When more than 730,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/600000-rohingyas-in-myanmar-still-at-serious-risk-of-genocide-united-nations-249971">Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar </a>in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. 
“All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar.

"We provided the food. We provided land.”

Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar.

“We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims.

Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia.

Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military.

But the latest influx has been the biggest.

Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces.

In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence.

"I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. 
“We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.”

'Taking measures'

Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages.

Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads.

Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader.

Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights.

Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis.

He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. 
"This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.”

In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar.

"When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking,

"But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.”

Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going.&nbsp; 
Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar.

'Bad elements'

With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns.

The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden.

H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious".

"It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said.

"The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.”

UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely".

Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.”

But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. 
A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers.

In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times.

But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers.

The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. 
“They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters.

“Please pray for us,” he said.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide. The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. “All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar. "We provided the food. We provided land.” Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar. “We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims. Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia. Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military. But the latest influx has been the biggest. Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces. In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence. "I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. “We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.” 'Taking measures' Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages. Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads. Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader. Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights. Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis. He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. "This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.” In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar. "When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking, "But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.” Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going. Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar. 'Bad elements' With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns. The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden. H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious". "It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said. "The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.” UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely". Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.” But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers. In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times. But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers. The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. “They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters. “Please pray for us,” he said.

Rohingya in Bangladesh face tide of hostility as welcome turns to fear

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-blames-myanmar-for-rohingya-repatriation-failure-249197">Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar</a> still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible".

The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the Human Rights Council, last year branded the army operations in 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languish.

But in a damning report, the UN team said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-halts-new-sim-card-sale-in-rohingya-camps-248751">600,000 Rohingya</a> still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions.

"Myanmar continues to harbour genocidal intent and the Rohingya remain under serious risk of genocide," the investigators said in their final report on Myanmar, due to be presented Tuesday in Geneva.

The country is "denying wrongdoing, destroying evidence, refusing to conduct effective investigations and clearing, razing, confiscating and building on land from which it displaced Rohingya," it said.

Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun rejected the team's findings, calling them "one-sided".

"Instead of making biased accusations, they should go onto the ground to see the reality," Zaw Min Tun said.

Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible".

Rohingyas remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide", UN investigators said on Monday, warning the repatriation of a million already driven from the country by the army remains "impossible". The fact-finding mission to Myanmar, set up by the Human Rights Council, last year branded the army operations in 2017 as "genocide" and called for the prosecution of top generals, including army chief Min Aung Hlaing. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled burning villages, bringing accounts of murder, rape and torture over the border to sprawling refugee camps in Bangladesh, where survivors of previous waves of persecution already languish. But in a damning report, the UN team said the 600,000 Rohingya still inside Myanmar's Rakhine state remain in deteriorating and "deplorable" conditions. "Myanmar continues to harbour genocidal intent and the Rohingya remain under serious risk of genocide," the investigators said in their final report on Myanmar, due to be presented Tuesday in Geneva. The country is "denying wrongdoing, destroying evidence, refusing to conduct effective investigations and clearing, razing, confiscating and building on land from which it displaced Rohingya," it said. Myanmar military spokesman Zaw Min Tun rejected the team's findings, calling them "one-sided". "Instead of making biased accusations, they should go onto the ground to see the reality," Zaw Min Tun said.

600,000 Rohingyas in Myanmar still at 'serious risk of genocide': United Nations

Two more Rohingya men were shot dead by officers Friday in a southern Bangladesh border town, police said, amid a clampdown on the refugees after the killing of a ruling party official.

Police said the pair were accused of the murder of Omar Faruk, a youth wing official of the Awami League party, who was shot in the head by suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-bans-two-aid-agencies-from-rohingya-refugee-camps-247755">Rohingya</a> criminals late last month.

Nearly a million Rohingya live in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, 740,000 of whom fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar.

Masud Hossain, head of police in the border district of Cox's Bazar, told AFP the two men were grievously injured during a gunfight with police near Teknaf town early Friday morning and were later declared dead in hospital.

"They are Rohingya miscreants. They were involved in robbery, abduction and drug smuggling," he said, adding they were "accused in the case" of Faruk's murder on August 22.

With the latest deaths, six Rohingya men allegedly involved in Faruk's killing have been shot dead in alleged gunfights with police, according to a count by AFP based on the statements of Cox's Bazar police.

Hossain, however, put the toll at five.

At least 36 refugees have now been killed by Bangladeshi security forces since August 2017, when Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state, sparking the mass exodus.

Rights groups have previously accused Bangladesh police of extrajudicial killings of Rohingya, mainly suspects in drug smuggling, saying some of the gunfights appeared to be staged.

The latest deaths follow a second failed attempt to begin the repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-blames-myanmar-for-rohingya-repatriation-failure-249197">Sheikh Hasina</a> has blamed Myanmar for the failure, saying Naypyidaw did not do enough to win the community's trust.

But her government has also started to crack down on activity in the Rohingya camps .

Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-halts-new-sim-card-sale-in-rohingya-camps-248751">blackout</a> by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile<a> internet networks.</a>

Two more Rohingya men were shot dead by officers Friday in a southern Bangladesh border town, police said, amid a clampdown on the refugees after the killing of a ruling party official.

Two more Rohingya men were shot dead by officers Friday in a southern Bangladesh border town, police said, amid a clampdown on the refugees after the killing of a ruling party official. Police said the pair were accused of the murder of Omar Faruk, a youth wing official of the Awami League party, who was shot in the head by suspected Rohingya criminals late last month. Nearly a million Rohingya live in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, 740,000 of whom fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Masud Hossain, head of police in the border district of Cox's Bazar, told AFP the two men were grievously injured during a gunfight with police near Teknaf town early Friday morning and were later declared dead in hospital. "They are Rohingya miscreants. They were involved in robbery, abduction and drug smuggling," he said, adding they were "accused in the case" of Faruk's murder on August 22. With the latest deaths, six Rohingya men allegedly involved in Faruk's killing have been shot dead in alleged gunfights with police, according to a count by AFP based on the statements of Cox's Bazar police. Hossain, however, put the toll at five. At least 36 refugees have now been killed by Bangladeshi security forces since August 2017, when Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in western Rakhine state, sparking the mass exodus. Rights groups have previously accused Bangladesh police of extrajudicial killings of Rohingya, mainly suspects in drug smuggling, saying some of the gunfights appeared to be staged. The latest deaths follow a second failed attempt to begin the repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed Myanmar for the failure, saying Naypyidaw did not do enough to win the community's trust. But her government has also started to crack down on activity in the Rohingya camps . Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet blackout by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile internet networks.

Two more Rohingya shot dead over Bangladesh politician's murder

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-defying-promise-over-repatriation-of-rohingyas-225839">Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar</a> for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust.

The comments from Sheikh Hasina came three weeks after a fresh push to return the Muslim minority to Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state that fell flat when no-one turned up.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled their villages in Rakhine following a military crackdown in August 2017, joining nearly 200,000 already living in squalid camps across the border in southeast Bangladesh.

"We've seen Myanmar could not win Rohingya's trust in creating a conducive situation (in Rakhine) for their dignified return," Hasina said in parliament late Wednesday.

"We had full preparation, but still the repatriation did not start uncertainty looms over Rohingya getting back their homes, land and other properties."

Hasina said she had asked other Asian nations including China, India, and Japan to help resolve the crisis.

Her comments reflect Dhaka's frustration over the lack of a resolution to the refugee crisis.

A previous repatriation offer was rejected by Rohingya leaders in October.

Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bangladesh-feels-isi-could-recruit-from-rohingya-camps-246739/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Her government has also started to crack down on activity in the camps amid a recent outbreak of violence and rising tensions with locals.

Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet blackout in the camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile internet networks.

Expects have said 2G networks are too slow for internet use.

Rohingya leaders have repeatedly said the refugees will not return to their homeland unless their safety is ensured, their rights and citizenship are granted and they are allowed to resettle in their villages.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust.

Bangladesh's prime minister has blamed Myanmar for the failure of a recent attempt to repatriate Rohingya refugees, saying its neighbouring country did not do enough to win the community's trust. The comments from Sheikh Hasina came three weeks after a fresh push to return the Muslim minority to Myanmar's conflict-scarred Rakhine state that fell flat when no-one turned up. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled their villages in Rakhine following a military crackdown in August 2017, joining nearly 200,000 already living in squalid camps across the border in southeast Bangladesh. "We've seen Myanmar could not win Rohingya's trust in creating a conducive situation (in Rakhine) for their dignified return," Hasina said in parliament late Wednesday. "We had full preparation, but still the repatriation did not start uncertainty looms over Rohingya getting back their homes, land and other properties." Hasina said she had asked other Asian nations including China, India, and Japan to help resolve the crisis. Her comments reflect Dhaka's frustration over the lack of a resolution to the refugee crisis. A previous repatriation offer was rejected by Rohingya leaders in October. Watch: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps Her government has also started to crack down on activity in the camps amid a recent outbreak of violence and rising tensions with locals. Dhaka has imposed a virtual internet blackout in the camps in the border towns of Teknaf and Ukhia by cutting access to 3G and 4G mobile internet networks. Expects have said 2G networks are too slow for internet use. Rohingya leaders have repeatedly said the refugees will not return to their homeland unless their safety is ensured, their rights and citizenship are granted and they are allowed to resettle in their villages. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blames Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation failure

Sidestepping cowpats and garbage, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/myanmar-army-drops-lawsuit-against-religious-leader-who-complained-to-trump-of-persecution-248749">Myanmar</a>'s only home-grown junior rugby side train on the outskirts of Yangon, preparing to take on children from the city's well-heeled international schools.

When the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-university-suspends-student-for-being-rohingya-248479">Little Dragons</a> aren't running barefoot on the litter-strewn dirt, the makeshift field on the outskirts of Yangon is sometimes used as a cockfighting ring or a fairground.

But every Sunday, boys and girls aged five to 18 from Yangon's North Dagon township can be seen playing touch rugby, an incongruous sight in a country where the sport is barely known.

As novice monks file past collecting alms, the players shoo away cantankerous cattle to begin warm-up drills under the tutelage of their coaches, a mix of locals and expatriates.

In the monsoon, the training ground is shin-deep in mud, but during the hot season, the surface is baked into an unyielding, crusty mosaic.

Yet many of the Little Dragons play in bare feet.

Youth worker-turned-coach Aung Kyaw Lin, 24, helped set up the team four years ago to run alongside English and maths lessons, and workshops on fire safety and health.

"Children here used to spend their free time in gaming shops," he says.

"When they started playing rugby, they stopped arguing and worked together."

Although the organisers ran out of funding to keep their education centre going, the rugby continued.

Few women play sport in conservative Myanmar, yet half of the 40 or so Little Dragons are girls.

Nann Shar Larr He's older sister used to scold her for wanting to play with the boys, but now most of her family come to watch the training sessions.

"There's no difference between girls and boys when we play rugby," the 15-year-old smiles

Second-hand trainers

As the only homegrown junior team in the country, the Little Dragons look to Yangon's international schools for matches.

In May, they took part in Myanmar's first junior tournament partly played on a full-sized, artificial grass pitch at one of the schools.

Out of 10 teams in each age group, Little Dragons sides finished second and third in the Under-14s, and second in the Under-11s.

"These kids ran rings round them," says coach Bradley Edwards.

One baffled team even tried removing their trainers to see if that was the key to the Little Dragons' agility-an an experiment that lasted only a couple of minutes on the hot, rough surface.

