Executive Summary and Recommendations of the Final Report

The Inquiry Commission on the Sectarian Violence in Rakhine State submitted it’s final report to President Thein Sein on 22 April. Read the executive summary and recommendations from the report here.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, Burma

Burma’s parliamentary government is headed by President Thein Sein. On April 1, the country held largely transparent and inclusive by-elections in which the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, chaired by Aung San Suu Kyi, won 43 of 45 contested […]

The 2012 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report – Burma

The political and economic reforms that began in 2011 continued during 2012 under President Thein Sein. The UK Government’s approach is one of cautious engagement, welcoming and encouraging reform while paying close attention to the human rights situation […]

“All You Can Do is Pray”: Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Burma’s Arakan State

Crimes Against Humanity and Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Burma’s Arakan State

This 153-page report describes the role of the Burmese government and local authorities in the forcible displacement of more than 125,000 Rohingya and other Muslims and the ongoing humanitarian crisis […]

Anti-Muslim Violence in Central Burma

A tense calm prevails after deadly religious violence hit Central Burma in March, with anti-Muslim attacks reported in four townships in Mandalay Division and eight townships in Pegu Division. According to official figures, the violence in Meikhtila, Mandalay Division, killed 44 people and displaced over 12,800. As of 9 April, over 8,400 people remain displaced […]

Burma Briefing: Burma’s Treatment of the Rohingya and International Law

This briefing paper examines Burma’s treatment of the Rohingya in the context of international law, treaty obligations, and international guidelines and norms. It examines two particular areas; the general treatment of the Rohingya before the violence which erupted in June 2012, and the response of the government of Burma during and after the violence began […]

Human Rights Violations Perpetrated Against the Chin in Burma (March 2011 – March 2013)

Documentation from human rights groups shows that in fact, serious human rights violations continue across the country under President Thein Sein’s government, with particularly severe consequences for ethnic and religious minorities. For the predominantly Christian Chin people, this includes violations of religious freedom, forced labour, sexual violence, and extra-judicial killing, despite the fact that a ceasefire between armed resistance group the Chin National Front (CNF) and the government is holding […]

Satellite-Based Damage Assessment for City of Meiktila, Mandalay Region, Burma

A total of 828 destroyed and 35 severely damaged buildings were identified within the city of Meiktila (Meiktila township, Mandalay Region, Burma) likely caused by arson attacks reportedly occurring between March 20 -22, 2013. Damages are spatially concentrated within multiple areas of near total destruction measuring approximately 24.5 hectares in total area […]

Burma Briefing: An International Task Force is Needed to Help Tackle Growing Religious Violence in Burma

The consequences of failing to address the growing religious tensions in Burma are so serious that they justify the urgent creation of a task force which helps Burma’s political and religious leaders, both in government and in opposition, learn from the past experience of the international […]

Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

The full text of the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution that calls on the government to end human rights violations and ensure accountability and end impunity, maintains the resolution under agenda Item 4 of “Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention” and also extends the mandate of Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana.