Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the government said that it has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of international borders to check infiltration of illegal immigrants.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a written reply to Parvesh Sahib Singh in Lok Sabha said that physical infrastructure like border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts have been created.

Currently, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The apex court has fixed July 31 as the deadline for finalisation of the NRC in Assam.

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." On Tuesday, the government said that it has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of international borders to check infiltration of illegal immigrants. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a written reply to Parvesh Sahib Singh in Lok Sabha said that physical infrastructure like border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts have been created. Currently, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The apex court has fixed July 31 as the deadline for finalisation of the NRC in Assam. The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

Will identify, deport illegal immigrants from every inch of India, says Amit Shah

Rohingya refugees in crowded camps in Bangladesh are at serious risk of displacement and injury from monsoon flooding and landslides.

Bangladesh: Rohingya Face Monsoon Floods, Landslides

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday.

A campaign by Myanmar's military in response to insurgent attacks in 2017 drove 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they live in squalid camps, fearing further persecution if they return.

But an Indian official said the conditions had to be created for the Rohingyas' return and India had started its $25 million development plan with a cluster of houses.

The houses, which were handed over to Myanmar authorities earlier this week, are in the villages of Shwe Zar, Kyein Chaung Taung and Nant Thar Taung.

Activists say that development projects in Rakhine will have little impact unless human rights issues are addressed.

The Indian official said Myanmar authorities had given New Delhi a list of 21 more projects for Rakhine, including schools and marketplaces.

India has deepened ties with Myanmar in recent years, including military cooperation, as a way to push back against China’s expansive involvement in infrastructure development across South Asia.

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday.

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday. A campaign by Myanmar's military in response to insurgent attacks in 2017 drove 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they live in squalid camps, fearing further persecution if they return. But an Indian official said the conditions had to be created for the Rohingyas' return and India had started its $25 million development plan with a cluster of houses. The houses, which were handed over to Myanmar authorities earlier this week, are in the villages of Shwe Zar, Kyein Chaung Taung and Nant Thar Taung. Activists say that development projects in Rakhine will have little impact unless human rights issues are addressed. The Indian official said Myanmar authorities had given New Delhi a list of 21 more projects for Rakhine, including schools and marketplaces. India has deepened ties with Myanmar in recent years, including military cooperation, as a way to push back against China’s expansive involvement in infrastructure development across South Asia.

India hands over 250 houses for Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State.&nbsp;

These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung.

Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region.

The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration.

In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region.

India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh. Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State. These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung. Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region. The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration. In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region. India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India continues its help to Rohingya refugees; provides houses in Myanmar 

Monsoon-triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh have killed one person and left more than 4,500 homeless, aid officials said Sunday.

About 35 centimetres (14 inches) of rain fell in 72 hours before the landslides started Saturday in camps around Cox's Bazar that house more than 900,000 of the Muslim minority who fled Myanmar, the UN said.

Twenty-six landslides were reported in makeshift camps built on hills near the border with Myanmar. Trees there have been torn up to build huts and for firewood, leaving the terrain unstable.

UN refugee agency official Areez Rahman said about 30 shanty camps have been affected by the storms. One woman in her 50s died after being hit by a wall that collapsed, he told AFP.

Nur Mohammad, a 40-year-old Rohingya in the main Kutupalong camp, said 12 relatives had fled their tarpaulin-clad huts on the hills to take shelter with him.

"My home is already overcrowded. I'm worried how I will feed all these people," he said.

Officials said some 5,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-rejects-international-criminal-court-bid-for-full-rohingya-probe-230916">Rohingya</a> on a strip of no man's land between Bangladesh and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-temple-city-bagan-awarded-unesco-world-heritage-status-233628"> Myanmar</a> had also been badly hit by the storms.

"Children are suffering from diarrhoea and we don't have enough drinking water," camp leader Dil Mohammad told AFP by phone.

He said most of the camp was knee deep in water as Myanmar authorities had put a dam on a nearby river.

Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said on Sunday emergency preparations were being made.

Monsoon storms killed 170 people in the refugee camp in 2017.&nbsp;

Last year the UN refugee agency moved 30,000 Rohingya out of areas considered at high risk of landslides and floods.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled a military crackdown in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017, joining about 200,000 already living in camps across the border.

Bangladesh wants to relocate up to 100,000 of the refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal but this is opposed by the refugees and international rights groups.

Monsoon-triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh have killed one person and left more than 4,500 homeless, aid officials said Sunday. About 35 centimetres (14 inches) of rain fell in 72 hours before the landslides started Saturday in camps around Cox's Bazar that house more than 900,000 of the Muslim minority who fled Myanmar, the UN said.

Monsoon-triggered landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh have killed one person and left more than 4,500 homeless, aid officials said Sunday. About 35 centimetres (14 inches) of rain fell in 72 hours before the landslides started Saturday in camps around Cox's Bazar that house more than 900,000 of the Muslim minority who fled Myanmar, the UN said. Twenty-six landslides were reported in makeshift camps built on hills near the border with Myanmar. Trees there have been torn up to build huts and for firewood, leaving the terrain unstable. UN refugee agency official Areez Rahman said about 30 shanty camps have been affected by the storms. One woman in her 50s died after being hit by a wall that collapsed, he told AFP. Nur Mohammad, a 40-year-old Rohingya in the main Kutupalong camp, said 12 relatives had fled their tarpaulin-clad huts on the hills to take shelter with him. "My home is already overcrowded. I'm worried how I will feed all these people," he said. Officials said some 5,000 Rohingya on a strip of no man's land between Bangladesh and Myanmar had also been badly hit by the storms. "Children are suffering from diarrhoea and we don't have enough drinking water," camp leader Dil Mohammad told AFP by phone. He said most of the camp was knee deep in water as Myanmar authorities had put a dam on a nearby river. Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said on Sunday emergency preparations were being made. Monsoon storms killed 170 people in the refugee camp in 2017. Last year the UN refugee agency moved 30,000 Rohingya out of areas considered at high risk of landslides and floods. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled a military crackdown in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017, joining about 200,000 already living in camps across the border. Bangladesh wants to relocate up to 100,000 of the refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal but this is opposed by the refugees and international rights groups.

One killed, thousands displaced in Rohingya camp landslides

Thousands of protesters marched to a police office in the north of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Saturday (July 6), demanding speedy and transparent justice in a child-rape case that has sparked national outrage. Police said this week they had arrested a suspect in the rape of a toddler - nicknamed Victoria - at a private nursery school in the administrative capital, Naypyitaw, in May. Social media users have criticised the speed and professionalism of the police response after the girl's family filed a complaint more than a month ago, underscoring a lack of trust in authorities in a country still emerging from decades of military rule.

Thousands protest amid outcry over Myanmar child-rape case

A prominent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-investigator-reports-possible-fresh-war-crimes-in-myanmar-232671">Myanmar</a> journalist accused of defaming a hardline nationalist monk dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" has had the case against him dropped, his lawyer said.

Myanmar Now editor Swe Win had been on trial for two years after posting an article on Facebook criticising the preacher abbot Wirathu.

The monk is notorious for spewing Islamophobic vitriol, in particular against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Rohingya minority</a>, and is now himself on-the-run from the law.

His supporters in 2017 pressed charges against the journalist under the country's telecommunications law, often used against reporters and activists.

But the court dismissed the case Tuesday, Swe Win's lawyer Ywut Nu Aung told AFP.