"We felt like crying when they scored, but we just tried even harder," says 12-year-old Dragon Kyaw Kyaw Lin.

The schools are helping out the team, donating second-hand trainers and sharing transport.

But the Dragons are looking for sustained funding to support them and resurrect the now-closed education centre.

An interested international sponsor-backed away last year, concerned about Myanmar's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nasa-pioneers-malaria-predicting-tech-in-myanmar-248770">political climate</a>"-&nbsp;a reference to the global outcry triggered by the mass expulsion of Rohingya Muslims in 2017.

Edwards sees this as counter-productive, arguing that sport can be a unifying force.

"There are so many things separating communities now in Myanmar and in rugby one of the key values is respect," he says.

The next step is to introduce the players to rugby sevens- but fellow coach Josh Peck says they are eager for more.

"These kids are fired-up and ready. They want to play (full) contact."

Sidestepping cowpats and garbage, Myanmar's only home-grown junior rugby side train on the outskirts of Yangon, preparing to take on children from the city's well-heeled international schools.

Sidestepping cowpats and garbage, Myanmar's only home-grown junior rugby side train on the outskirts of Yangon, preparing to take on children from the city's well-heeled international schools. When the Little Dragons aren't running barefoot on the litter-strewn dirt, the makeshift field on the outskirts of Yangon is sometimes used as a cockfighting ring or a fairground. But every Sunday, boys and girls aged five to 18 from Yangon's North Dagon township can be seen playing touch rugby, an incongruous sight in a country where the sport is barely known. As novice monks file past collecting alms, the players shoo away cantankerous cattle to begin warm-up drills under the tutelage of their coaches, a mix of locals and expatriates. In the monsoon, the training ground is shin-deep in mud, but during the hot season, the surface is baked into an unyielding, crusty mosaic. Yet many of the Little Dragons play in bare feet. Youth worker-turned-coach Aung Kyaw Lin, 24, helped set up the team four years ago to run alongside English and maths lessons, and workshops on fire safety and health. "Children here used to spend their free time in gaming shops," he says. "When they started playing rugby, they stopped arguing and worked together." Although the organisers ran out of funding to keep their education centre going, the rugby continued. Few women play sport in conservative Myanmar, yet half of the 40 or so Little Dragons are girls. Nann Shar Larr He's older sister used to scold her for wanting to play with the boys, but now most of her family come to watch the training sessions. "There's no difference between girls and boys when we play rugby," the 15-year-old smiles Second-hand trainers As the only homegrown junior team in the country, the Little Dragons look to Yangon's international schools for matches. In May, they took part in Myanmar's first junior tournament partly played on a full-sized, artificial grass pitch at one of the schools. Out of 10 teams in each age group, Little Dragons sides finished second and third in the Under-14s, and second in the Under-11s. "These kids ran rings round them," says coach Bradley Edwards. One baffled team even tried removing their trainers to see if that was the key to the Little Dragons' agility-an an experiment that lasted only a couple of minutes on the hot, rough surface. "We felt like crying when they scored, but we just tried even harder," says 12-year-old Dragon Kyaw Kyaw Lin. The schools are helping out the team, donating second-hand trainers and sharing transport. But the Dragons are looking for sustained funding to support them and resurrect the now-closed education centre. An interested international sponsor-backed away last year, concerned about Myanmar's "political climate"- a reference to the global outcry triggered by the mass expulsion of Rohingya Muslims in 2017. Edwards sees this as counter-productive, arguing that sport can be a unifying force. "There are so many things separating communities now in Myanmar and in rugby one of the key values is respect," he says. The next step is to introduce the players to rugby sevens- but fellow coach Josh Peck says they are eager for more. "These kids are fired-up and ready. They want to play (full) contact."

Dung and Dragons: Myanmar kids dodge cows to play rugby

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US&nbsp;President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit.

Reverend Hkalam Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organisation based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar’s mostly Christian Kachin minority, took part in a gathering at the White House in July, when victims of religious persecution met with Trump and other US officials.

Samson told Trump that Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government" in the Buddhist-majority country.

He also thanked Trump for imposing sanctions against top generals over Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, saying it was "very helpful".

A military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htike, then filed a lawsuit against Samson, but a spokesman told Reuters on Monday that it had now been formally withdrawn.

"We withdraw the case voluntarily because it is what we should do," army spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said by phone, without giving a reason.

Samson called the move a positive gesture towards the Kachin people.

"We welcome this issue being finished with understanding and without needing to be brought to the court," he said.

The move came after the US State Department last Thursday expressed concern about the lawsuit, which it said had sought "to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people".

In July, the United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States, in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to a massacre of the Rohingya Muslims.

A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring &nbsp;Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures.

UN&nbsp;investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit.

Myanmar’s army said on Monday it had dropped a criminal complaint against a religious leader who told US President Donald Trump the military was oppressing Christians, days after the United States voiced concern about the lawsuit. Reverend Hkalam Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organisation based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar’s mostly Christian Kachin minority, took part in a gathering at the White House in July, when victims of religious persecution met with Trump and other US officials. Samson told Trump that Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government" in the Buddhist-majority country. He also thanked Trump for imposing sanctions against top generals over Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, saying it was "very helpful". A military officer, Lieutenant Colonel Than Htike, then filed a lawsuit against Samson, but a spokesman told Reuters on Monday that it had now been formally withdrawn. "We withdraw the case voluntarily because it is what we should do," army spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said by phone, without giving a reason. Samson called the move a positive gesture towards the Kachin people. "We welcome this issue being finished with understanding and without needing to be brought to the court," he said. The move came after the US State Department last Thursday expressed concern about the lawsuit, which it said had sought "to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people". In July, the United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders, and their families from entering the United States, in the strongest steps yet taken by Washington in response to a massacre of the Rohingya Muslims. A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes, and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent".

Myanmar army drops lawsuit against religious leader who complained to Trump of persecution

Bangladesh mobile operators have on government orders stopped selling new SIM cards to Rohingya refugees, officials said Monday, in a further sign of Dhaka's impatience following the latest failed repatriation move.

Bangladesh has been hosting around a million Rohingya refugees in vast camps in the south-east since a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar prompted a huge exodus in August 2017.

In late August a repatriation initiative fell flat with the long-oppressed minority refugees refusing to return to Myanmar without guarantees for their safety and citizenship.

Adding to frustration in Dhaka, this was followed by a protest by some 200,000 Rohingya to mark two years since their arrival.

There has also been a spike in violence and a rise in tensions with locals, and authorities fear the internet and telephone access could contribute to further unrest.

Bangladeshi security forces have shot dead at least 34 Rohingya over the past two years, mostly for alleged methamphetamines trafficking. Rights groups accuse police of carrying out extrajudicial killings.

'Seven days'

Bangladesh's telecommunications regulator on September 3 ordered phone companies to cut off mobile access in the three dozen refugee camps, citing security grounds.

The four mobile phone operators were given seven days to submit reports on actions they have taken to shut down data connectivity and were ordered to stop selling SIM (subscriber identity module) cards in the camp areas.

"Already, SIM card sale has been stopped in the camp areas," S.M. Farhad, secretary-general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), which represents all mobile phone operators, told AFP on Monday.

He said high speed third- and fourth-generation (3G and 4G) mobile internet connections in the region have also been suspended between 5:00 pm and 6:00 am every day.

The operators also restricted coverage to within Bangladesh following allegations that Rohingya over the border in Myanmar were using the networks, he said.

Mohammad Abul Monsur, police chief at Ukhia town where the world's largest refugee camp, Kutupalong, is located, confirmed the development, saying mobile phone retailers have been told not to sell any new SIM cards in the region.

"No new SIM cards are being sold in Ukhia," he told AFP, adding police have monitored the town the last two days.

Bangladesh has in the past tried to restrict mobile access but it was not enforced seriously, spawning booming markets of mobile phones and SIM cards in the camps.

The latest ban has stunned the refugees, with leaders saying it would hugely affect their life and security, disrupting communications between different camps and with Rohingya still in Myanmar.

Rights group Human Rights Watch on Saturday urged the government to end the communications clampdown, saying it "made matters worse."

"The authorities should take a level-headed approach instead of overreacting to tensions and protests by isolating Rohingya refugees in camps," HRW said.

Bangladesh mobile operators have on government orders stopped selling new SIM cards to Rohingya refugees, officials said Monday, in a further sign of Dhaka's impatience following the latest failed repatriation move.

Bangladesh mobile operators have on government orders stopped selling new SIM cards to Rohingya refugees, officials said Monday, in a further sign of Dhaka's impatience following the latest failed repatriation move. Bangladesh has been hosting around a million Rohingya refugees in vast camps in the south-east since a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar prompted a huge exodus in August 2017. In late August a repatriation initiative fell flat with the long-oppressed minority refugees refusing to return to Myanmar without guarantees for their safety and citizenship. Adding to frustration in Dhaka, this was followed by a protest by some 200,000 Rohingya to mark two years since their arrival. There has also been a spike in violence and a rise in tensions with locals, and authorities fear the internet and telephone access could contribute to further unrest. Bangladeshi security forces have shot dead at least 34 Rohingya over the past two years, mostly for alleged methamphetamines trafficking. Rights groups accuse police of carrying out extrajudicial killings. 'Seven days' Bangladesh's telecommunications regulator on September 3 ordered phone companies to cut off mobile access in the three dozen refugee camps, citing security grounds. The four mobile phone operators were given seven days to submit reports on actions they have taken to shut down data connectivity and were ordered to stop selling SIM (subscriber identity module) cards in the camp areas. "Already, SIM card sale has been stopped in the camp areas," S.M. Farhad, secretary-general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), which represents all mobile phone operators, told AFP on Monday. He said high speed third- and fourth-generation (3G and 4G) mobile internet connections in the region have also been suspended between 5:00 pm and 6:00 am every day. The operators also restricted coverage to within Bangladesh following allegations that Rohingya over the border in Myanmar were using the networks, he said. Mohammad Abul Monsur, police chief at Ukhia town where the world's largest refugee camp, Kutupalong, is located, confirmed the development, saying mobile phone retailers have been told not to sell any new SIM cards in the region. "No new SIM cards are being sold in Ukhia," he told AFP, adding police have monitored the town the last two days. Bangladesh has in the past tried to restrict mobile access but it was not enforced seriously, spawning booming markets of mobile phones and SIM cards in the camps. The latest ban has stunned the refugees, with leaders saying it would hugely affect their life and security, disrupting communications between different camps and with Rohingya still in Myanmar. Rights group Human Rights Watch on Saturday urged the government to end the communications clampdown, saying it "made matters worse." "The authorities should take a level-headed approach instead of overreacting to tensions and protests by isolating Rohingya refugees in camps," HRW said.

Bangladesh halts new SIM card sale in Rohingya camps

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued.

Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets.

But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region.

Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur.

To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP.

She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance.

"A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University.

The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water.

These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field.

The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease.

One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite.

The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively.

But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery.

"We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded".

This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas.

"I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't."

The project is not immune to geopolitics either.

The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw.

"Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally.

