By: Ashley Poyer and Olivia Sysak The genocide in Burma By: Ashley Poyer and Olivia Sysak

Cause/Background Burma is home to one of the world’s most oppressive and abusive military regimes. The militarized government has developed plans to eliminate those who do not fit in to what is thought of as being “Burmese.” As result the Karen, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Burma, who practice Christianity in a mostly Buddhist nation, have become subject to execution, severe torture, forced labor, extortion, and displacement.

Other targeted groups The Rohingya – A Muslim ethnic minority that are considered by the UN to be one of the most oppressed people on Earth. The Kachin – A Christian minority that have consistently been targeted for their Christian beliefs. The Shan – A community that is abused for agriculture and domestic use by the government for mining projects. The Chin - A Christian minority group that is put into forced labor programs through the army and are banned from attending culturally Chin private schools.

The Rohingya

Influential dates 1962 – The Burmese military government took control and started waging counter- insurgency campaigns against ethnic minorities. 1988 – A Student led demonstrations broke out in response to deteriorating economic conditions. The Burmese military violently reacted, killing over 1,000 protesters. 2008 - Cyclone Nargis destroyed the country, killing an estimated 130,000 people. Despite the massive destruction, Burma’s isolationist regime denied access to international aid workers. 2010/2012 – The military-backed government released pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and began a series of political reforms. She was elected to parliament in the April 1st, 2012.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Current situation in Burma In 2010, the Burmese government underwent a series of political reforms. Since then, many sanctions have been lifted, high-level diplomats have visited, and there has been increased economic and military cooperation.

The u.s. response The Obama administration appointed Derek Mitchell as the U.S. Ambassador to Burma in 2012, lifted a travel ban on some of the country’s senior leaders and eased sanctions on American investments. In November 2012, President Obama became the first U.S. president to visit Burma and he returned in November 2014.

Pledge “ I pledge to do my part in preventing any further genocides throughout the world by spreading awareness”

Works Cited http://endgenocide.org/conflict-areas/burma-backgrounder/ http://worldwithoutgenocide.org/genocides-and-conflicts/burma