"All charges were completely dropped," she said, explaining that four prosecution witnesses had contravened court orders to turn up more than 20 times.

The article posted by Swe Win quoted an abbot calling for Wirathu to be expelled from monkhood for publicly praising the killers of a respected Muslim lawyer.

Ko Ni, a close confidant of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was shot dead in January 2017 while cradling his grandson.

Swe Win told AFP Wednesday he was relieved his ordeal was over but said the court should never have accepted the case.

"Criticising someone for praising a murder is not a crime," he said.&nbsp;

Describing the emotional and financial burden on him and his family, Swe Win said he made the 16-hour return trip from Yangon to the Mandalay court 71 times in two years.

Wirathu's supporters have vowed to continue the legal fight against the reporter.

The abbot himself is currently facing charges for sedition but remains at large.

He recently gave several provocative speeches at nationalist rallies, making obscene remarks about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-rejects-international-criminal-court-bid-for-full-rohingya-probe-230916">Suu Kyi</a> and urging people to worship soldiers like "Buddha".

Facebook blacklisted him last year for his incendiary posts against the Rohingya.

Rights groups say the posts helped whip up animosity, laying foundations for a military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

The dismissal of the case against Swe Win was likely because of the government's "new, highly negative view" of Wirathu rather than any commitment to freedom of expression, Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch said.

Myanmar is currently ranked 138th in the world for press freedom with the number of defamation cases dramatically rising since Suu Kyi's government came to power in 2016.

A prominent Myanmar journalist accused of defaming a hardline nationalist monk dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" has had the case against him dropped, his lawyer said.

A prominent Myanmar journalist accused of defaming a hardline nationalist monk dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" has had the case against him dropped, his lawyer said. Myanmar Now editor Swe Win had been on trial for two years after posting an article on Facebook criticising the preacher abbot Wirathu. The monk is notorious for spewing Islamophobic vitriol, in particular against the Rohingya minority, and is now himself on-the-run from the law. His supporters in 2017 pressed charges against the journalist under the country's telecommunications law, often used against reporters and activists. But the court dismissed the case Tuesday, Swe Win's lawyer Ywut Nu Aung told AFP. "All charges were completely dropped," she said, explaining that four prosecution witnesses had contravened court orders to turn up more than 20 times. The article posted by Swe Win quoted an abbot calling for Wirathu to be expelled from monkhood for publicly praising the killers of a respected Muslim lawyer. Ko Ni, a close confidant of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was shot dead in January 2017 while cradling his grandson. Swe Win told AFP Wednesday he was relieved his ordeal was over but said the court should never have accepted the case. "Criticising someone for praising a murder is not a crime," he said. Describing the emotional and financial burden on him and his family, Swe Win said he made the 16-hour return trip from Yangon to the Mandalay court 71 times in two years. Wirathu's supporters have vowed to continue the legal fight against the reporter. The abbot himself is currently facing charges for sedition but remains at large. He recently gave several provocative speeches at nationalist rallies, making obscene remarks about Suu Kyi and urging people to worship soldiers like "Buddha". Facebook blacklisted him last year for his incendiary posts against the Rohingya. Rights groups say the posts helped whip up animosity, laying foundations for a military crackdown in 2017 that forced some 740,000 to flee to Bangladesh. The dismissal of the case against Swe Win was likely because of the government's "new, highly negative view" of Wirathu rather than any commitment to freedom of expression, Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch said. Myanmar is currently ranked 138th in the world for press freedom with the number of defamation cases dramatically rising since Suu Kyi's government came to power in 2016.

Myanmar court drops case against journalist

Myanmar security forces and insurgents are committing human rights violations against civilians in restive western states that may amount to fresh war crimes, a United Nations investigator said on Tuesday ( July 2).

A 2017 military crackdown drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN investigators have said that Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with "genocidal intent".

The Yangon government denies committing those atrocities and says its military campaign across northern Rakhine was in response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

Government troops are currently fighting ethnic rebels in conflict-torn Rakhine and Chin states. The Arakan Army is an insurgent group that is fighting for greater autonomy for the two states.

Yanghee Lee, the UN independent expert on human rights in Myanmar, said last week the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Rakhine and Chan.

Lee cited reports of civilians, mostly ethnic Rakhine men, being detained and interrogated by the Tatmadaw (army) for suspected links to the Arakan Army and said several had died in custody. In April, a military helicopter opened fire on Rohingya men and boys collecting bamboo, she said.

Myanmar's Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said that the government had declared a ceasefire through August and was trying to bring about national reconciliation.

Tun said ''freedom of expression and media'' were among some of the most visible changes in Myanmar.

Myanmar security forces and insurgents are committing human rights violations against civilians in restive western states that may amount to fresh war crimes, a United Nations investigator said on Tuesday ( July 2).

Myanmar security forces and insurgents are committing human rights violations against civilians in restive western states that may amount to fresh war crimes, a United Nations investigator said on Tuesday ( July 2). A 2017 military crackdown drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN investigators have said that Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with "genocidal intent". The Yangon government denies committing those atrocities and says its military campaign across northern Rakhine was in response to attacks by Rohingya militants. Government troops are currently fighting ethnic rebels in conflict-torn Rakhine and Chin states. The Arakan Army is an insurgent group that is fighting for greater autonomy for the two states. Yanghee Lee, the UN independent expert on human rights in Myanmar, said last week the army may be committing gross human rights violations under cover of a mobile phone blackout in Rakhine and Chan. Lee cited reports of civilians, mostly ethnic Rakhine men, being detained and interrogated by the Tatmadaw (army) for suspected links to the Arakan Army and said several had died in custody. In April, a military helicopter opened fire on Rohingya men and boys collecting bamboo, she said. Myanmar's Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun said that the government had declared a ceasefire through August and was trying to bring about national reconciliation. Tun said ''freedom of expression and media'' were among some of the most visible changes in Myanmar.

United Nations investigator reports possible fresh war crimes in Myanmar

The United States on Saturday called for an end to mobile internet shutdown in two strife-torn states in Myanmar, saying the restoration would help provide transparency to what the government says are law enforcement actions to avert unrest.

Myanmar's Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 21 took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine state and one in neighbouring Chin state, Al Jazeera reported.

The move came as the military moved against insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Morgan Ortagus, the spokeswoman for the US State Department, said in a statement that Washington was "deeply concerned" by the data shutdown that has curbed internet-based communications for as many as one million people and called for their restoration "without delay."

"Resumption of service would help facilitate transparency in and accountability for what the government claims are law enforcement actions aimed at preventing further outbreaks of violence in the affected areas," Ortagus added.

In 2017, an army crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state drove 740,000 people into Bangladesh amid allegations of mass atrocities by soldiers.

Since then thousands of Rohingyas have been forced to take shelter in Bangladesh's Cox Bazaar.

Most of them have also been displaced and dozens of civilians, including children, have been killed and injured by both indiscriminate and targeted attacks.

Others, mainly ethnic Rakhine men, have died while in the military's custody, according to the United Nations.

On Friday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said humanitarian groups had reported that the shutdown "is creating difficulties for them to carry out their work."

"WhatsApp is key for international nonprofits operating in Rakhine, and working without it creates additional difficulties," it said.

Myanmar has deployed thousands of troops to the western region, where civilians have been fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilled over into Chin state.

Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries.

The United States on Saturday called for an end to mobile internet shutdown in two strife-torn states in Myanmar, saying the restoration would help provide transparency to what the government says are law enforcement actions to avert unrest.