NASA is developing a new technique to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space, as the emergence of new drug-resistant strains in Southeast Asia threatens efforts to wipe out the deadly disease globally. The goal of worldwide malaria eradication within a generation, by 2050, is "bold but attainable", a report released this week in The Lancet argued. Malaria cases and deaths plummeted by more than 90 per cent in Myanmar between 2010 and 2017, World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show, a success largely credited to better rural health services and wider use of treated bednets. But the country still has a higher prevalence than its neighbours in the Mekong region. Several drug-resistant strains are taking hold across Southeast Asia and it is feared these could migrate to Africa where more than 90 per cent of cases globally occur. To counter this threat, NASA is deploying "cutting edge" spatial technology to tackle malaria outbreaks before they happen, scientist Tatiana Loboda told AFP. She is applying her expertise in geospatial and risk modelling coupled with a background in predicting wildfire outbreaks in the US to identify potential hotspots so medicines and health workers can be mobilised in advance. "A lot of people use a little spatial modelling but not to the same depth and capabilities as we're doing here," said Loboda, a professor at Maryland University. The satellites provide meteorological data, including land surface temperatures, atmospheric water content, and information about land cover, including forest, shrubland, settlements or water. These are then combined with socio-economic data gathered by teams of researchers carrying out in-depth surveys with sample populations in the field. The project is only in its third year but Loboda's team has already seen a high correlation between the rate of deforestation and the disease. One unproven theory is that these areas often dotted with logging sites, mines and plantations are hosts to a disproportionate number of migrant or seasonal workers, bringing with them new strains of the parasite. The Maryland University team is working closely with local government and military scientists, collecting data from civilians and troops respectively. But that brings challenges in a country where the armed forces keep their operations shrouded in mystery. "We're not allowed to ask where they go," Loboda told AFP in Yangon, describing it as "like working blindfolded". This is coupled with a lack of access to Myanmar's myriad conflict areas. "I'm used to working with big data," Loboda bemoaned. "I want to blanket the whole country with random locations but I can't." The project is not immune to geopolitics either. The state of US-Myanmar relations can complicate meetings with the military in the capital Naypyidaw. "Sometimes I can go, sometimes I can't," Loboda said.

NASA developing new technology to forecast malaria outbreaks in Myanmar from space

The United States said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about the Myanmar army's filing of a lawsuit against a religious leader who told President Donald Trump the military oppressed Christians in the Buddhist-majority country.

The criminal complaint against Reverend Hkalam Samson "seeks to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

She said the United States was "deeply concerned" by the lawsuit and that any decision to "arrest Reverend Samson on the basis of his protected speech would be deeply troubling."

Samson took part in a July meeting at the White House where victims of religious persecution from a number of countries met with Trump and other US officials.

Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organization based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar's mostly Christian Kachin minority, said Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government."

He also thanked Trump for sanctions imposed on senior military officials, saying it was "very helpful."

The complaint filed a week ago refers to a live broadcast of the meeting with Trump, which was streamed on the Facebook page of ABC News’ World News Now. It asks for legal action but does not specify a charge.

"I think the reason the military is trying to sue me is because I told Donald Trump that I appreciated the sanctions against the Myanmar military," Samson told Reuters by phone last week.

The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders and their families from entering the United States in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent."

Myanmar denies the charge, saying it was conducting a legitimate campaign against insurgents who attacked police posts, killing members of the security forces.

The United States said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about the Myanmar army's filing of a lawsuit against a religious leader who told President Donald Trump the military oppressed Christians in the Buddhist-majority country.

The United States said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about the Myanmar army's filing of a lawsuit against a religious leader who told President Donald Trump the military oppressed Christians in the Buddhist-majority country. The criminal complaint against Reverend Hkalam Samson "seeks to unduly limit his freedom of expression and potentially could disrupt his critical work on behalf of tens of thousands of internally displaced people," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. She said the United States was "deeply concerned" by the lawsuit and that any decision to "arrest Reverend Samson on the basis of his protected speech would be deeply troubling." Samson took part in a July meeting at the White House where victims of religious persecution from a number of countries met with Trump and other US officials. Samson, of the Kachin Baptist Convention, an organization based in the northern Kachin state representing Myanmar's mostly Christian Kachin minority, said Christians were being "oppressed and tortured by the Myanmar military government." He also thanked Trump for sanctions imposed on senior military officials, saying it was "very helpful." The complaint filed a week ago refers to a live broadcast of the meeting with Trump, which was streamed on the Facebook page of ABC News’ World News Now. It asks for legal action but does not specify a charge. "I think the reason the military is trying to sue me is because I told Donald Trump that I appreciated the sanctions against the Myanmar military," Samson told Reuters by phone last week. The United States banned Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, three other senior commanders and their families from entering the United States in response to the massacre of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. A military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 drove more than 730,000 Rohingya to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, according to United Nations figures. UN investigators have said Myanmar’s operation included mass killings, gang rapes and arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." Myanmar denies the charge, saying it was conducting a legitimate campaign against insurgents who attacked police posts, killing members of the security forces.

US voices concern over Myanmar army's lawsuit against religious leader

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine.

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement.

Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay.

"This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million."

"We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added.

Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries.

Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community.

The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease.

Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services.

The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis.

The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday. More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement. Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay. "This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million." "We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added. Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries. Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community. The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services. The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis. The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US to give additional $120 million to help Venezuelan migrants

Bangladesh on Thursday said it has banned two aid agencies from Rohingya camps in the country's southeast, alleging they were telling refugees to reject repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar.

The move came amid growing impatience from Dhaka about the presence of the refugees in the country, two years after some 740,000 were driven over the border by a military crackdown on the Muslim minority.

The latest repatriation attempt by Bangladesh and Myanmar two weeks ago, the second in less than a year, failed with not a single refugee volunteering to cross the border back home.

US-based Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and local organisation Al Markaz ul Islami were accused by the government's NGO Affairs Bureau of "instigating" the stateless minority against the recent repatriation attempt.

Kamal Hossain, the government administrator of Cox's Bazar district where the refugee camps are located, said Dhaka had issued a notice for the NGOs to immediately stop their activities across the country.

"The administration is taking action accordingly to the issued order," he told AFP, adding that the NGO Affairs Bureau also ordered bank transactions by the two agencies to be halted.

More than 130 aid agencies work in the three dozen squalid camps in Cox's Bazar, where the 740,000 Rohingya fled to, joining some 200,000 others already living here.

Foreign Minister 'A K Abdul Momen' last week said Dhaka would crackdown on aid agencies if they "do something going beyond their terms and references".

The Rohingya have refused to go home until Myanmar gives them guarantees of safety and citizenship status.

Tensions have ratcheted up in the camps in recent weeks as refugees marked the two-year anniversary of the 2017 exodus.

Four refugees have also been killed in the fallout over the murder of local ruling party official Omar Faruk, which police blame on Rohingya hitmen.

Bangladesh on Thursday said it has banned two aid agencies from Rohingya camps in the country's southeast, alleging they were telling refugees to reject repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar.

Bangladesh on Thursday said it has banned two aid agencies from Rohingya camps in the country's southeast, alleging they were telling refugees to reject repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar. The move came amid growing impatience from Dhaka about the presence of the refugees in the country, two years after some 740,000 were driven over the border by a military crackdown on the Muslim minority. The latest repatriation attempt by Bangladesh and Myanmar two weeks ago, the second in less than a year, failed with not a single refugee volunteering to cross the border back home. US-based Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and local organisation Al Markaz ul Islami were accused by the government's NGO Affairs Bureau of "instigating" the stateless minority against the recent repatriation attempt. Kamal Hossain, the government administrator of Cox's Bazar district where the refugee camps are located, said Dhaka had issued a notice for the NGOs to immediately stop their activities across the country. "The administration is taking action accordingly to the issued order," he told AFP, adding that the NGO Affairs Bureau also ordered bank transactions by the two agencies to be halted. More than 130 aid agencies work in the three dozen squalid camps in Cox's Bazar, where the 740,000 Rohingya fled to, joining some 200,000 others already living here. Foreign Minister 'A K Abdul Momen' last week said Dhaka would crackdown on aid agencies if they "do something going beyond their terms and references". The Rohingya have refused to go home until Myanmar gives them guarantees of safety and citizenship status. Tensions have ratcheted up in the camps in recent weeks as refugees marked the two-year anniversary of the 2017 exodus. Four refugees have also been killed in the fallout over the murder of local ruling party official Omar Faruk, which police blame on Rohingya hitmen.

Bangladesh bans two aid agencies from Rohingya refugee camps

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon.

Yanghee Lee, a university professor in Seoul who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights to Myanmar, said Suu Kyi was "terribly misguided and misinformed" about the abuses against the stateless Muslim minority in her country.

The Nobel laureate was under house arrest for years when Myanmar was a military dictatorship before her party won elections in 2015 by a landslide, in the first fully free vote for generations.

Hopes were high that she would usher in a new era of freedom, but more than 740,000 Rohingya have since been driven out of the Buddhist-majority country and into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

The US in July banned Myanmar's army chief Min Aung Hlaing and other officers for their role in the campaign of "ethnic cleansing".

Suu Kyi was spared from the sanctions but no longer deserved to be called a democracy activist, Lee told AFP.

"She should step up and really speak out for the treatment that the Rohingya had suffered for decades," she told AFP.

"It's time for her to speak out and use the word, call them the way they identify themselves as the Rohingya."&nbsp;

Myanmar calls the persecuted minority "Bengali", treating them as illegal interlopers from Bangladesh and refusing to grant them citizenship or basic rights.

Lee -- who has been banned from entering Myanmar over her criticism of its government -- was speaking as South Korea's Moon, a former democracy activist himself was due to meet Suu Kyi later Tuesday as part of a tour of Southeast Asia.

South Korea is the sixth-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, but Lee said that meant Seoul was "inadvertently contributing" to rights violations against Rohingya and urged Moon to be "principled" during the encounter.

"Our president enjoys a great history of being a human rights lawyer," said Lee. "But I'm afraid he hasn't been really speaking out for human rights for people.

"I think it's a shame that we are joining the bandwagon of other countries that looks out for... their countries' economic interest before the suffering of the people," she said, describing the Rohingya crisis as the "worst case of ethnic genocide in the 21st century".

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has washed her hands of the Rohingya crisis, a UN rights investigator said Tuesday ahead of a meeting between South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and the tarnished democracy icon. Yanghee Lee, a university professor in Seoul who is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights to Myanmar, said Suu Kyi was "terribly misguided and misinformed" about the abuses against the stateless Muslim minority in her country. The Nobel laureate was under house arrest for years when Myanmar was a military dictatorship before her party won elections in 2015 by a landslide, in the first fully free vote for generations. Hopes were high that she would usher in a new era of freedom, but more than 740,000 Rohingya have since been driven out of the Buddhist-majority country and into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown. The US in July banned Myanmar's army chief Min Aung Hlaing and other officers for their role in the campaign of "ethnic cleansing". Suu Kyi was spared from the sanctions but no longer deserved to be called a democracy activist, Lee told AFP. "She should step up and really speak out for the treatment that the Rohingya had suffered for decades," she told AFP. "It's time for her to speak out and use the word, call them the way they identify themselves as the Rohingya." Myanmar calls the persecuted minority "Bengali", treating them as illegal interlopers from Bangladesh and refusing to grant them citizenship or basic rights. Lee -- who has been banned from entering Myanmar over her criticism of its government -- was speaking as South Korea's Moon, a former democracy activist himself was due to meet Suu Kyi later Tuesday as part of a tour of Southeast Asia. South Korea is the sixth-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, but Lee said that meant Seoul was "inadvertently contributing" to rights violations against Rohingya and urged Moon to be "principled" during the encounter. "Our president enjoys a great history of being a human rights lawyer," said Lee. "But I'm afraid he hasn't been really speaking out for human rights for people. "I think it's a shame that we are joining the bandwagon of other countries that looks out for... their countries' economic interest before the suffering of the people," she said, describing the Rohingya crisis as the "worst case of ethnic genocide in the 21st century".

