Criticism Doesn’t Have Suu Kyi or Myanmar on the Ropes

Myanmar’s government looks as if it’s under siege from an international community concerned about the condition of its nascent democracy, with widespread calls for a genocide tribunal to hold its military to account for the brutal treatment of its Muslim Rohingya minority. But experts say not to expect any change of course from the country’s …

One Year After Fleeing, Rohingya Refugees Say Myanmar Still Unsafe

One year after Myanmar’s minority Rohingya Muslims began fleeing a military crackdown by the tens of thousands to neighboring Bangladesh, the government says it is safe for returns to begin. But some international observers disagree. Those who survived the scorched earth campaign last August told aid workers in Bangladesh of unspeakable crimes, including watching their …

Myanmar’s Tour Operators Call for Plan to Boost Industry

When reforms began in Myanmar in 2011, its tourism sector was considered as one of those most likely to take advantage of the economic opportunities as the country looked to reconnect with the outside world. Authorities and business people were confident that foreign tourists would be drawn to Myanmar, eager to see such sites as …

Young Women in Myanmar Shunning Traditional Neck Rings

For hundreds of years, Kayan women in Myanmar have worn coiled bronze rings around their necks, a traditional and customary symbol of beauty. But a new generation of women from one of Asia’s most distinctive ethnic minorities is choosing not to follow in the fashion footsteps of their long-necked ancestors. VOA’s Julie Taboh has more. …

As Myanmar Launches New Rakhine Commission, Criticism Continues

The most recent commissiformed by the Myanmar government to try and bring a solution to the issues in Rakhine State has come under criticism from international and domestic actors, highlighting the complexity of dealing with challenges in the beleaguered state. Last month, the President’s Office announced the formation of a new “independent commission of inquiry” …

Nowhere to Run: Rohingya Hunker Down as Monsoon Arrives

The hill on which the young woman’s shelter is being built is so unstable that the earth crumbles under your feet. The threat of landslides is so dire that her neighbors have evacuated. Though living here could spell doom as the monsoon rains fall, she will live here anyway. For Mustawkima, a Rohingya woman who …

$100M Grant to Improve Rohingya Camps in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is getting help from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve the camps where Rohingya refugees fleeing neighboring Myanmar have sought shelter. The bank has approved a $100 million grant to Bangladesh. It’s the first half of a $200 million package. “With the principle of putting people first, ADB’s project in this first phase …

Baseball Making Inroads Into Myanmar

Dave Grunebaum No member of the Myanmar national baseball team is quitting their day job any time soon. Made up of players in their 20s, 30s and 40s, the club includes maintenance workers, a teacher, as well as a cook.  The coach, Toru Iwasaki, is the founder of a private primary school in Myanmar’s largest …