The United States on Saturday called for an end to mobile internet shutdown in two strife-torn states in Myanmar, saying the restoration would help provide transparency to what the government says are law enforcement actions to avert unrest. Myanmar's Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 21 took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine state and one in neighbouring Chin state, Al Jazeera reported. The move came as the military moved against insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Morgan Ortagus, the spokeswoman for the US State Department, said in a statement that Washington was "deeply concerned" by the data shutdown that has curbed internet-based communications for as many as one million people and called for their restoration "without delay." "Resumption of service would help facilitate transparency in and accountability for what the government claims are law enforcement actions aimed at preventing further outbreaks of violence in the affected areas," Ortagus added. In 2017, an army crackdown against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state drove 740,000 people into Bangladesh amid allegations of mass atrocities by soldiers. Since then thousands of Rohingyas have been forced to take shelter in Bangladesh's Cox Bazaar. Most of them have also been displaced and dozens of civilians, including children, have been killed and injured by both indiscriminate and targeted attacks. Others, mainly ethnic Rakhine men, have died while in the military's custody, according to the United Nations. On Friday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said humanitarian groups had reported that the shutdown "is creating difficulties for them to carry out their work." "WhatsApp is key for international nonprofits operating in Rakhine, and working without it creates additional difficulties," it said. Myanmar has deployed thousands of troops to the western region, where civilians have been fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilled over into Chin state. Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries.

US calls to end internet blackout in Myanmar's two states

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it.

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-markets-tumble-over-intensifying-us-china-trade-tensions-223751">trade tensions</a> flared into a tariff war last year, however, it was the final straw.

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-rekindle-trade-talks-ahead-of-donald-trump-xi-jinping-g20-meeting-228545">US President Donald</a> imposed additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods in September, Shu, 49, decided to start making vests for his US clients in Myanmar instead.

Since then, the Trump administration has further hiked tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the US taxes on Shu's Guangzhou-made bulletproof vests to 42.6%.

With more than half of his company's income reliant on orders from the United States, Shu was happy with his Myanmar decision.

"The trade war was actually a blessing in disguise," he said.

With Trump poised to slap 25% tariffs on another $300 billion-plus of Chinese goods, no exporter in China will be unscathed.

In recent years, some Chinese manufacturers had already started to relocate some of their capacity to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia, due to high operating costs at home. The trade war is now pushing more to follow suit, especially makers of low-tech and low-value goods.

A few Chinese exporters have also tried to dodge the trade war bullet by quietly transhipping via third countries.

Choice Destination

Nine months on, Shu's firm, Yakeda Tactical Gear Co, is relying on his new Myanmar factory, which started operations in December, to produce new orders for its US clients.

The 220 workers at his original Guangzhou plant, in China's Pearl River Delta manufacturing powerhouse, now mostly supply clients in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

In Yangon, meanwhile, Shu's Myanmar factory turns raw materials imported from China into backpacks, kit bags and pouches for rifles and pistols - all labelled 'Made in Myanmar' almost all of which are exported to the United States.

"Our factory is receiving many orders. The products are being exported to the US and Europe. So, I believe our future will be improved from working in this factory," said Marlar Cho, 36, a supervisor at the factory.

The factory manager, 40-year-old Jiang Aoxiong from eastern China, said they were constantly rushing to keep up with orders, despite its 600-strong workforce.

Though international criticism of Myanmar's handling of the Rohingya crisis has crimped Western investment, the Southeast Asian nation has become the choice destination for some Chinese firms, drawn to its cheap and abundant labour.

The former British colony, located on China's southwestern border, exports some 5,000 products to the United States duty-free under a US trade programme for developing nations - another big plus.

In the 12 months through April, approved Chinese projects increased by $585 million, the latest data from Myanmar's Directorate of Investment and Company Administration shows.

The infusion of Chinese capital has helped fuel expansion in Myanmar's fledgeling industrial sector.

In May, firms saw the fastest rise in workforce numbers since 2015, while production scaled a 13-month high, the latest Nikkei Myanmar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index survey showed.

Stay or Go?

ACMEX Group, a tyre maker based in China's coastal Shandong province, already had some experience with offshoring when the trade war began.

About two years ago, it started manufacturing some tyres in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia to take advantage of lower labour and raw material costs and avoid US anti-dumping duties.

With fresh tariffs in the trade war, the company plans to boost the proportion of tyres made abroad to 50% from 20%, and build its own factories instead of outsourcing to existing factories, Chairman Guan Zheng said.

"The time is ripe now," he said, adding that supply chain infrastructure had improved.

The experience of companies like ACMEX and Shu's Yakeda Tactical Gear underlines how the trade war has put Chinese exporters on the back foot, needing to either diversify their client base, increase domestic sales or move production to a third country.

But all those options require time and money, which are not necessarily available to China's legion of small exporters grappling with thinning profit margins.

Even locations such as Vietnam and the Philippines have grown too dear for some.

While China has encouraged the relocation of some heavy industry overseas to ease overcapacity and support its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure plan, Beijing is less supportive of a broader move to shift manufacturing offshore.

Liang Ming, director of the Institute of International Trade at the Ministry of Commerce's Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, rejected the idea that Chinese firms were leaving China in droves.

"Few companies are actually moving. If they move, they risk losses if there is a China-US deal," Liang told reporters earlier this month, adding that any relocation back to China would be expensive.

As trade pressures intensify, analysts say China will loosen policy further in months ahead to shore up economic growth.

Investors are also watching to see how much Beijing allows the yuan to weaken to offset higher US tariffs. The tightly-managed currency has depreciated about 2% against the dollar since trade tensions worsened in early May.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Osaka at a G20 summit at the end of this week in a bid to reset ties poisoned by the trade war.

And though costs and labour may be cheaper, some Chinese firms with experience of offshoring say there are downsides too.

Factory manager Jiang complained about lower worker productivity in Myanmar compared with China, flooded roads during the rainy season, and power cuts of eight to nine hours every day.

"If there is no trade war between China and the US, we definitely would not have come to Myanmar to open our factory," he said.

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it.