UN rights investigator on Myanmar lambasts Suu Kyi

The Myanmar government is planning to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian and Chinese tourists for one more year, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has said.

On late Monday, the Ministry also divulged that it will extend visa exemption schemes for visitors from Japan and South Korea for another year, to September 30, 2020, to attract more tourists to the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

The visa exemption was initially allowed for visitors from Japan and South Korea and visa-on-arrival for those from China from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019. But now visa-on-arrival granted for Indian tourists for one year from December 1, 2018, will also be extended to November 30, 2020, the Ministry said.

The Ministry, in an earlier release in July, had noted that Myanmar authorities planned to grant visa-on-arrival to visitors from six more countries starting from October 1 as further relaxation of visa restriction on foreign visitors in addition to those belonging to the Asian countries in a bid to boost tourism.

The prior relaxation of visa restriction on Asian travelers have significantly prompted the increase of tourist arrivals in Myanmar in the first six months of 2019 to 2.14 million, up by almost 420,000 people as compared with the same period of 2018 when 1.72 million entered the country, according to the figures from the ministry. The country targets to attract over seven million visitors by 2020.&nbsp;

The Myanmar government is planning to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian and Chinese tourists for one more year, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has said.

The Myanmar government is planning to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian and Chinese tourists for one more year, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has said. On late Monday, the Ministry also divulged that it will extend visa exemption schemes for visitors from Japan and South Korea for another year, to September 30, 2020, to attract more tourists to the country, Xinhua news agency reported. The visa exemption was initially allowed for visitors from Japan and South Korea and visa-on-arrival for those from China from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019. But now visa-on-arrival granted for Indian tourists for one year from December 1, 2018, will also be extended to November 30, 2020, the Ministry said. The Ministry, in an earlier release in July, had noted that Myanmar authorities planned to grant visa-on-arrival to visitors from six more countries starting from October 1 as further relaxation of visa restriction on foreign visitors in addition to those belonging to the Asian countries in a bid to boost tourism. The prior relaxation of visa restriction on Asian travelers have significantly prompted the increase of tourist arrivals in Myanmar in the first six months of 2019 to 2.14 million, up by almost 420,000 people as compared with the same period of 2018 when 1.72 million entered the country, according to the figures from the ministry. The country targets to attract over seven million visitors by 2020.

Myanmar plans to extend visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian, Chinese tourists for one more year

The Myanmar government is planning to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Indian and Chinese tourists for one more year, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has said.

On late Monday, the Ministry also divulged that it will extend visa exemption schemes for visitors from Japan and South Korea for another year, to September 30, 2020, to attract more tourists to the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

The visa exemption was initially allowed for visitors from Japan and South Korea and visa-on-arrival for those from China from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019. But now visa-on-arrival granted for Indian tourists for one year from December 1, 2018, will also be extended to November 30, 2020, the Ministry said.

The Ministry, in an earlier release in July, had noted that Myanmar authorities planned to grant visa-on-arrival to visitors from six more countries starting from October 1 as further relaxation of visa restriction on foreign visitors in addition to those belonging to the Asian countries in a bid to boost tourism.

The prior relaxation of visa restriction on Asian travelers have significantly prompted the increase of tourist arrivals in Myanmar in the first six months of 2019 to 2.14 million, up by almost 420,000 people as compared with the same period of 2018 when 1.72 million entered the country, according to the figures from the ministry.

The country targets to attract over seven million visitors by 2020.&nbsp;

A fourth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/third-rohingya-shot-dead-in-bangladesh-refugee-camp-245799">Rohingya refugee was shot dead</a>, Bangladesh police said Sunday, amid growing fallout over the murder of a ruling party official that sparked a violent backlash from locals.

There has been an outbreak of violence in recent weeks at refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh, where nearly one million Rohingya live after fleeing crackdowns in Myanmar.

At least five Rohingya men have died in clashes in the settlements -- allegedly over gang violence -- while an Awami League official was shot in the head in late August at Jadimura camp in the border town of Teknaf.

Police blamed Omar Faruk's death on Rohingya hitmen, and have shot dead three refugees over the past week in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

The latest to die was 36-year-old Nur Mohammad, who officers allege was a Rohingya gang leader who arrived in Bangladesh in 1992 and was operating in the hills around the refugee camps.

Local officials say Mohammad was a drug trafficking kingpin involved in using refugees to smuggle yaba, a popular methamphetamine pill, from across the Myanmar border. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"He was arrested over Faruk's murder on Saturday. We took him to find out his weapons in a hill when his accomplices fired on police (on Sunday)," police spokesman Ikbal Hossain told AFP.

"We fired back and later found Mohammad's bullet-riddled body."

Rights groups have previously accused Bangladesh police of extrajudicial killings.

Hundreds of enraged locals living near Jadimura camp stormed the settlement after Faruk's murder, looting and vandalising scores of Rohingya shops and houses. &nbsp;

Police said they have stepped up security in the camp, but the European Commission said some refugees have fled Jadimura and were taking shelter at other sites following the violence.

Humanitarian work by aid agencies has also been disrupted, affecting some 100,000 people, the commission said. &nbsp;

Rohingya leader Mohammad Noor told AFP there was a "tense" atmosphere in the camps and refugees were "living in panic".

The incident comes in the wake of a second failed attempt to begin the repatriation of around 740,000 who fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar.

With Mohammad's death, at least 34 Rohingya have been killed by Bangladeshi security forces since the 2017 exodus, according to police.

A fourth Rohingya refugee was shot dead, Bangladesh police said Sunday, amid growing fallout over the murder of a ruling party official that sparked a violent backlash from locals.

A fourth Rohingya refugee was shot dead, Bangladesh police said Sunday, amid growing fallout over the murder of a ruling party official that sparked a violent backlash from locals. There has been an outbreak of violence in recent weeks at refugee camps in southeast Bangladesh, where nearly one million Rohingya live after fleeing crackdowns in Myanmar. At least five Rohingya men have died in clashes in the settlements -- allegedly over gang violence -- while an Awami League official was shot in the head in late August at Jadimura camp in the border town of Teknaf. Police blamed Omar Faruk's death on Rohingya hitmen, and have shot dead three refugees over the past week in connection with the incident. The latest to die was 36-year-old Nur Mohammad, who officers allege was a Rohingya gang leader who arrived in Bangladesh in 1992 and was operating in the hills around the refugee camps. Local officials say Mohammad was a drug trafficking kingpin involved in using refugees to smuggle yaba, a popular methamphetamine pill, from across the Myanmar border. "He was arrested over Faruk's murder on Saturday. We took him to find out his weapons in a hill when his accomplices fired on police (on Sunday)," police spokesman Ikbal Hossain told AFP. "We fired back and later found Mohammad's bullet-riddled body." Rights groups have previously accused Bangladesh police of extrajudicial killings. Hundreds of enraged locals living near Jadimura camp stormed the settlement after Faruk's murder, looting and vandalising scores of Rohingya shops and houses. Police said they have stepped up security in the camp, but the European Commission said some refugees have fled Jadimura and were taking shelter at other sites following the violence. Humanitarian work by aid agencies has also been disrupted, affecting some 100,000 people, the commission said. Rohingya leader Mohammad Noor told AFP there was a "tense" atmosphere in the camps and refugees were "living in panic". The incident comes in the wake of a second failed attempt to begin the repatriation of around 740,000 who fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. With Mohammad's death, at least 34 Rohingya have been killed by Bangladeshi security forces since the 2017 exodus, according to police.

Fourth Rohingya refugee shot dead over Bangladesh murder

Two Myanmar migrant workers sentenced to death for the murder of two British backpackers on a Thai holiday island will learn their fate Thursday when the verdict on their final appeal is delivered.

Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and of killing David Miller, 24.

The pair's battered bodies were found on a beach on the southern diving resort of Koh Tao in September 2014.

Prosecutors insisted the evidence against the men from Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine state was clear, and a lower court upheld their conviction in 2017.

But during the proceedings, the defence said authorities mishandled the investigation and DNA evidence, not allowing independent analysis of samples and using confessions the pair said were coerced.&nbsp;

Police were accused of buckling to pressure to solve a crime that made global headlines and threatened to damage a tourism sector that accounts for a fifth of Thailand's economy.

Andy Hall, an international adviser to the defence, said the evidence was "unreliable".

"The death penalty sentence against the two accused and their conviction should be reversed and quashed."

Thailand's legal system is notoriously opaque, with some cases flying through the courts while others take years.

The 2017 appeal decision was presented to the two men with no translator and without lawyers present, according to the defence.

If the Supreme Court's verdict on Thursday upholds the ruling their last hope is the possibility of a royal pardon.

Last year Thailand carried out its first execution since 2009, a sudden resumption of the death penalty that was condemned by rights groups who hoped the country was moving towards abolishing the practice.

The verdicts on the 2014 double killing divided relatives.

Miller's parents backed the court's conviction, but Witheridge's family were more cautious in drawing conclusions while her sister Laura later called the investigation "bungled".

Two Myanmar migrant workers sentenced to death for the murder of two British backpackers on a Thai holiday island will learn their fate Thursday when the verdict on their final appeal is delivered.

Two Myanmar migrant workers sentenced to death for the murder of two British backpackers on a Thai holiday island will learn their fate Thursday when the verdict on their final appeal is delivered. Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and of killing David Miller, 24. The pair's battered bodies were found on a beach on the southern diving resort of Koh Tao in September 2014. Prosecutors insisted the evidence against the men from Myanmar's impoverished Rakhine state was clear, and a lower court upheld their conviction in 2017. But during the proceedings, the defence said authorities mishandled the investigation and DNA evidence, not allowing independent analysis of samples and using confessions the pair said were coerced. Police were accused of buckling to pressure to solve a crime that made global headlines and threatened to damage a tourism sector that accounts for a fifth of Thailand's economy. Andy Hall, an international adviser to the defence, said the evidence was "unreliable". "The death penalty sentence against the two accused and their conviction should be reversed and quashed." Thailand's legal system is notoriously opaque, with some cases flying through the courts while others take years. The 2017 appeal decision was presented to the two men with no translator and without lawyers present, according to the defence. If the Supreme Court's verdict on Thursday upholds the ruling their last hope is the possibility of a royal pardon. Last year Thailand carried out its first execution since 2009, a sudden resumption of the death penalty that was condemned by rights groups who hoped the country was moving towards abolishing the practice. The verdicts on the 2014 double killing divided relatives. Miller's parents backed the court's conviction, but Witheridge's family were more cautious in drawing conclusions while her sister Laura later called the investigation "bungled".

Myanmar pair await final appeal ruling over Brit killings in Thailand

Bangladesh on Thursday accused Myanmar of lacking the "will" to repatriate the Rohingya, as the spat between the countries grew over the recent failed attempt to return the stateless minority to their homes.

Nearly a million Rohingya live in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, 740,000 of whom fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar.

A fresh push to repatriate the refugees to Myanmar fell flat last week, with no-one turning up to return across the border to conflict-scarred Rakhine state.

Briefing foreign diplomats in the capital Dhaka, Bangladesh's foreign minister AK&nbsp;Abdul Momen questioned Naypyidaw's resolve in taking back the Rohingya.

He said that Myanmar had failed to "effectively dismantle" the internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Rakhine and resettle people to their original homes.&nbsp;

The lack of action was a "clear manifestation of lack of will on the part of Myanmar to repatriate and integrate these persecuted people", the foreign ministry said in a statement quoting Momen's briefing to the diplomats.&nbsp;

The region remains riven by religious and ethnic conflict.&nbsp;

Myanmar earlier blamed Dhaka for the failure, saying it had not followed correct procedure when distributing so-called "verification forms" to potential returnees -- a controversial form of identification that falls short of granting Rohingya citizenship.

