to be given a big-hearted welcome upon stepping into such a land. Yet for refugees, and Rohingyas in particular, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Rohingyas constitute the largest minority in Myanmar, yet estimates of their exact numbers vary widely. It’s safe to say, however, that there are at least a million in the Northwestern state of Rakhine, while an even larger number has been forced to flee to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh among others, due to government-sponsored persecution and violence. In India, the community of Rohingyas is relatively small in comparison to these other nations, but their struggle is no less compelling.
As of March 2016, 35 thousand refugees and asylum-seekers had registered with UNHCR in India, around 13 thousand of whom were Rohingyas. In Delhi, there is a community of approximately six to seven hundred, living primarily in pockets of Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, JJ Colony, Bodola Goung and Hastall. (Courtesy of youthkiawaaz.com)
Rohingyas constitute the largest minority in Myanmar, yet estimates of their exact numbers vary widely. It’s safe to say, however, that there are at least a million in the Northwestern state of Rakhine, while an even larger number has been forced to flee to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh among others, due to government-sponsored persecution and violence. In India, the community of Rohingyas is relatively small in comparison to these other nations, but their struggle is no less compelling.
As of March 2016, 35 thousand refugees and asylum-seekers had registered with UNHCR in India, around 13 thousand of whom were Rohingyas. In Delhi, there is a community of approximately six to seven hundred, living primarily in pockets of Kalindi Kunj, Shaheen Bagh, JJ Colony, Bodola Goung and Hastall. (Courtesy of youthkiawaaz.com)
US says global human rights protections declined in 2015
The Obama administration is blaming a global crisis in governance, as well as atrocities by non-state actors, for a decline in human rights standards around the world last year.
In its annual human rights report released Wednesday, the State Department said governments in 2015 pushed back with increasing vigor and viciousness” against groups that seek to empower ordinary people and fight corruption.
The report singled out North Korea, China, Cuba, Sudan and Iran and also cited Russia, Rwanda, Congo, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Uganda, Egypt and Vietnam for repressive steps.
“In every part of the world, we see an accelerating trend by both state and non-state actors to close the space for civil society, to stifle media and Internet freedom, to marginalize opposition voices, and, in the most extreme cases, to kill people or drive them from their homes,” Secretary of State John Kerry said.
The report also condemned abuses by the Islamic State group, Boko Haram, al Shabab and the Taliban in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and several African nations where it said lack of governance, poor governance or outright repression fueled radical movements. (Courtesy of inhomelandsecurity.com)
In its annual human rights report released Wednesday, the State Department said governments in 2015 pushed back with increasing vigor and viciousness” against groups that seek to empower ordinary people and fight corruption.
The report singled out North Korea, China, Cuba, Sudan and Iran and also cited Russia, Rwanda, Congo, Venezuela, Azerbaijan, Uganda, Egypt and Vietnam for repressive steps.
“In every part of the world, we see an accelerating trend by both state and non-state actors to close the space for civil society, to stifle media and Internet freedom, to marginalize opposition voices, and, in the most extreme cases, to kill people or drive them from their homes,” Secretary of State John Kerry said.
The report also condemned abuses by the Islamic State group, Boko Haram, al Shabab and the Taliban in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and several African nations where it said lack of governance, poor governance or outright repression fueled radical movements. (Courtesy of inhomelandsecurity.com)
Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility to Convene in Myanmar for the First Time
The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR), Asia’s most established regional dialogue on CSR thinking and practice, will convene in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar for the first time on 20-21 September this year.
Now in its 15th year, the agenda will focus on Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) as a strategic approach to addressing social challenges to uplift communities, transform countries and create a better future.
Sessions will be structured in an engaging and interactive format, with discussions led by key figures in the new Myanmar Government, visionary business leaders, top CSR-thinkers and inspiring social entrepreneurs who will share vital insights and unique perspectives to 350 attendees from 25 countries. (Courtesy of asiaoutlookmag.com)
Now in its 15th year, the agenda will focus on Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) as a strategic approach to addressing social challenges to uplift communities, transform countries and create a better future.
Sessions will be structured in an engaging and interactive format, with discussions led by key figures in the new Myanmar Government, visionary business leaders, top CSR-thinkers and inspiring social entrepreneurs who will share vital insights and unique perspectives to 350 attendees from 25 countries. (Courtesy of asiaoutlookmag.com)
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