Pressured by a labour crunch and rising wages in China, Shu Ke' an, whose company supplies bulletproof vests, rifle bags and other tactical gear to the United States, first considered shifting some production to Southeast Asia a few years ago, but nothing came of it. When trade tensions flared into a tariff war last year, however, it was the final straw. A day after US President Donald imposed additional tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods in September, Shu, 49, decided to start making vests for his US clients in Myanmar instead. Since then, the Trump administration has further hiked tariffs on Chinese imports, raising the US taxes on Shu's Guangzhou-made bulletproof vests to 42.6%. With more than half of his company's income reliant on orders from the United States, Shu was happy with his Myanmar decision. "The trade war was actually a blessing in disguise," he said. With Trump poised to slap 25% tariffs on another $300 billion-plus of Chinese goods, no exporter in China will be unscathed. In recent years, some Chinese manufacturers had already started to relocate some of their capacity to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia, due to high operating costs at home. The trade war is now pushing more to follow suit, especially makers of low-tech and low-value goods. A few Chinese exporters have also tried to dodge the trade war bullet by quietly transhipping via third countries. Choice Destination Nine months on, Shu's firm, Yakeda Tactical Gear Co, is relying on his new Myanmar factory, which started operations in December, to produce new orders for its US clients. The 220 workers at his original Guangzhou plant, in China's Pearl River Delta manufacturing powerhouse, now mostly supply clients in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. In Yangon, meanwhile, Shu's Myanmar factory turns raw materials imported from China into backpacks, kit bags and pouches for rifles and pistols - all labelled 'Made in Myanmar' almost all of which are exported to the United States. "Our factory is receiving many orders. The products are being exported to the US and Europe. So, I believe our future will be improved from working in this factory," said Marlar Cho, 36, a supervisor at the factory. The factory manager, 40-year-old Jiang Aoxiong from eastern China, said they were constantly rushing to keep up with orders, despite its 600-strong workforce. Though international criticism of Myanmar's handling of the Rohingya crisis has crimped Western investment, the Southeast Asian nation has become the choice destination for some Chinese firms, drawn to its cheap and abundant labour. The former British colony, located on China's southwestern border, exports some 5,000 products to the United States duty-free under a US trade programme for developing nations - another big plus. In the 12 months through April, approved Chinese projects increased by $585 million, the latest data from Myanmar's Directorate of Investment and Company Administration shows. The infusion of Chinese capital has helped fuel expansion in Myanmar's fledgeling industrial sector. In May, firms saw the fastest rise in workforce numbers since 2015, while production scaled a 13-month high, the latest Nikkei Myanmar Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index survey showed. Stay or Go? ACMEX Group, a tyre maker based in China's coastal Shandong province, already had some experience with offshoring when the trade war began. About two years ago, it started manufacturing some tyres in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia to take advantage of lower labour and raw material costs and avoid US anti-dumping duties. With fresh tariffs in the trade war, the company plans to boost the proportion of tyres made abroad to 50% from 20%, and build its own factories instead of outsourcing to existing factories, Chairman Guan Zheng said. "The time is ripe now," he said, adding that supply chain infrastructure had improved. The experience of companies like ACMEX and Shu's Yakeda Tactical Gear underlines how the trade war has put Chinese exporters on the back foot, needing to either diversify their client base, increase domestic sales or move production to a third country. But all those options require time and money, which are not necessarily available to China's legion of small exporters grappling with thinning profit margins. Even locations such as Vietnam and the Philippines have grown too dear for some. While China has encouraged the relocation of some heavy industry overseas to ease overcapacity and support its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure plan, Beijing is less supportive of a broader move to shift manufacturing offshore. Liang Ming, director of the Institute of International Trade at the Ministry of Commerce's Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, rejected the idea that Chinese firms were leaving China in droves. "Few companies are actually moving. If they move, they risk losses if there is a China-US deal," Liang told reporters earlier this month, adding that any relocation back to China would be expensive. As trade pressures intensify, analysts say China will loosen policy further in months ahead to shore up economic growth. Investors are also watching to see how much Beijing allows the yuan to weaken to offset higher US tariffs. The tightly-managed currency has depreciated about 2% against the dollar since trade tensions worsened in early May. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Osaka at a G20 summit at the end of this week in a bid to reset ties poisoned by the trade war. And though costs and labour may be cheaper, some Chinese firms with experience of offshoring say there are downsides too. Factory manager Jiang complained about lower worker productivity in Myanmar compared with China, flooded roads during the rainy season, and power cuts of eight to nine hours every day. "If there is no trade war between China and the US, we definitely would not have come to Myanmar to open our factory," he said.

To dodge trade war, Chinese exporters shift production to low-cost nations

Myanmar's military on Thursday rejected an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-full-myanmar-atrocities-probe-230682">International Criminal Court (ICC)</a> prosecutor's call for a full investigation into alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims.

Fatou Bensouda launched a preliminary probe in September into the 2017 crackdown by Myanmar's military that forced some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/results-needed-from-myanmar-over-rohingya-return-unhcr-head-221508">740,000 Rohingya</a> over the border into Bangladesh with accounts of rape, mass killings and razing of villages.

On Wednesday she said she would take the issue to the next stage by submitting a request to ICC judges to open a full investigation.

It is not clear when that decision would be made.

Myanmar has not signed up to the ICC, but the court ruled in September it has jurisdiction over alleged atrocities because Bangladesh, where the Rohingya are now refugees, is a member.

Myanmar had rejected the ruling in September in a typically defiant manner, a position a military spokesman reiterated Thursday.

"The military and government have not neglected the issue and have been trying to take action against those who committed abuses," Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Htun told AFP Thursday.

"Myanmar has an investigative committee looking at this and they (the ICC) should respect what we are doing," he said, adding that the "ICC's interference harms the dignity" of Myanmar and its military.&nbsp;

The government and army have acknowledged virtually no wrongdoing related to the "clearance operations" they justified as a means of rooting out Rohingya insurgents in western Rakhine state.

Seven soldiers jailed for their role in the killing of 10 Rohingya were freed despite serving less time than two Reuters reporters imprisoned for exposing the massacre.

Asia Pacific Director for the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Frederick Rawski said an ICC intervention was "entirely appropriate".

"The military has proven itself wholly unwilling and incapable of providing justice for crimes under international law perpetrated against Rohingyas," he said.

UN investigators have separately called for the prosecution of top Myanmar generals for "genocide".

Myanmar's military on Thursday rejected an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's call for a full investigation into alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar's military on Thursday rejected an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's call for a full investigation into alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims. Fatou Bensouda launched a preliminary probe in September into the 2017 crackdown by Myanmar's military that forced some 740,000 Rohingya over the border into Bangladesh with accounts of rape, mass killings and razing of villages. On Wednesday she said she would take the issue to the next stage by submitting a request to ICC judges to open a full investigation. It is not clear when that decision would be made. Myanmar has not signed up to the ICC, but the court ruled in September it has jurisdiction over alleged atrocities because Bangladesh, where the Rohingya are now refugees, is a member. Myanmar had rejected the ruling in September in a typically defiant manner, a position a military spokesman reiterated Thursday. "The military and government have not neglected the issue and have been trying to take action against those who committed abuses," Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Htun told AFP Thursday. "Myanmar has an investigative committee looking at this and they (the ICC) should respect what we are doing," he said, adding that the "ICC's interference harms the dignity" of Myanmar and its military. The government and army have acknowledged virtually no wrongdoing related to the "clearance operations" they justified as a means of rooting out Rohingya insurgents in western Rakhine state. Seven soldiers jailed for their role in the killing of 10 Rohingya were freed despite serving less time than two Reuters reporters imprisoned for exposing the massacre. Asia Pacific Director for the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Frederick Rawski said an ICC intervention was "entirely appropriate". "The military has proven itself wholly unwilling and incapable of providing justice for crimes under international law perpetrated against Rohingyas," he said. UN investigators have separately called for the prosecution of top Myanmar generals for "genocide".

Myanmar army rejects International Criminal Court bid for full Rohingya probe

Bangladesh police killed three people suspected of trying to smuggle 15 Rohingya Muslim refugees to Malaysia in a clash on Tuesday near the South Asian nation's main refugee camp, an official said, the second such incident in as many months.

Nearly 900,000 Rohingya who fled a military-led crackdown in neighbouring Buddhist-dominated Myanmar in 2017 live in Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp, and other temporary settlements in Bangladesh's beach town of Cox's Bazar.

"On sensing the presence of our team, they fired on police, and police also responded," said Prodip Kumar Das, a police official in the nearby town of Teknaf.

The men attempting to smuggle the refugees, who included some girls, were shot and died on the way to the hospital, Das added. The refugees were rescued and sent to two different camps after initial questioning.