Bangladesh retorted saying Myanmar's claims were baseless.

The two countries signed an agreement in November 2017 to send back all Rohingya who had fled to Bangladesh in the past two years. The first repatriation offer was rejected by refugee camp leaders in October.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh on Thursday accused Myanmar of lacking the "will" to repatriate the Rohingya, as the spat between the countries grew over the recent failed attempt to return the stateless minority to their homes.

Bangladesh on Thursday accused Myanmar of lacking the "will" to repatriate the Rohingya, as the spat between the countries grew over the recent failed attempt to return the stateless minority to their homes. Nearly a million Rohingya live in squalid camps in southeast Bangladesh, 740,000 of whom fled a 2017 military offensive against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. A fresh push to repatriate the refugees to Myanmar fell flat last week, with no-one turning up to return across the border to conflict-scarred Rakhine state. Briefing foreign diplomats in the capital Dhaka, Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen questioned Naypyidaw's resolve in taking back the Rohingya. He said that Myanmar had failed to "effectively dismantle" the internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Rakhine and resettle people to their original homes. The lack of action was a "clear manifestation of lack of will on the part of Myanmar to repatriate and integrate these persecuted people", the foreign ministry said in a statement quoting Momen's briefing to the diplomats. The region remains riven by religious and ethnic conflict. Myanmar earlier blamed Dhaka for the failure, saying it had not followed correct procedure when distributing so-called "verification forms" to potential returnees -- a controversial form of identification that falls short of granting Rohingya citizenship. Bangladesh retorted saying Myanmar's claims were baseless. The two countries signed an agreement in November 2017 to send back all Rohingya who had fled to Bangladesh in the past two years. The first repatriation offer was rejected by refugee camp leaders in October. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Bangladesh says Myanmar lacks 'will' to repatriate Rohingya

Thailand's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the murder convictions of two migrant workers from Myanmar in the killings of two British backpackers that drew world attention to the tourist island of Koh Tao.

The workers, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, were sentenced to death for the September 2014 murder of David Miller, 24 and the murder and rape of Hannah Witherridge, 23, on the Thai island, a haven for divers.

In their verdict, a panel of two judges said the death sentences handed down by lower courts would be upheld as the men had been found guilty of murder and rape on the basis of evidence and forensic results.

The men displayed no emotion as they listened intently to a translator while the verdict was read at a court in the province of Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok, the capital.

The men's legal team said it would seek a royal pardon within 60 days, as provided in Thai law.

After the discovery of the British tourists' bodies on a beach on Koh Tao, police said Witheridge had been raped and bludgeoned to death and Miller had suffered blows to his head.

The murders sullied Thailand's image in the tourism industry, which accounts for about 10 percent of the country's economy.

Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun were quickly arrested and later sentenced to death in 2015, a verdict that was upheld by the appeal court in 2017.

Thai police have faced widespread domestic and international criticism for their handling of the case and the evidence.

A pro-bono legal team defending the men has said evidence collected by police was unreliable and not in accordance with internationally accepted standards, arguing it should not have been used to convict them.

The lawyers have also said the accused men were tortured and coerced into making confessions they later retracted.

"The death sentence against the two accused and their conviction should be reversed and quashed," Andy Hall, an adviser to the men's legal team, said in a statement to media.

"DNA and forensics evidence relied on to convict Zaw Law and Wai Phyo, and sentence them to death in the Koh Tao murder case, was fundamentally flawed and unreliable in terms of international standards."

Thai courts have rejected accusations of torture and ruled that DNA evidence linked the workers to the crime.

Thailand's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the murder convictions of two migrant workers from Myanmar in the killings of two British backpackers that drew world attention to the tourist island of Koh Tao.

Thailand's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the murder convictions of two migrant workers from Myanmar in the killings of two British backpackers that drew world attention to the tourist island of Koh Tao. The workers, Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, were sentenced to death for the September 2014 murder of David Miller, 24 and the murder and rape of Hannah Witherridge, 23, on the Thai island, a haven for divers. In their verdict, a panel of two judges said the death sentences handed down by lower courts would be upheld as the men had been found guilty of murder and rape on the basis of evidence and forensic results. The men displayed no emotion as they listened intently to a translator while the verdict was read at a court in the province of Nonthaburi, just north of Bangkok, the capital. The men's legal team said it would seek a royal pardon within 60 days, as provided in Thai law. After the discovery of the British tourists' bodies on a beach on Koh Tao, police said Witheridge had been raped and bludgeoned to death and Miller had suffered blows to his head. The murders sullied Thailand's image in the tourism industry, which accounts for about 10 percent of the country's economy. Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun were quickly arrested and later sentenced to death in 2015, a verdict that was upheld by the appeal court in 2017. Thai police have faced widespread domestic and international criticism for their handling of the case and the evidence. A pro-bono legal team defending the men has said evidence collected by police was unreliable and not in accordance with internationally accepted standards, arguing it should not have been used to convict them. The lawyers have also said the accused men were tortured and coerced into making confessions they later retracted. "The death sentence against the two accused and their conviction should be reversed and quashed," Andy Hall, an adviser to the men's legal team, said in a statement to media. "DNA and forensics evidence relied on to convict Zaw Law and Wai Phyo, and sentence them to death in the Koh Tao murder case, was fundamentally flawed and unreliable in terms of international standards." Thai courts have rejected accusations of torture and ruled that DNA evidence linked the workers to the crime.

Thailand's top court upholds Myanmar workers' death penalty in British backpacker murders

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago.

But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority.

The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea.

"We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar.

He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues.

"The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said.

The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region."

A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya.

Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks.

The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated.

"The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights.

Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking".

"Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis. The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago. But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority. The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea. "We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar. He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues. "The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said. The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region." A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya. Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks. The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated. "The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights. Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking". "Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar to join US-ASEAN maritime drills despite sanctions

ESports star Myint was on the cusp of victory when the screens went dark in the Yangon cafe where he competes, costing him thousands of dollars in missed prize-money and denting his reputation.&nbsp;

Myanmar's gaming scene is mushrooming, but frequent power cuts are holding players back in the emerging democracy.&nbsp;

"Every time a black-out happens, we curse out the electricity corporation -- and it happens often," he told AFP.

More than 60 per cent of people in Myanmar still live without reliable electricity after a political transition in 2010 that sought to pull in foreign investment after decades of junta rule.

That includes getting in on the global explosion in eSports, a billion-dollar industry that will be a medal event in the Southeast Asian Games in November for the first time.

But Myanmar is at risk of missing out with power cuts, few personal computers and a dearth of resources to support travel and competition abroad holding homegrown champions back.

Myint Myat Zaw, a 21-year-old player also known as "Insane", said he has lost about 40 matches due to blackouts, making it difficult to earn a slot abroad where cash prizes are now in the tens of millions of dollars.&nbsp;

He plays Dota 2, which in Shanghai hosted its equivalent of the champions league this weekend, boasting a record $34.3 million prize pool.

But Dota 2 tournaments are rare in Myanmar, he said, making it difficult for him to earn a living from the game.&nbsp;

"The last three years was the hardest period of my career...I lived in a game shop and was also short on food," he told AFP.

Anywhere, anytime

For gamers, a dingy internet cafe has long been the typical venue to battle it out with players from other countries.

But that has started to change as cheap SIM cards hit the markets and smartphone use soars.

Mobile penetration stood at just seven per cent in 2012, but demand has skyrocketed and the figure now sits at more than 80 per cent.

Players competing on mobiles can stay logged on when local grids go dark.

"We can play anywhere, anytime," said Myint Myat Aung, a mobile gamer who competes on PlayerUnknown's Battleground (PUBG) for Singapore-based eSports team Impunity. &nbsp;

It is also cheaper.

"We only have phone bills which don't cost very much," he told AFP.

Last month, Impunity, with more than 400 other teams, took part in a PUBG tournament hosted by Samsung Galaxy at a Yangon mall.

Staring into smartphones, players took down their opponents with sniper rifles, the action projected onto a large screen as spectators cheered.&nbsp;

The prize pool for the tournament was around $7,000, an immense sum in a country where the average income is less than $1,300 a year.

Impunity's country manager Brian Min Sett said the increasing value of winnings was a sign of growth as "our country doesn't have many high-prize tournaments."

Myanmar, like other developing countries, is at "a serious disadvantage" compared to its neighbours, said Jeremy Jackson, market analyst for eSports research firm NewZoo.&nbsp;

"Access to stable electricity and internet are crucial when it comes to competitive gaming," Jackson told AFP.&nbsp;

"Undoubtedly, greater smartphone penetration will allow more people access to the mobile competitive gaming landscape."

Myanmar legends?

In a country that has produced few international athletic stars, eSports offers players away into a global community and a chance to make a steady salary, especially for those competing in ultra-popular mobile games.

"They can make their own living just by competing in tournaments," said Kaung Myat San, co-founder of the HOG e-sports centre in Yangon.&nbsp;

Myanmar's sporting authorities lack funding, so HOG plans to send 16 athletes to represent Myanmar in the Southeast Asia games -- including Myint Myat Zaw, who was scooped up as a salaried player earlier this year.&nbsp;

Both Dota 2 and Mobile Legend - a fantasy battle game designed for smartphones with more than 3 million users in Myanmar - will be part of the competition.

After years of struggling to eke out a living playing for people wishing to boost their scores, Myint Myat Zaw said he was "proud" to now be representing Myanmar.&nbsp;

"Although there is more pressure, it makes me keen to do better," he said.

ESports star Myint was on the cusp of victory when the screens went dark in the Yangon cafe where he competes, costing him thousands of dollars in missed prize-money and denting his reputation.

ESports star Myint was on the cusp of victory when the screens went dark in the Yangon cafe where he competes, costing him thousands of dollars in missed prize-money and denting his reputation. Myanmar's gaming scene is mushrooming, but frequent power cuts are holding players back in the emerging democracy. "Every time a black-out happens, we curse out the electricity corporation -- and it happens often," he told AFP. More than 60 per cent of people in Myanmar still live without reliable electricity after a political transition in 2010 that sought to pull in foreign investment after decades of junta rule. That includes getting in on the global explosion in eSports, a billion-dollar industry that will be a medal event in the Southeast Asian Games in November for the first time. But Myanmar is at risk of missing out with power cuts, few personal computers and a dearth of resources to support travel and competition abroad holding homegrown champions back. Myint Myat Zaw, a 21-year-old player also known as "Insane", said he has lost about 40 matches due to blackouts, making it difficult to earn a slot abroad where cash prizes are now in the tens of millions of dollars. He plays Dota 2, which in Shanghai hosted its equivalent of the champions league this weekend, boasting a record $34.3 million prize pool. But Dota 2 tournaments are rare in Myanmar, he said, making it difficult for him to earn a living from the game. "The last three years was the hardest period of my career...I lived in a game shop and was also short on food," he told AFP. Anywhere, anytime For gamers, a dingy internet cafe has long been the typical venue to battle it out with players from other countries. But that has started to change as cheap SIM cards hit the markets and smartphone use soars. Mobile penetration stood at just seven per cent in 2012, but demand has skyrocketed and the figure now sits at more than 80 per cent. Players competing on mobiles can stay logged on when local grids go dark. "We can play anywhere, anytime," said Myint Myat Aung, a mobile gamer who competes on PlayerUnknown's Battleground (PUBG) for Singapore-based eSports team Impunity. It is also cheaper. "We only have phone bills which don't cost very much," he told AFP. Last month, Impunity, with more than 400 other teams, took part in a PUBG tournament hosted by Samsung Galaxy at a Yangon mall. Staring into smartphones, players took down their opponents with sniper rifles, the action projected onto a large screen as spectators cheered. The prize pool for the tournament was around $7,000, an immense sum in a country where the average income is less than $1,300 a year. Impunity's country manager Brian Min Sett said the increasing value of winnings was a sign of growth as "our country doesn't have many high-prize tournaments." Myanmar, like other developing countries, is at "a serious disadvantage" compared to its neighbours, said Jeremy Jackson, market analyst for eSports research firm NewZoo. "Access to stable electricity and internet are crucial when it comes to competitive gaming," Jackson told AFP. "Undoubtedly, greater smartphone penetration will allow more people access to the mobile competitive gaming landscape." Myanmar legends? In a country that has produced few international athletic stars, eSports offers players away into a global community and a chance to make a steady salary, especially for those competing in ultra-popular mobile games. "They can make their own living just by competing in tournaments," said Kaung Myat San, co-founder of the HOG e-sports centre in Yangon. Myanmar's sporting authorities lack funding, so HOG plans to send 16 athletes to represent Myanmar in the Southeast Asia games -- including Myint Myat Zaw, who was scooped up as a salaried player earlier this year. Both Dota 2 and Mobile Legend - a fantasy battle game designed for smartphones with more than 3 million users in Myanmar - will be part of the competition. After years of struggling to eke out a living playing for people wishing to boost their scores, Myint Myat Zaw said he was "proud" to now be representing Myanmar. "Although there is more pressure, it makes me keen to do better," he said.

