A cautionary tale of displacement in Mon State
A new report penned by a consortium of rights groups details a forgotten episode in recent history when Mon refugees were caught between Thai and Burmese government interests.
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US ‘encouraged’ by NLD efforts in Arakan
A senior US official says he’s “encouraged” by the efforts of Burma’s new government to resolve religious tensions in Arakan State, but others are less impressed.
Ethnic issues Lead Story News Women's Issues
Women face new challenges as conflict cools, report finds
After decades of conflict, women in former war zones along Burma’s borders continue to struggle with unequal treatment, a new report finds.
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Foreign Affairs International Relations Lead Story News
US pledges $21m to strengthen governance in Burma
“Our fundamental objective is to help the new government succeed,” said US presidential advisor Ben Rhodes, adding that “we want to see as much trade and investment as possible.”
Culture Human Rights Lead Story News Photos
Inked-in human rights
Dutch artist Sander Van Bussel brings his “Human Rights Tattoo” project to Burma, marking his first foray into Asia.
New film fund supports young movie-makers in Burma
Burma’s filmmakers are invited to submit scripts to a new fund that aims to foster a cinematic renaissance.
International Relations Lead Story News
Kerry pledges ‘strong support’ for Burma’s democratic transition
At the joint press conference with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi reiterated her call to avoid using an “emotive term” to refer to Muslims living in Arakan State.
Culture Environment Lead Story News
‘Human. Nature.’ captures links between wildlife and livelihoods
An exhibition by one of Burma’s preeminent photographers is part of a World Wildlife Fund project to inform officials and the public about the importance of nature to human survival.
International Relations Lead Story News Religion
US envoy: We want to see peace for all people in Arakan
Shaarik Zafar, the US special representative to Muslim communities, made the remarks ahead of a visit to Burma by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Foreign Affairs International Relations Lead Story News
Ambassador says US seeks ‘full rights’ for Burma’s people
US ambassador to Burma Scot Marciel says the United States will continue to promote reforms in Burma so that its people can “live in harmony and enjoy full rights”.
International Relations Lead Story News
USAID zeroes in on Burma’s agriculture sector
USAID chief Gayle Smith says sustainable agriculture has “enormous potential” as a driver of economic growth in Burma.
Lead Story Migrants Issues News Politics
US waives sanctions after Thailand flunks human trafficking test
The United States has waived sanctions against Thailand that could have been imposed as a result of the country’s insufficient efforts to combat human trafficking.
Analysis Interview Lead Story Media News
Picking on the little guys: Phuketwan
DVB spoke with Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian of Phuketwan, who are facing the possibility of seven years in prison for quoting a Reuters article about the smuggling of Rohingya Muslims.
British activist’s defamation trial begins in Bangkok
A potentially precedent-setting trial began on Tuesday in Bangkok, as British activist Andy Hall faced the first of four libel charges against him for his research about a Thai company’s alleged abuse of migrant labourers, the majority of whom are Burmese
Sittwe court extends Rohingya activist’s detention, again
The detention of a distinguished Rohingya lawyer and rights activist has been extended by a court in western Burma, prompting renewed calls from rights groups for his immediate amnesty.
Europe-backed journalism school opens in Rangoon
Burma’s first private journalism school in more than half a century opened its doors in Rangoon on Monday morning, poised to prepare aspiring reporters for the country’s turbulent media environment.
Communal Violence Lead Story Mandalay Division News Women's Issues
Rape case unrelated to Mandalay riots, alleged victim says
A young Muslim woman who claims she was raped by a court official has dispelled reports that her case is linked to recent riots in Mandalay.
Communal Violence Lead Story Mandalay Division News
Curfew in place after deadly riots in Mandalay
A curfew from 9pm to 5am has been imposed on the residents of six townships in Mandalay Division following two nights of riots involving Buddhists and Muslims.
US ready to engage with Burmese military, officials say
A delegation of senior officials from the United States has left Burma with the message that “it is time to engage” the country’s military.
Interview Lead Story News Women's Issues
Systematic sex crimes: Burma army still uses rape as tool of war
Returning from a global summit on sexual violence in London, Susanna Hla Hla Soe of the Karen Women’s Empowerment Group says nearly everyone is missing the point.
Feature Lead Story News Special Report
The Migrants of Mahachai
In a port town just west of Bangkok, Burmese labourers toil under slave-like conditions in a multi-billion dollar seafood industry.
Lead Story Migrants Issues News
Rights activist Andy Hall released on bail
British researcher Andy Hall returned to court in Thailand on Wednesday to hear the fourth charge brought against him by Natural Fruit, a Thai pineapple processing company.
Ethnic issues Lead Story News Politics Religion
Faith Conversion Law should be ‘scrapped’, say activists
Following the Burmese government’s invitation for public opinion on a proposed Religious Conversion Law, 81 organisations from Burma and elsewhere have recommended that it be completely discarded.
Conflict Lead Story News Women's Issues
Rape summit aims to ‘shatter impunity’
British Foreign Secretary William Hague joined up with film star Angelina Jolie in London on Tuesday to host an international summit on rape in war zones, aiming to “shatter the culture of impunity for sexual violence in conflict”.
Analysis Ethnic issues Lead Story News Politics
Peace in Burma: Closer than ever but still beyond reach
Just how close is Burma to achieving lasting peace? Depends who you ask.
Human Rights Lead Story Migrants Issues News
Natural Fruit ups ante against rights activist
Following a few months of relative quiet, the defamation case against British researcher Andy Hall is back in motion.
Breaking Lead Story Media News Rangoon
DVB reporter expelled from Burma
A foreign correspondent for DVB, Angus Watson, has been deported by Burma’s Immigration department for “breaching the terms” of his visa.
Breaking Lead Story News Rohingya
Journalists charged with defaming Thai Navy
Two Thailand-based journalists were charged on Thursday with defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act for citing a Reuters article that contained allegations against members of the Royal Thai Navy.
‘Boatpeople’ story lands Reuters a Pulitzer as local reporters face jail
Two Reuters reporters were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for reports on the trafficking of Rohingya Muslims, days before two Thailand-based journalists will appear in court, where they may face up to seven years in jail for republishing one paragraph of the award-winning work.
Ethnic issues Health Lead Story News Rohingya
Aid in Arakan at ‘bare minimum’
The international community has again issued urgent pleas to the Burmese government to restore humanitarian access in Arakan State, where critical health and supply services were largely terminated in late March.