The clash, around 30 km (19 miles) from Kutupalong, followed a tip-off to police, Das told Reuters, adding that they had retrieved three locally-made guns and 15 rounds of ammunition.

The men were themselves Rohingya known to be human traffickers living in the area since their arrival in Bangladesh before 2017, he added.

Rohingya civilians who left Myanmar have said they faced atrocities at the hands of its armed forces but almost all such accusations have been denied by the authorities.

With doubts over whether they will ever return to Myanmar, some refugees in Bangladesh are being drawn towards drugs and violence, say people in the area and aid workers.

The risks of being trafficked have increased as refugees are lured by the promise of work. Anti-trafficking groups fear that routes through the Bay of Bengal are being used to smuggle out Rohingya refugees.

In recent months, police and the coast guard have rescued several dozens of them. Last month police killed two suspected smugglers in a gunfight in a nearby area.

Bangladesh police killed three people suspected of trying to smuggle 15 Rohingya Muslim refugees to Malaysia in a clash on Tuesday near the South Asian nation's main refugee camp, an official said, the second such incident in as many months.

Bangladesh police killed three people suspected of trying to smuggle 15 Rohingya Muslim refugees to Malaysia in a clash on Tuesday near the South Asian nation's main refugee camp, an official said, the second such incident in as many months. Nearly 900,000 Rohingya who fled a military-led crackdown in neighbouring Buddhist-dominated Myanmar in 2017 live in Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp, and other temporary settlements in Bangladesh's beach town of Cox's Bazar. "On sensing the presence of our team, they fired on police, and police also responded," said Prodip Kumar Das, a police official in the nearby town of Teknaf. The men attempting to smuggle the refugees, who included some girls, were shot and died on the way to the hospital, Das added. The refugees were rescued and sent to two different camps after initial questioning. The clash, around 30 km (19 miles) from Kutupalong, followed a tip-off to police, Das told Reuters, adding that they had retrieved three locally-made guns and 15 rounds of ammunition. The men were themselves Rohingya known to be human traffickers living in the area since their arrival in Bangladesh before 2017, he added. Rohingya civilians who left Myanmar have said they faced atrocities at the hands of its armed forces but almost all such accusations have been denied by the authorities. With doubts over whether they will ever return to Myanmar, some refugees in Bangladesh are being drawn towards drugs and violence, say people in the area and aid workers. The risks of being trafficked have increased as refugees are lured by the promise of work. Anti-trafficking groups fear that routes through the Bay of Bengal are being used to smuggle out Rohingya refugees. In recent months, police and the coast guard have rescued several dozens of them. Last month police killed two suspected smugglers in a gunfight in a nearby area.

Bangladesh police kill three suspected Rohingya traffickers; rescue 15 refugees

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor wants to open a full investigation into Myanmar's alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims, including killings and forced deportations, the court said Wednesday.

Fatou Bensouda's move comes after she launched a preliminary examination in September into Myanmar's 2017 military crackdown, which saw around 700,000 people flee into neighbouring Bangladesh. The Ghanaian-born prosecutor will now "submit a request for an authorisation to open an investigation into this situation", the Hague-based ICC said in a statement.

Judges will then "decide whether or not to authorise" her request for a full-scale probe, the court said, without saying when that decision would be made.

In September, judges ruled that even though Myanmar has not signed up to the ICC, the court still has jurisdiction over crimes against the Rohingya because Bangladesh, where they are now refugees, is a member.&nbsp;

The probe would be "within the context of two waves of violence in Rakhine State on the territory of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar", and other crimes that were "sufficiently linked" Bensouda said in a letter to the court. Officials from the ICC have since visited Bangladesh as part of the prosecutor's preliminary enquiries.

UN investigators have separately called for the prosecution of top Myanmar generals for "genocide". Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents who staged deadly raids on border posts in August 2017.

It has also "resolutely" rejected the ICC's assertion that it has jurisdiction over the crime, saying that the decision was in "manifest bad faith" and was of "dubious legal merit".&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor wants to open a full investigation into Myanmar's alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims, including killings and forced deportations, the court said Wednesday.

The International Criminal Court's prosecutor wants to open a full investigation into Myanmar's alleged crimes against Rohingya Muslims, including killings and forced deportations, the court said Wednesday. Fatou Bensouda's move comes after she launched a preliminary examination in September into Myanmar's 2017 military crackdown, which saw around 700,000 people flee into neighbouring Bangladesh. The Ghanaian-born prosecutor will now "submit a request for an authorisation to open an investigation into this situation", the Hague-based ICC said in a statement. Judges will then "decide whether or not to authorise" her request for a full-scale probe, the court said, without saying when that decision would be made. In September, judges ruled that even though Myanmar has not signed up to the ICC, the court still has jurisdiction over crimes against the Rohingya because Bangladesh, where they are now refugees, is a member. The probe would be "within the context of two waves of violence in Rakhine State on the territory of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar", and other crimes that were "sufficiently linked" Bensouda said in a letter to the court. Officials from the ICC have since visited Bangladesh as part of the prosecutor's preliminary enquiries. UN investigators have separately called for the prosecution of top Myanmar generals for "genocide". Myanmar's army has denied nearly all wrongdoing, insisting its campaign was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents who staged deadly raids on border posts in August 2017. It has also "resolutely" rejected the ICC's assertion that it has jurisdiction over the crime, saying that the decision was in "manifest bad faith" and was of "dubious legal merit".

International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks full Myanmar atrocities probe

An internet blackout in parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/former-blackwater-contractor-erik-prince-in-myanmar-security-venture-204928">Myanmar </a>could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said.

The military is locked in battle with the Arakan Army (AA), insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amnesty-accuses-myanmar-military-of-fresh-war-crimes-in-rakhine-222432">Rakhine Buddhists</a>.

On Friday the government took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine and one in neighbouring Chin states.

"I fear for all civilians there," said UN Special Rapporteur to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-urges-social-media-investors-to-promote-human-rights-in-myanmar-201453">Myanmar Yanghee Lee</a>, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions.

The military's "clearance operations" can be a "cover for committing gross human rights violations against the civilian population," she said, referencing alleged mass atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in 2017.&nbsp;

The decree was made under the Telecommunications Law, hitting all mobile operators for an unspecified period.

Telenor Group said the Ministry of Transport and Communications justified the measure, saying the internet was being used to "coordinate illegal activities".

Thousands of troops have been deployed to the western region, which has seen more than 35,000 people fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilt over into Chin state.

Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries.&nbsp;

The military confirmed it shot dead six Rakhine detainees in late April.

The violence has even spread to near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe with insurgents attacking a naval vessel during the weekend, killing two.

Few people own personal computers so the mobile internet blackout has effectively shut most people off from the outside world.

AFP spoke by phone Tuesday to local residents in three of the affected townships, all angry and afraid.

"We can't share the information which is really dangerous and frightening when you're living in a conflict area," said Myo Kyaw Aung, Sapa Htar village administrator in Minbya township, by phone.

Rakhine is also home to several hundred thousand remaining Rohingya, many confined to squalid camps.

Around 740,000 of the stateless group were driven into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

An internet blackout in parts of Myanmar could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said.