Armed with smartphones, Myanmar e-sports players battle power outages

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth.

After walking for hours with her husband and three children, Khatun took a treacherous sea journey in bad weather to reach the southeastern tip of Bangladesh.

The family took shelter beside a road and erected a makeshift roof with twigs and a polythene sheet.

Several hours later, Khatun gave birth to Ahmad Shah in the pouring rain, helped by other Rohingya women also sheltering nearby.

"I was so tired. Yet I wanted to give a safe birth to my unborn baby," the 29-year-old mother told AFP.

"I thought he wouldn't survive because we were getting drenched by the rain."

Shah turned two on Sunday -- the second anniversary of the mass exodus of some 740,000 Rohingya who fled a brutal military crackdown in western Myanmar and took refuge in vast, squalid camps in Bangladesh.

His birth, and his family's ordeal, are a reminder of the struggles the stateless Muslim minority went through to flee their homeland.

Some 200,000 Rohingya took part in a rally at the world's largest refugee settlement on Sunday to mark what the refugees describe as "Genocide Day".

Shah's father Mohammad Selim said his son was a miracle child.

"Allah saved my kid that night. All praise to Him," said Selim, an imam at a mosque at Balukhali refugee camp.

He said his other children still remembered the trauma of the perilous journey.

"I am so happy for Shah that he didn't have to go through those woes. I will make him an Islamic scholar someday," he added.

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth.

Heavily pregnant Rohingya mother Rashida Khatun fled her home in a remote village in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years ago, bone-tired but desperate to find a safe place to give birth. After walking for hours with her husband and three children, Khatun took a treacherous sea journey in bad weather to reach the southeastern tip of Bangladesh. The family took shelter beside a road and erected a makeshift roof with twigs and a polythene sheet. Several hours later, Khatun gave birth to Ahmad Shah in the pouring rain, helped by other Rohingya women also sheltering nearby. "I was so tired. Yet I wanted to give a safe birth to my unborn baby," the 29-year-old mother told AFP. "I thought he wouldn't survive because we were getting drenched by the rain." Shah turned two on Sunday -- the second anniversary of the mass exodus of some 740,000 Rohingya who fled a brutal military crackdown in western Myanmar and took refuge in vast, squalid camps in Bangladesh. His birth, and his family's ordeal, are a reminder of the struggles the stateless Muslim minority went through to flee their homeland. Some 200,000 Rohingya took part in a rally at the world's largest refugee settlement on Sunday to mark what the refugees describe as "Genocide Day". Shah's father Mohammad Selim said his son was a miracle child. "Allah saved my kid that night. All praise to Him," said Selim, an imam at a mosque at Balukhali refugee camp. He said his other children still remembered the trauma of the perilous journey. "I am so happy for Shah that he didn't have to go through those woes. I will make him an Islamic scholar someday," he added.

'Miracle' Rohingya baby turns two on crackdown anniversary

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland.

The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

No casualty or damage to property was reported.

Tremors measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale were felt in Nagaland.

The quake occurred at around 8:20 am, 132 km east of Tuensang in Nagaland, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Nagaland is prone to earthquakes.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland. The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the eastern region of Myanmar on Monday morning, which caused tremors in Nagaland. The quake in Myanmar took place at around 8:19 am at a depth of 80 km, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). No casualty or damage to property was reported. Tremors measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale were felt in Nagaland. The quake occurred at around 8:20 am, 132 km east of Tuensang in Nagaland, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). Nagaland is prone to earthquakes.

Earthquake hits eastern Myanmar, tremors felt in Nagaland

An army helicopter buzzes overhead and ambulances travel up wet empty roads in Myanmar's northeast, ferrying aid to thousands of residents displaced by fresh clashes between rebels and the military.

Burnt-out cars and bullet casings lie along the road to Shan state's Kutkai -- a town ringed by mountains, poppy fields, and a patchwork of ethnic armed groups fighting for more autonomy and control over land and resources.

"We are still afraid to go back home," Ba Yi, a 63-year-old former teacher, told AFP while sheltering in a monastery.

"Every time I hear explosions, I want to go away."

The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, and Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure peace when she took office in 2016.

It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-making region, fuelling a complex web of conflict.

Fighting in the region escalated after rebel attacks on an army academy and police outposts killed at least 15 this month, operations the military said were in retaliation for a drug crackdown.

Local civil society organisations say more than 2,000 people have been displaced.

"Even if I wanted to go back to my home, I can't go... the situation is not peaceful in my village," said Lyaw Aye Pwint, an 18-year-old student.

The US embassy issued a travel warning this month for more than a dozen towns in Shan state due to "civil unrest and armed conflict".

Dozens of NGO workers were evacuated last week days after an ambulance driver was killed in an attack blamed on rebels.

But rescue workers are still braving the danger to bring aid to the displaced.

"The main missions are to send provisions to the villagers from restricted areas and try to rescue people from conflict areas and send them to shelters," said Tin Win, part of a volunteer aid convoy.

Myanmar's army has long battled different insurgent groups fighting for more autonomy in a country dominated by the Bamar ethnic majority.

Amid the recent fighting, the army is still making large drug seizures.

On Sunday the military said it had found 762 kilograms (0.8 tonnes) of crystal meth in backpacks in eastern Shan state, a haul worth an estimated $12.6 million.

On August 22 it confiscated dozens of bags of meth tablets worth $7 million.

"We are still clearing off the area in northern Shan State. We still have fighting in that area," Zaw Min Tun, an army spokesperson, told AFP.

An army helicopter buzzes overhead and ambulances travel up wet empty roads in Myanmar's northeast, ferrying aid to thousands of residents displaced by fresh clashes between rebels and the military.

An army helicopter buzzes overhead and ambulances travel up wet empty roads in Myanmar's northeast, ferrying aid to thousands of residents displaced by fresh clashes between rebels and the military. Burnt-out cars and bullet casings lie along the road to Shan state's Kutkai -- a town ringed by mountains, poppy fields, and a patchwork of ethnic armed groups fighting for more autonomy and control over land and resources. "We are still afraid to go back home," Ba Yi, a 63-year-old former teacher, told AFP while sheltering in a monastery. "Every time I hear explosions, I want to go away." The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, and Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure peace when she took office in 2016. It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-making region, fuelling a complex web of conflict. Fighting in the region escalated after rebel attacks on an army academy and police outposts killed at least 15 this month, operations the military said were in retaliation for a drug crackdown. Local civil society organisations say more than 2,000 people have been displaced. "Even if I wanted to go back to my home, I can't go... the situation is not peaceful in my village," said Lyaw Aye Pwint, an 18-year-old student. The US embassy issued a travel warning this month for more than a dozen towns in Shan state due to "civil unrest and armed conflict". Dozens of NGO workers were evacuated last week days after an ambulance driver was killed in an attack blamed on rebels. But rescue workers are still braving the danger to bring aid to the displaced. "The main missions are to send provisions to the villagers from restricted areas and try to rescue people from conflict areas and send them to shelters," said Tin Win, part of a volunteer aid convoy. Myanmar's army has long battled different insurgent groups fighting for more autonomy in a country dominated by the Bamar ethnic majority. Amid the recent fighting, the army is still making large drug seizures. On Sunday the military said it had found 762 kilograms (0.8 tonnes) of crystal meth in backpacks in eastern Shan state, a haul worth an estimated $12.6 million. On August 22 it confiscated dozens of bags of meth tablets worth $7 million. "We are still clearing off the area in northern Shan State. We still have fighting in that area," Zaw Min Tun, an army spokesperson, told AFP.

Myanmar clashes between army and rebels force thousands from home

Some 200,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/two-years-on-rohingyas-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-244567">Rohingya </a>rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees.

Around 740,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-blames-rohingya-repatriation-failure-on-bangladesh-245158"> Rohingya</a> from Myanmar's Rakhine state escaped in August 2017 during the brutal offensive, joining another 200,000 who fled earlier persecution in vast camps in southeast Bangladesh.

Children, hijab-wearing women, and men in long-skirt lungis shouted "God is Great, Long Live Rohingya" as they marched at the heart of the world's largest refugee camp to commemorate what they described as "Genocide Day".

Under the scorching sun, thousands joined in a popular song with the lyrics "the world does not listen to the woes of Rohingya".

"I have come here to seek justice for the murder of my two sons. I will continue to seek justice till my last breath," 50-year-old Tayaba Khatun said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Myanmar had said they were conducting counter-insurgency operations against Rohingya extremists after they attacked police posts, but the UN last year called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crisis.

Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah said the stateless minority wanted to return home, but only after they were granted citizenship, their security was ensured and they were allowed to settle back in their villages.

"We have asked the Burmese government for dialogue. But we haven't got any response from them yet," Ullah told the rally.

"We were beaten, killed and raped in Rakhine. But still, that is our home. And we want to go back."

Police officer Zakir Hassan told AFP some 200,000 Rohingya took part in the peaceful gathering.

Security has been tight across Kutupalang camp, the world's largest refugee settlement and home to more than 600,000 Rohingya.

"Hundreds of police, army and border guards have been deployed to prevent any violence," local police chief Abul Monsur told AFP.

The rally came three days after the failed attempt to repatriate the refugees, which saw not a single Rohingya turn up to return across the border.

On Saturday, Bangladesh police said they shot dead two refugees during a gunfight in a camp after the pair were accused of killing a ruling party official.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

Some 200,000 Rohingya rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees.

