The Stateless Rohingya Blog

AP Photo By Bill O’Toole   Myanmar Times April 07, 2014 Criticism of Myanmar’s census hit fever pitch last week when residents of Rakhine State were not allowed to self-identify according to their wishes, with even the United Nations appearing to turn on the government for its apparent back-flip. But experts say the census was “doomed from the start”, and that donors and the UN had more than enough warning of the likely problems but did little to act on them. In particular, a risk assessment commissioned by donors “clearly warned” of many of the problems facing the program now, including flawed data and the inflaming of ethnic tensions, a person familiar with the report told The Myanmar Times. The report was never released publicly and UNFPA did not respond to requests for information about its conclusions last week. But there were many more public warnings about the census’ likely impact. “Many individuals and organisations, both domestic and internati

By Media release April 06, 2014 The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, Burma.  Violence targeting UN offices and international NGOs on 26 and 27 March has resulted in the destruction of property and relocation of international and local aid workers, including Australians, to secure locations. These organisations deliver vital humanitarian, medical and other assistance to communities throughout Rakhine State.  Many communities now do not have access to medical services, water, sanitation and food. The Australian Government urges the Myanmar Government to provide a safe and secure environment in Rakhine State so that all humanitarian and development personnel can continue providing these vital services.  We also continue to encourage it to address the underlying causes of the conflict there. I also urge the Myanmar Government to ensure the conduct of the country’s first census in thirty yea