An internet blackout in parts of Myanmar could be cover for "gross human rights violations" in an area where a brutal army crackdown has already forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee, a UN rights investigator said. The military is locked in battle with the Arakan Army (AA), insurgents fighting for more autonomy for the region's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. On Friday the government took the unprecedented step of ordering mobile phone operators to shut down all internet data across at least eight townships in Rakhine and one in neighbouring Chin states. "I fear for all civilians there," said UN Special Rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee, calling for the immediate lifting of restrictions. The military's "clearance operations" can be a "cover for committing gross human rights violations against the civilian population," she said, referencing alleged mass atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims in 2017. The decree was made under the Telecommunications Law, hitting all mobile operators for an unspecified period. Telenor Group said the Ministry of Transport and Communications justified the measure, saying the internet was being used to "coordinate illegal activities". Thousands of troops have been deployed to the western region, which has seen more than 35,000 people fleeing their homes to escape heavy artillery fire in the violence that has spilt over into Chin state. Both sides stand accused of committing abuses and dozens of civilians have been killed in crossfire and shellings, even while taking refuge in monasteries. The military confirmed it shot dead six Rakhine detainees in late April. The violence has even spread to near the Rakhine state capital Sittwe with insurgents attacking a naval vessel during the weekend, killing two. Few people own personal computers so the mobile internet blackout has effectively shut most people off from the outside world. AFP spoke by phone Tuesday to local residents in three of the affected townships, all angry and afraid. "We can't share the information which is really dangerous and frightening when you're living in a conflict area," said Myo Kyaw Aung, Sapa Htar village administrator in Minbya township, by phone. Rakhine is also home to several hundred thousand remaining Rohingya, many confined to squalid camps. Around 740,000 of the stateless group were driven into Bangladesh in a 2017 army crackdown.

United Nation fears Myanmar human rights abuses in internet shutdown

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute.

Leaders of the 10 countries on Saturday adopted a joint declaration against marine plastic pollution and stressed the importance of a regional trade pact first proposed by China.

ASEAN leaders face calls from rights groups to rethink support for plans to repatriate Rohingya Muslims who have fled member state Myanmar, where activists say returnees could face discrimination and persecution.

More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017, according to U.N. agencies, after a crackdown by Myanmar's military sparked by Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces.

Malaysia's foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah on Saturday called for perpetrators of massacres and atrocities against the Rohingya to be "brought to justice," according to a tweet issued by his ministry.

"The repatriation process must include the citizenship of the Rohingyas," Saifuddin said.

"The Rohingya issue is a major test for the capability of ASEAN to make good on its words about being "One Caring and Sharing Community," said Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, recalling a 2007 declaration the group made in Cebu, the Philippines.

"Developments in Myanmar ... is providing a litmus test for ASEAN's capacity to manage developments in one of its member states that have wider ramifications for the region and, indeed, beyond," Natalegawa told Reuters.

South China Sea

Formed more than 50 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to become involved in any matter regarded as internal to a member state.

"I invite all of you in this room ... to join hands and drive forward to establish a foundation for the ASEAN community - a people-centred one that leaves no one behind," said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha in his opening remarks.

Prayuth, who as army chief seized power in 2014, was making his ASEAN debut as a civilian leader, after a general election in March that opposition parties say was designed to ensure victory for his pro-military party.

The countries made some progress on a Code of Conduct negotiating draft for the disputed South China Sea and likely will finish the first reading by the end of this year, said Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand's foreign ministry spokeswoman.

The final reading is expected by the end of 2021, she added.

The South China Sea is one of the world's busiest waterways, and a potential flashpoint in the region as several ASEAN members - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia - as well as China and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims.

Experts have cast doubts over what progress the 10-country group could make on the matter.

"We are hoping that the code of conduct being negotiated will be binding," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, a former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. "If it is not then we will be back at the beginning again."

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute.

Southeast Asian leaders met on Sunday for the second day of a summit in Bangkok, where they were expected to discuss pressing regional issues including the plight of Myanmar's fleeing Rohingyas and the South China Sea dispute. Leaders of the 10 countries on Saturday adopted a joint declaration against marine plastic pollution and stressed the importance of a regional trade pact first proposed by China. ASEAN leaders face calls from rights groups to rethink support for plans to repatriate Rohingya Muslims who have fled member state Myanmar, where activists say returnees could face discrimination and persecution. More than 700,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh in 2017, according to U.N. agencies, after a crackdown by Myanmar's military sparked by Rohingya insurgent attacks on security forces. Malaysia's foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah on Saturday called for perpetrators of massacres and atrocities against the Rohingya to be "brought to justice," according to a tweet issued by his ministry. "The repatriation process must include the citizenship of the Rohingyas," Saifuddin said. "The Rohingya issue is a major test for the capability of ASEAN to make good on its words about being "One Caring and Sharing Community," said Marty Natalegawa, a former Indonesian foreign minister, recalling a 2007 declaration the group made in Cebu, the Philippines. "Developments in Myanmar ... is providing a litmus test for ASEAN's capacity to manage developments in one of its member states that have wider ramifications for the region and, indeed, beyond," Natalegawa told Reuters. South China Sea Formed more than 50 years ago, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has historically struggled with challenges facing the region because it works only by consensus and is reluctant to become involved in any matter regarded as internal to a member state. "I invite all of you in this room ... to join hands and drive forward to establish a foundation for the ASEAN community - a people-centred one that leaves no one behind," said Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha in his opening remarks. Prayuth, who as army chief seized power in 2014, was making his ASEAN debut as a civilian leader, after a general election in March that opposition parties say was designed to ensure victory for his pro-military party. The countries made some progress on a Code of Conduct negotiating draft for the disputed South China Sea and likely will finish the first reading by the end of this year, said Busadee Santipitaks, Thailand's foreign ministry spokeswoman. The final reading is expected by the end of 2021, she added. The South China Sea is one of the world's busiest waterways, and a potential flashpoint in the region as several ASEAN members - the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia - as well as China and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims. Experts have cast doubts over what progress the 10-country group could make on the matter. "We are hoping that the code of conduct being negotiated will be binding," Kantathi Suphamongkhon, a former Thai foreign minister told Reuters. "If it is not then we will be back at the beginning again."

Southeast Asian leaders meet, expected to discuss Rohingyas, South China Sea

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies.

Disputes in the flashpoint the South China Sea, Myanmar's persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, chaired by Thailand.

But trade will take centre stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world's population.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region.

Shortly after his election, President Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's largest trade deal -- slamming it as an American "job killer".

While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak.

In that context, "RCEP is key to increasing trade volume", Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters.

"The faster it (RCEP) gets implemented the better," Martin M. Andanar, Philippines Communications Secretary, told reporters.

"Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region," he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in "the entire world catching a cold".

Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market.

Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labour and environmental safeguards.

Rohingya talks

ASEAN is frequently criticised as a soft forum where diplomatic niceties often outweigh concrete action on pressing problems.

Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad on Friday raised the prospect of a joust with Myanmar over the Rohingya, the Muslim minority driven in massive numbers into Bangladesh by waves of concussive violence.

"We hope something can be done to stop the oppression," he said.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in Bangkok for the weekend meeting.&nbsp;

ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of more than 740,000 Rohingya refugees that have fled into Bangladesh, according to Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai.&nbsp;

The bloc has come under fire for suggesting the refugees should go back to Myanmar within two years, according to a leaked report seen by AFP -- though virtually none have volunteered to go back so far, citing safety concerns. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"It (repatriation) will be quick, Myanmar knows this process is being watched by everyone," Don told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to "prevent and significantly reduce" marine debris -- including plastic -- across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP.

Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn't go far enough in curbing single-plastic use.&nbsp;

Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion.&nbsp;

Discussions around the resource-rich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat and caused it to sink.