Some 200,000 Rohingya rallied in a Bangladesh refugee camp to mark two years since they fled a violent crackdown by Myanmar forces, just days after a second failed attempt to repatriate the refugees. Around 740,000 Rohingya from Myanmar's Rakhine state escaped in August 2017 during the brutal offensive, joining another 200,000 who fled earlier persecution in vast camps in southeast Bangladesh. Children, hijab-wearing women, and men in long-skirt lungis shouted "God is Great, Long Live Rohingya" as they marched at the heart of the world's largest refugee camp to commemorate what they described as "Genocide Day". Under the scorching sun, thousands joined in a popular song with the lyrics "the world does not listen to the woes of Rohingya". "I have come here to seek justice for the murder of my two sons. I will continue to seek justice till my last breath," 50-year-old Tayaba Khatun said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Myanmar had said they were conducting counter-insurgency operations against Rohingya extremists after they attacked police posts, but the UN last year called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide over the crisis. Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah said the stateless minority wanted to return home, but only after they were granted citizenship, their security was ensured and they were allowed to settle back in their villages. "We have asked the Burmese government for dialogue. But we haven't got any response from them yet," Ullah told the rally. "We were beaten, killed and raped in Rakhine. But still, that is our home. And we want to go back." Police officer Zakir Hassan told AFP some 200,000 Rohingya took part in the peaceful gathering. Security has been tight across Kutupalang camp, the world's largest refugee settlement and home to more than 600,000 Rohingya. "Hundreds of police, army and border guards have been deployed to prevent any violence," local police chief Abul Monsur told AFP. The rally came three days after the failed attempt to repatriate the refugees, which saw not a single Rohingya turn up to return across the border. On Saturday, Bangladesh police said they shot dead two refugees during a gunfight in a camp after the pair were accused of killing a ruling party official. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in the country for generations.

200,000 Rohingya rally to mark 'Genocide Day' in Bangladesh camps

The Rohingya refugee crisis in key dates

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-bangladesh-agree-to-start-rohingya-repatriation-next-week-243215">An attempt to begin repatriating thousands of Rohingya Muslims</a> living in camps in Bangladesh stalled on Thursday after nearly 300 refugee families refused to go back to Myanmar, almost a year after a similar effort failed amid protests.

Last week, the neighbours said they had agreed on Aug. 22 as the start date for the return of 3,450 people cleared by Myanmar, of more than 730,000 who fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state in 2017, and now shelter in the sprawling camps.

The United Nations says the crackdown in Myanmar’s northern state was carried out with "genocidal intent".&nbsp;

Although Myanmar authorities say they are ready to receive any who return, refugees have refused to go back for fear of further violence.

Since the plan was announced, United Nations staff and Bangladesh officials have been interviewing those cleared for return, selected from a list of more than 22,000 sent by Bangladesh to Myanmar, to determine if they want to go.

None of the 295 families consulted until now had agreed to go back, said a Bangladesh relief official, Mohammad Abul Kalam, although buses and trucks had been arranged to carry them across the border.

"This is a continuous process," Kalam, who is Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told Reuters by telephone.

"We are interviewing other families who were cleared by the Myanmar government and if anyone expresses willingness to go back we'll return them. All structural arrangements and logistical facilities are put in place."

Min Thein, the director of Myanmar’s social welfare ministry, told Reuters that officials had been sent to greet any arrivals at reception centers on the border.

However, the director of Rakhine state’s general administration department, Kyaw Swar Tun, declined to comment, saying, "I have nothing to say."

Previous attempts to persuade Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from the refugees.

An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests.

The UN and Western countries have said the August 2017 military crackdown included mass killings and gang-rapes.

Myanmar has previously rejected the UN’s categorisation of the violence in Rakhine as "one-sided".

It says that military action that followed militant attacks on security forces was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation.

An attempt to begin repatriating thousands of Rohingya Muslims living in camps in Bangladesh stalled on Thursday after nearly 300 refugee families refused to go back to Myanmar, almost a year after a similar effort failed amid protests.

An attempt to begin repatriating thousands of Rohingya Muslims living in camps in Bangladesh stalled on Thursday after nearly 300 refugee families refused to go back to Myanmar, almost a year after a similar effort failed amid protests. Last week, the neighbours said they had agreed on Aug. 22 as the start date for the return of 3,450 people cleared by Myanmar, of more than 730,000 who fled a military crackdown in Rakhine state in 2017, and now shelter in the sprawling camps. The United Nations says the crackdown in Myanmar’s northern state was carried out with "genocidal intent". Although Myanmar authorities say they are ready to receive any who return, refugees have refused to go back for fear of further violence. Since the plan was announced, United Nations staff and Bangladesh officials have been interviewing those cleared for return, selected from a list of more than 22,000 sent by Bangladesh to Myanmar, to determine if they want to go. None of the 295 families consulted until now had agreed to go back, said a Bangladesh relief official, Mohammad Abul Kalam, although buses and trucks had been arranged to carry them across the border. "This is a continuous process," Kalam, who is Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told Reuters by telephone. "We are interviewing other families who were cleared by the Myanmar government and if anyone expresses willingness to go back we'll return them. All structural arrangements and logistical facilities are put in place." Min Thein, the director of Myanmar’s social welfare ministry, told Reuters that officials had been sent to greet any arrivals at reception centers on the border. However, the director of Rakhine state’s general administration department, Kyaw Swar Tun, declined to comment, saying, "I have nothing to say." Previous attempts to persuade Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from the refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests. The UN and Western countries have said the August 2017 military crackdown included mass killings and gang-rapes. Myanmar has previously rejected the UN’s categorisation of the violence in Rakhine as "one-sided". It says that military action that followed militant attacks on security forces was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation.

Bangladesh bid to repatriate Rohingya stalls as refugees refuse to return to Myanmar

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it had shut 216<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-page-of-australian-missing-in-north-korea-mysteriously-reappears-231646"> social media pages, </a>groups, and accounts in Myanmar, some tied to the army, to stymie efforts to "manipulate or corrupt public debate".

The company closed 89 Facebook accounts, 107 pages, 15 groups and five Instagram accounts, some of which had hundreds of thousands of followers, it said in a blogpost.

The social media giant has previously removed hundreds of accounts, including that of Myanmar’s army chief, after criticism it had failed to act on hate speech amid violence against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-hardline-monks-rail-against-rohingya-aung-san-suu-kyi-228157"> Rohingya Muslims in the country.</a>

The people behind the latest deleted Myanmar accounts repurposed legitimate news and entertainment content and posted about national and local topics, including crime, ethnic relations, celebrities, and the military, it said.

"Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found that some of this activity was linked to individuals associated with the Myanmar military."

In 2017, the military-led a crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents, pushing more than 730,000 Rohingya to neighbour Bangladesh, according to the UN agencies.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it had shut 216 social media pages, groups, and accounts in Myanmar, some tied to the army, to stymie efforts to "manipulate or corrupt public debate".

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it had shut 216 social media pages, groups, and accounts in Myanmar, some tied to the army, to stymie efforts to "manipulate or corrupt public debate". The company closed 89 Facebook accounts, 107 pages, 15 groups and five Instagram accounts, some of which had hundreds of thousands of followers, it said in a blogpost. The social media giant has previously removed hundreds of accounts, including that of Myanmar’s army chief, after criticism it had failed to act on hate speech amid violence against Rohingya Muslims in the country. The people behind the latest deleted Myanmar accounts repurposed legitimate news and entertainment content and posted about national and local topics, including crime, ethnic relations, celebrities, and the military, it said. "Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found that some of this activity was linked to individuals associated with the Myanmar military." In 2017, the military-led a crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents, pushing more than 730,000 Rohingya to neighbour Bangladesh, according to the UN agencies.

Facebook shuts dozens of Myanmar social media accounts over 'inauthentic behavior'

A fresh push to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-eyes-new-rohingya-repatriation-attempt-next-week-243942"> repatriate Rohingya refugees </a>to Myanmar appeared Thursday to fall flat, with no one turning up to hop on five buses and 10 trucks laid on by Bangladesh.

"We have been waiting since 9:00 am (0300 GMT) to take any willing refugees for repatriation," Khaled Hossain, a Bangladesh official in charge of the Teknaf refugee camp, told AFP after over an hour of waiting.

"Nobody has yet turned up."

Some 740,000 of the long-oppressed mostly Muslim Rohingya minority fled a military offensive in 2017 in Myanmar's Rakhine state that the United Nations has likened to ethnic cleansing, joining 200,000 already in Bangladesh.

Demanding that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-delegation-holds-repatriation-talks-with-rohingya-in-bangladesh-238936"> Buddhist-majority Myanmar</a> guarantee their safety and citizenship, only a handful have returned from the vast camps in southeast Bangladesh where they have now lived for two years.

The latest repatriation attempt, a previous push failed in November follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry forwarded a list of more than 22,000 refugees to Myanmar for verification and Naypyidaw cleared 3,450 individuals for "return".

But on Wednesday, several Rohingya refugees whose names were listed told AFP that said they did not want to return unless their safety was ensured and they were granted citizenship.

"It is not safe to return to Myanmar," one of them, Nur Islam, told AFP.

Officials from the UN and Bangladesh's refugee commission have also been interviewing Rohingya families in the settlements to find out if they wanted to return.

"We have yet to get consent from any refugee family," a UN official said Wednesday.

Rohingya community leader Jafar Alam told AFP the refugees had been gripped by fear since authorities announced the fresh repatriation process.

They also feared being sent to camps for internally displaced people (IDP) if they went back to Myanmar.

Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said they were "fully prepared" for the repatriation with security being tightened across the refugee settlements to prevent any violence or protests.

Officials said they would wait for a few more hours before deciding whether to postpone the repatriation move.

In New York, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that repatriations had to be "voluntary".

"Any return should be voluntary and sustainable and in safety and in dignity to their place of origin and choice," Dujarric told reporters.

The UN Security Council met behind closed doors on the issue on Wednesday.

Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps.

The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

A fresh push to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar appeared Thursday to fall flat, with no one turning up to hop on five buses and 10 trucks laid on by Bangladesh.

A fresh push to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar appeared Thursday to fall flat, with no one turning up to hop on five buses and 10 trucks laid on by Bangladesh. "We have been waiting since 9:00 am (0300 GMT) to take any willing refugees for repatriation," Khaled Hossain, a Bangladesh official in charge of the Teknaf refugee camp, told AFP after over an hour of waiting. "Nobody has yet turned up." Some 740,000 of the long-oppressed mostly Muslim Rohingya minority fled a military offensive in 2017 in Myanmar's Rakhine state that the United Nations has likened to ethnic cleansing, joining 200,000 already in Bangladesh. Demanding that Buddhist-majority Myanmar guarantee their safety and citizenship, only a handful have returned from the vast camps in southeast Bangladesh where they have now lived for two years. The latest repatriation attempt, a previous push failed in November follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu. Bangladesh's foreign ministry forwarded a list of more than 22,000 refugees to Myanmar for verification and Naypyidaw cleared 3,450 individuals for "return". But on Wednesday, several Rohingya refugees whose names were listed told AFP that said they did not want to return unless their safety was ensured and they were granted citizenship. "It is not safe to return to Myanmar," one of them, Nur Islam, told AFP. Officials from the UN and Bangladesh's refugee commission have also been interviewing Rohingya families in the settlements to find out if they wanted to return. "We have yet to get consent from any refugee family," a UN official said Wednesday. Rohingya community leader Jafar Alam told AFP the refugees had been gripped by fear since authorities announced the fresh repatriation process. They also feared being sent to camps for internally displaced people (IDP) if they went back to Myanmar. Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said they were "fully prepared" for the repatriation with security being tightened across the refugee settlements to prevent any violence or protests. Officials said they would wait for a few more hours before deciding whether to postpone the repatriation move. In New York, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that repatriations had to be "voluntary". "Any return should be voluntary and sustainable and in safety and in dignity to their place of origin and choice," Dujarric told reporters. The UN Security Council met behind closed doors on the issue on Wednesday. Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

No Rohingya turn up for repatriation to Myanmar

By Abdullah Yusuf

This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces. A predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from the Rakhine state of Buddhist Myanmar, the Rohingya have been called the “most persecuted minority in the world”.

