By: Deysi, Yessica, and Jackie Burma By: Deysi, Yessica, and Jackie

Background Burma is now known as Myanmar It’s located in Southeast Asia Population is more than 54 million people Has more than 100 ethnic groups

Muslim Rohingya Muslim Rohingya is one the main ethnic groups They are long considered one of the world’s most persecuted people Have no legal status in Burma Face severe discrimination, abuse and escalating violence.

Cause/Conflict of Persecution When the Japanese invaded Burma in 1941, Rohingya Muslims maintained their loyalty to Britain, sparking decades of violence between the country's Muslim and non-Muslim populations. Nearly 90% of Burmese people practice Buddhism, making Muslims a minority that is often targeted by the ruling government. Separate military campaigns in 1978 and 1991 forced more than 450,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country with systematic murders and arson, according to some estimates. When many of them returned, they were grouped into northern Rakhine state, where the violence hasn't stopped. Although the Rohingya can trace their Burmese ancestry back to the eighth century, the government believes they came from Bangladesh and aren't nationals worthy of citizenship.

The two sides/ Tragedies Rakhine Buddhist and Muslims. In June 2012 the rape of a Buddhist woman by a muslim sparked off the deadly chain of events which landed in 200 muslims dead. In March 2013 an argument in a gold shop led between a Buddhist and a muslims led to more than 40 dead and neighborhoods razed. August 2013 rioters burnt down muslim own houses and shops after police refuse to hand over a muslim man accused of raping a Buddhist women.

The People They started to immigrate in hope to escape persecution. They migrated to bordering countries which are: Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Thailand. Most of the times they are denied entry into the bordering country, but those who are allowed entry are spent days in refugee camps. Malaysia and Indonesia have turned away Rohingya by the hundreds because the countries claim they are financially unable to accept them.

The Resolution Both sides want peace but cannot obtain peace if there is no understanding. They broadly agree that peace can be achieved in Rakhine State if there is adequate political leadership, a commitment to the rule of law that guarantees peoples’ human rights, a citizenship process that is transparent, and a commitment to development and revenue sharing.

Works Cited https://www.google.com/maps/place/Myanmar+(Burma)/@18.8536873,87. 637373,5z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x305652a7714e2907:0xba7b0ee41c6 22b11 http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/why-burma-s-rohingya-muslims-are- among-the-world-s-most-persecuted-people-1.3086261 http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2015/06/17/why-is-no-one-helping- myanmars-rohingya/ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-18395788