Manila said a joint investigation into the incident has been launched, adding that the run-in would not derail Code of Conduct talks. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies.

Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Bangkok on Saturday determined to drive forward the world's largest commercial pact, with the trade war between the US and China clouding the outlook for their export-led economies. Disputes in the flashpoint the South China Sea, Myanmar's persecution of Rohingya Muslims and plastic pollution in the seas are also set to be discussed at the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, chaired by Thailand. But trade will take centre stage with ASEAN leaders keen to hasten the signing of a China-drafted commercial deal covering around half the world's population. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes all 10 ASEAN economies, plus India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It is seen as a mechanism for China to draft the rules of Asia-Pacific trade, following a US retreat from the region. Shortly after his election, President Donald Trump pulled the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) -- which would have been the world's largest trade deal -- slamming it as an American "job killer". While tit-for-tat tariffs between the world's biggest two economies have seen some manufacturers flee China to safer ASEAN hubs, economists say the big picture for global growth is bleak. In that context, "RCEP is key to increasing trade volume", Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak told reporters. "The faster it (RCEP) gets implemented the better," Martin M. Andanar, Philippines Communications Secretary, told reporters. "Free trade is definitely what we need here in this region," he said, adding that the US-China trade row has resulted in "the entire world catching a cold". Progress on the deal has stuttered in recent months with India digging in over fears cheap Chinese goods could flood its massive consumer market. Australia and New Zealand have also raised concerns over a lack of labour and environmental safeguards. Rohingya talks ASEAN is frequently criticised as a soft forum where diplomatic niceties often outweigh concrete action on pressing problems. Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad on Friday raised the prospect of a joust with Myanmar over the Rohingya, the Muslim minority driven in massive numbers into Bangladesh by waves of concussive violence. "We hope something can be done to stop the oppression," he said. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in Bangkok for the weekend meeting. ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of more than 740,000 Rohingya refugees that have fled into Bangladesh, according to Thai foreign minister Don Pramudwinai. The bloc has come under fire for suggesting the refugees should go back to Myanmar within two years, according to a leaked report seen by AFP -- though virtually none have volunteered to go back so far, citing safety concerns. "It (repatriation) will be quick, Myanmar knows this process is being watched by everyone," Don told reporters. The bloc is also poised to agree on a declaration to "prevent and significantly reduce" marine debris -- including plastic -- across the region, according to a draft text seen by AFP. Though the statement is the first of its kind for the region, which dumps millions of tonnes of plastic waste into the ocean every year, activists fear it doesn't go far enough in curbing single-plastic use. Regional leaders are also set to tackle thorny South China Sea issues at the weekend meet, with a draft Code of Conduct agreement up for review, though observers doubt any major progress will me made to inch the deal closer to completion. Discussions around the resource-rich waterway that Beijing claims most of were overshadowed by a recent dust-up in the sea between a Chinese ship that rammed a Filipino fishing boat and caused it to sink. Manila said a joint investigation into the incident has been launched, adding that the run-in would not derail Code of Conduct talks.

Southeast Asian leaders throw weight behind China-led trade pact

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asia-should-ban-foreign-trash-imports-environmentalists-228309">Southeast Asian</a> leaders must use an upcoming summit to hold unvarnished talks on Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya, rights groups urged Wednesday after a report by the bloc was pilloried for whitewashing the persecution of the Muslim minority.

The report, commissioned by ASEAN and leaked to AFP earlier this month, gives a glowing assessment of Myanmar's repatriation efforts so far for Rohingya driven into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Myanmar's military launched a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya in August 2017, causing some 740,000 to flood into Bangladesh with widespread accounts of rape, mass killings and the razing of their villages.

A repatriation deal with Bangladesh has stalled, with virtually no Rohingya choosing to return to Myanmar due to security fears and the government's refusal to grant them citizenship or basic rights.

In spite of this, the report from ASEAN's "Emergency Response and Assessment Team" predicted voluntary returns would be complete in two years.

It also refused to use the word "Rohingya", an identity denied to them inside Myanmar where they are instead labelled "Bengalis", shorthand for illegal immigrants.

ASEAN leaders meeting in Bangkok this weekend must "drastically rethink" their response to the crisis, according to Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch.

"It's preposterous for ASEAN leaders to be discussing the repatriation of a traumatized population into the hands of the security forces who killed them." Malaysia has led condemnation of Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya in the past.

But the ASEAN bloc broadly sticks to diplomatic protocols by avoiding discussion of member states' internal affairs.

An Indonesian MP called for the regional bloc to "cease lending legitimacy to the repatriation process".

"ASEAN needs to stop turning a blind eye to Myanmar's atrocities against the Rohingya," said Eva Sundari, who also serves as a board member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.

They "won't be returning home voluntarily until the situation on the ground in Rakhine state dramatically alters".

UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide for the 2017 crackdown. The enduring crisis has spread to the region.

Some of the 400,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar's Rakhine state have attempted to flee their camps to Muslim-majority ASEAN nations Malaysia and Indonesia.

In recent months authorities in Myanmar and Thailand have stopped boats illegally carrying Rohingya, raising fears of a re-emergence of a trafficking route for the desperate stateless group. 
&nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders must use an upcoming summit to hold unvarnished talks on Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya, rights groups urged Wednesday after a report by the bloc was pilloried for whitewashing the persecution of the Muslim minority.

Southeast Asian leaders must use an upcoming summit to hold unvarnished talks on Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya, rights groups urged Wednesday after a report by the bloc was pilloried for whitewashing the persecution of the Muslim minority. The report, commissioned by ASEAN and leaked to AFP earlier this month, gives a glowing assessment of Myanmar's repatriation efforts so far for Rohingya driven into neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar's military launched a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya in August 2017, causing some 740,000 to flood into Bangladesh with widespread accounts of rape, mass killings and the razing of their villages. A repatriation deal with Bangladesh has stalled, with virtually no Rohingya choosing to return to Myanmar due to security fears and the government's refusal to grant them citizenship or basic rights. In spite of this, the report from ASEAN's "Emergency Response and Assessment Team" predicted voluntary returns would be complete in two years. It also refused to use the word "Rohingya", an identity denied to them inside Myanmar where they are instead labelled "Bengalis", shorthand for illegal immigrants. ASEAN leaders meeting in Bangkok this weekend must "drastically rethink" their response to the crisis, according to Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch. "It's preposterous for ASEAN leaders to be discussing the repatriation of a traumatized population into the hands of the security forces who killed them." Malaysia has led condemnation of Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya in the past. But the ASEAN bloc broadly sticks to diplomatic protocols by avoiding discussion of member states' internal affairs. An Indonesian MP called for the regional bloc to "cease lending legitimacy to the repatriation process". "ASEAN needs to stop turning a blind eye to Myanmar's atrocities against the Rohingya," said Eva Sundari, who also serves as a board member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights. They "won't be returning home voluntarily until the situation on the ground in Rakhine state dramatically alters". UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top generals to be prosecuted for genocide for the 2017 crackdown. The enduring crisis has spread to the region. Some of the 400,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar's Rakhine state have attempted to flee their camps to Muslim-majority ASEAN nations Malaysia and Indonesia. In recent months authorities in Myanmar and Thailand have stopped boats illegally carrying Rohingya, raising fears of a re-emergence of a trafficking route for the desperate stateless group.