Promised their own autonomous state in return for helping Britain during World War II (which never happened), the Rohingya have a history of being resented by the Burmese/Myanmarese people. More recently, stripped of citizenship under a 1982 law which deemed the Rohingya as Bengali, they now find themselves stateless, as Myanmar and Bangladesh refuse to acknowledge them as citizens.

In a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the coastal district in Bangladesh which houses Rohingya refugee camps, senior Myanmar officials tried to persuade them to return home. A repatriation deal was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2017 and 2018, but as I wrote last year, without a concrete commitment regarding their safety and the granting of citizenship, the Rohingya will continue to refuse the repatriation plea. To date, almost none have volunteered to return.

Now hosting more than 1.1m Rohingyas, Bangladesh has pledged not to force anyone to leave the country. The refugees are officially registered as “forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals”, a designation that denies their refugee status and any associated rights.

This official stance makes them more vulnerable to denial of their human rights – freedom from detention and exploitation, access to public services, education, livelihoods and freedom of movement. Though Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it has an obligation under international human rights law to ensure that all people, including refugees, retain fundamental rights.

International response

In a recent leaked report, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which Myanmar is a member – has been optimistic about the return of the Rohingyas, predicting an overall “smooth and orderly” repatriation.

While Malaysia and Indonesia, ASEAN’s two largest Muslim-majority member states, called for a proactive approach to address the crisis, other members offered only weak criticism of Myanmar’s handling of the situation and refrained from direct accusations of mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya population. Unsurprisingly, ASEAN was heavily criticised by human rights groups for the report, which did not even acknowledge the identity of Rohingyas, choosing to refer to them instead as “Bengalis”.

Another vital player in the Rohingya crisis has been the UN. In 2018 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a secret agreement that pushed for repatriation and the establishment of an identity card scheme, which many Rohingya opposed. An independent report analysing the involvement of the UN in Myanmar between 2010-2018, highlights its systemic failures, stating that: "Serious errors were committed, and opportunities were lost in the UN system, following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action."

The report frames the political component as a downside to UN actions on the ground. Further criticism has come from human rights experts who have blasted the UN for downplaying the severity of the crisis until it was too late.

Peace vs Justice

The conditions for the Rohingya inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar are far from acceptable. Refugees lack proper sanitation and live in emergency conditions, but still they choose to remain rather to return under a repatriation deal without guarantees of justice for past (or potential) crimes against them.

Human Rights Watch says that the Myanmar national government and the Rakhine state government have consistently avoided responsibility for creating a safe space with basic human rights for returning refugees. Myanmar also refuses to provide access to international investigators to monitor the situation, and in terms of coverage of the Rohingya plight, press freedoms are very limited.

The Myanmar government is responsible for multiple crimes against the Rohingya, including genocide, rape and arson. Given that none of the key perpetrators have been held accountable, the Rohingya’s distrust of their plan is understandable.

The prosecution of key perpetrators is needed urgently, both for those who have lost loved ones as well as those who suffered violence and had to flee their country in fear of their lives. In the past, such trials have been paramount in attaining a sense of justice for victims while consolidating post-conflict peace.

Criminal accountability for the crimes committed is also crucial in order to establish and reinforce the rule of law in any post-conflict society. But peace should not be achieved through the expunging of past crimes – this simply perpetuates trauma and the sense of injustice felt by the victims.

When past mass-crimes remain unaddressed, the chances of recurrence remain high. Justice should not be perceived as an impediment to achieving peace; peace and justice should be seen as reinforcing one another – something the Myanmar government, the UN and ASEAN must recognise if they wish any repatriation deal to be accepted.

The overall situation of the Rohingya remains chaotic. The prospects for a repatriation deal that will cover the demands of the Rohingya remain unrealistic, at least in the short term, and their current status within Bangladesh as displaced Myanmar nationals is untenable. International organisations, such as ASEAN and the UN, are pushing for repatriation while ignoring the importance of attaining justice for the Rohingya people.

The danger of pushing for this fragile peace, which would at best only be a temporary measure, is that the motives of the conflict will not be resolved – namely the Myanmar people’s nationalistic support for their government’s refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya people.

The Rohingya will not accept any deal that does not acknowledge the crimes against them or which allows the perpetrators to escape justice. And they need to know that any future aggression against them will have lawful repercussions – a fundamental right that ASEAN and the UN must consider.

(Abdullah Yusuf is Lecturer in Politics, University of Dundee) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/citizens-of-nowhere-one-million-rohingya-still-without-rights-status-or-justice-122135">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Abdullah Yusuf This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces.

By Abdullah Yusuf This month marks the second anniversary of Rohingya refugees fleeing into Bangladesh following a brutal crackdown by Myanmar’s security forces. A predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from the Rakhine state of Buddhist Myanmar, the Rohingya have been called the “most persecuted minority in the world”. Promised their own autonomous state in return for helping Britain during World War II (which never happened), the Rohingya have a history of being resented by the Burmese/Myanmarese people. More recently, stripped of citizenship under a 1982 law which deemed the Rohingya as Bengali, they now find themselves stateless, as Myanmar and Bangladesh refuse to acknowledge them as citizens. In a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, the coastal district in Bangladesh which houses Rohingya refugee camps, senior Myanmar officials tried to persuade them to return home. A repatriation deal was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar in 2017 and 2018, but as I wrote last year, without a concrete commitment regarding their safety and the granting of citizenship, the Rohingya will continue to refuse the repatriation plea. To date, almost none have volunteered to return. Now hosting more than 1.1m Rohingyas, Bangladesh has pledged not to force anyone to leave the country. The refugees are officially registered as “forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals”, a designation that denies their refugee status and any associated rights. This official stance makes them more vulnerable to denial of their human rights – freedom from detention and exploitation, access to public services, education, livelihoods and freedom of movement. Though Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, it has an obligation under international human rights law to ensure that all people, including refugees, retain fundamental rights. International response In a recent leaked report, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which Myanmar is a member – has been optimistic about the return of the Rohingyas, predicting an overall “smooth and orderly” repatriation. While Malaysia and Indonesia, ASEAN’s two largest Muslim-majority member states, called for a proactive approach to address the crisis, other members offered only weak criticism of Myanmar’s handling of the situation and refrained from direct accusations of mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya population. Unsurprisingly, ASEAN was heavily criticised by human rights groups for the report, which did not even acknowledge the identity of Rohingyas, choosing to refer to them instead as “Bengalis”. Another vital player in the Rohingya crisis has been the UN. In 2018 the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a secret agreement that pushed for repatriation and the establishment of an identity card scheme, which many Rohingya opposed. An independent report analysing the involvement of the UN in Myanmar between 2010-2018, highlights its systemic failures, stating that: "Serious errors were committed, and opportunities were lost in the UN system, following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action." The report frames the political component as a downside to UN actions on the ground. Further criticism has come from human rights experts who have blasted the UN for downplaying the severity of the crisis until it was too late. Peace vs Justice The conditions for the Rohingya inside the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar are far from acceptable. Refugees lack proper sanitation and live in emergency conditions, but still they choose to remain rather to return under a repatriation deal without guarantees of justice for past (or potential) crimes against them. Human Rights Watch says that the Myanmar national government and the Rakhine state government have consistently avoided responsibility for creating a safe space with basic human rights for returning refugees. Myanmar also refuses to provide access to international investigators to monitor the situation, and in terms of coverage of the Rohingya plight, press freedoms are very limited. The Myanmar government is responsible for multiple crimes against the Rohingya, including genocide, rape and arson. Given that none of the key perpetrators have been held accountable, the Rohingya’s distrust of their plan is understandable. The prosecution of key perpetrators is needed urgently, both for those who have lost loved ones as well as those who suffered violence and had to flee their country in fear of their lives. In the past, such trials have been paramount in attaining a sense of justice for victims while consolidating post-conflict peace. Criminal accountability for the crimes committed is also crucial in order to establish and reinforce the rule of law in any post-conflict society. But peace should not be achieved through the expunging of past crimes – this simply perpetuates trauma and the sense of injustice felt by the victims. When past mass-crimes remain unaddressed, the chances of recurrence remain high. Justice should not be perceived as an impediment to achieving peace; peace and justice should be seen as reinforcing one another – something the Myanmar government, the UN and ASEAN must recognise if they wish any repatriation deal to be accepted. The overall situation of the Rohingya remains chaotic. The prospects for a repatriation deal that will cover the demands of the Rohingya remain unrealistic, at least in the short term, and their current status within Bangladesh as displaced Myanmar nationals is untenable. International organisations, such as ASEAN and the UN, are pushing for repatriation while ignoring the importance of attaining justice for the Rohingya people. The danger of pushing for this fragile peace, which would at best only be a temporary measure, is that the motives of the conflict will not be resolved – namely the Myanmar people’s nationalistic support for their government’s refusal to acknowledge the Rohingya people. The Rohingya will not accept any deal that does not acknowledge the crimes against them or which allows the perpetrators to escape justice. And they need to know that any future aggression against them will have lawful repercussions – a fundamental right that ASEAN and the UN must consider. (Abdullah Yusuf is Lecturer in Politics, University of Dundee) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Two years on, Rohingyas still without rights, status or justice

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday.

The escalation in hostilities in Myanmar’s fractured north is another setback for civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s bid to bring peace amid a stuttering transition from full military rule.

The people displaced in the latest fighting are sheltering in monasteries around Lashio town in the north of Shan State, and are depending on aid groups and the government for their supplies, aid workers said.

"We are providing basic rescue materials as well as cash to displaced people in the camps, the injured people and also to family members of those who got killed," Soe Naing, director of the Department of Disaster Management in Shan State, told Reuters.

Aid would be delivered as long as people needed to stay in the camps, he said.

Tension in the region has risen since Thursday, when a coalition of anti-government insurgent groups known as the Northern Alliance staged attacks including on an elite army college that killed more than a dozen people, mostly security forces personnel.

Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power following a landslide election win in late 2016, vowing to prioritise peace talks between ethnic minority guerrilla groups, the military and civilian government.

But the conflict has escalated in Kachin State in the north and in Shan State, as the western Rakhine region on the border with Bangladesh.

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday.

More than 2,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes, and 19 have been killed since fighting broke out between government troops and ethnic minority insurgents in northern Myanmar last week, government officials said Wednesday. The escalation in hostilities in Myanmar’s fractured north is another setback for civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s bid to bring peace amid a stuttering transition from full military rule. The people displaced in the latest fighting are sheltering in monasteries around Lashio town in the north of Shan State, and are depending on aid groups and the government for their supplies, aid workers said. "We are providing basic rescue materials as well as cash to displaced people in the camps, the injured people and also to family members of those who got killed," Soe Naing, director of the Department of Disaster Management in Shan State, told Reuters. Aid would be delivered as long as people needed to stay in the camps, he said. Tension in the region has risen since Thursday, when a coalition of anti-government insurgent groups known as the Northern Alliance staged attacks including on an elite army college that killed more than a dozen people, mostly security forces personnel. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi came to power following a landslide election win in late 2016, vowing to prioritise peace talks between ethnic minority guerrilla groups, the military and civilian government. But the conflict has escalated in Kachin State in the north and in Shan State, as the western Rakhine region on the border with Bangladesh.

More than 2,000 people displaced, 19 killed in Myanmar fighting

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