ASEAN leaders told to get serious on Rohingya issue

There was a "systemic failure" of the United Nations in dealing with the situation in Myanmar ahead of a deadly 2017 military crackdown because it did not have a unified strategy and lacked Security Council support, according to an internal report.

The crackdown drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN investigators have said the operation was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson.

Myanmar denies widespread wrongdoing and says the military campaign across hundreds of villages in northern Rakhine was in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents.

"Without question serious errors were committed and opportunities were lost in the UN system following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action," wrote former Guatemalan foreign minister and UN ambassador Gert Rosenthal in a 34-page internal review, seen by Reuters prior to its publication on Monday.

"The overall responsibility was of a collective character; in other words, it truly can be characterized as a systemic failure of the United Nations," wrote Rosenthal, who was appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier this year to look at UN involvement in Myanmar from 2010 to 2018.

He said senior UN officials in New York could not agree on whether to take a more robust public approach with Myanmar or pursue quiet diplomacy and that conflicting reports on the situation were also sent to UN headquarters from the field.

The United Nations struggled to balance supporting the Myanmar government with development and humanitarian assistance, while also calling out the authorities over accusations of human rights violations, Rosenthal concluded.

"The United Nations system ... has been relatively impotent to effectively work with the authorities of Myanmar to reverse the negative trends in the area of human rights and consolidate the positive trends in other areas," he said.

"The United Nations' collective membership, represented by the Security Council, bears part of that responsibility, by not providing enough support to the secretariat when such backing was and continues to be essential," Rosenthal wrote.

The 15-member Security Council, which visited Myanmar's Rakhine state last year, has been deadlocked with Myanmar allies China and Russia pitted against western states over how to deal with the situation.

Human Rights Watch said the report was dissappointing, given the scale of the Rohingya crisis, for not identifying specific UN officials responsible for the failures.

"The report now looks increasingly like a check-the-box exercise by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, designed to show commitment to accountability when in reality it accomplishes exactly the opposite," Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia, said in a statement.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Rosenthal's report was due to be sent to all 193 UN members states.

"Its conclusions and observations have been fully accepted by the Secretary-General, and he will work very closely with the senior leadership to make sure they're implemented," he said.

There was a "systemic failure" of the United Nations in dealing with the situation in Myanmar ahead of a deadly 2017 military crackdown because it did not have a unified strategy and lacked Security Council support, according to an internal report.

There was a "systemic failure" of the United Nations in dealing with the situation in Myanmar ahead of a deadly 2017 military crackdown because it did not have a unified strategy and lacked Security Council support, according to an internal report. The crackdown drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN investigators have said the operation was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson. Myanmar denies widespread wrongdoing and says the military campaign across hundreds of villages in northern Rakhine was in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents. "Without question serious errors were committed and opportunities were lost in the UN system following a fragmented strategy rather than a common plan of action," wrote former Guatemalan foreign minister and UN ambassador Gert Rosenthal in a 34-page internal review, seen by Reuters prior to its publication on Monday. "The overall responsibility was of a collective character; in other words, it truly can be characterized as a systemic failure of the United Nations," wrote Rosenthal, who was appointed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier this year to look at UN involvement in Myanmar from 2010 to 2018. He said senior UN officials in New York could not agree on whether to take a more robust public approach with Myanmar or pursue quiet diplomacy and that conflicting reports on the situation were also sent to UN headquarters from the field. The United Nations struggled to balance supporting the Myanmar government with development and humanitarian assistance, while also calling out the authorities over accusations of human rights violations, Rosenthal concluded. "The United Nations system ... has been relatively impotent to effectively work with the authorities of Myanmar to reverse the negative trends in the area of human rights and consolidate the positive trends in other areas," he said. "The United Nations' collective membership, represented by the Security Council, bears part of that responsibility, by not providing enough support to the secretariat when such backing was and continues to be essential," Rosenthal wrote. The 15-member Security Council, which visited Myanmar's Rakhine state last year, has been deadlocked with Myanmar allies China and Russia pitted against western states over how to deal with the situation. Human Rights Watch said the report was dissappointing, given the scale of the Rohingya crisis, for not identifying specific UN officials responsible for the failures. "The report now looks increasingly like a check-the-box exercise by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, designed to show commitment to accountability when in reality it accomplishes exactly the opposite," Phil Robertson, the group's deputy director for Asia, said in a statement. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Rosenthal's report was due to be sent to all 193 UN members states. "Its conclusions and observations have been fully accepted by the Secretary-General, and he will work very closely with the senior leadership to make sure they're implemented," he said.

'Systemic failure' of UN ahead of Myanmar military crackdown: Review

Ultra-nationalist monks in Myanmar accepted a cash donation from the military on Monday while condemning Aung San Suu Kyi and her government for allowing Rohingya Muslims to enter the country "illegally".

Hundreds of monks swathed in saffron and maroon robes filed early morning into a Yangon monastery for the annual meeting of the Buddha Dhamma Parahita Foundation. The group was known as Ma Ba Tha until a ban by the government and religious authorities in 2017 aimed at curbing its influence.

Their hostility towards the Rohingya helped whip up public support for a brutal military crackdown nearly two years ago. Some 740,000 fled the country in violence branded as "genocide" by UN investigators.

Despite the ban -- offline and on Facebook -- the group has continued to operate under its new name.

Increasingly taking a radical stance against civilian leader Suu Kyi's government, the group has also sidled-up to the country's still-powerful military. Monks regularly appear at pro-army nationalist rallies and the military returned the favour at Monday's session.

Yangon Region Commander Major-General Thet Pon openly donated 30 million kyat&nbsp;in cash to the group.

In a written statement, the ultra-nationalist monks said they "harshly condemn" the scrapping of various laws, which they claimed had "allowed -- and continue to allow -- Bengalis to enter the country illegally".

The term "Bengali" is a common slur in Myanmar for the Rohingya, implying they are illegal interlopers from Bangladesh.

The hardliners even urged people in next year's election to vote against Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which is widely expected to return to power.

They also sniped at Suu Kyi herself for "stepping foot" in a pagoda reserved for men.

One notable absentee at the meeting was co-leader Wirathu, dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" and also blacklisted by Facebook.

He is currently on the run after a court issued an arrest warrant for alleged sedition following several provocative speeches at nationalist rallies. 
The hardline monks condemned what they called the "unlawful" charges.&nbsp;

Ultra-nationalist monks in Myanmar accepted a cash donation from the military on Monday while condemning Aung San Suu Kyi and her government for allowing Rohingya Muslims to enter the country "illegally".

Ultra-nationalist monks in Myanmar accepted a cash donation from the military on Monday while condemning Aung San Suu Kyi and her government for allowing Rohingya Muslims to enter the country "illegally". Hundreds of monks swathed in saffron and maroon robes filed early morning into a Yangon monastery for the annual meeting of the Buddha Dhamma Parahita Foundation. The group was known as Ma Ba Tha until a ban by the government and religious authorities in 2017 aimed at curbing its influence. Their hostility towards the Rohingya helped whip up public support for a brutal military crackdown nearly two years ago. Some 740,000 fled the country in violence branded as "genocide" by UN investigators. Despite the ban -- offline and on Facebook -- the group has continued to operate under its new name. Increasingly taking a radical stance against civilian leader Suu Kyi's government, the group has also sidled-up to the country's still-powerful military. Monks regularly appear at pro-army nationalist rallies and the military returned the favour at Monday's session. Yangon Region Commander Major-General Thet Pon openly donated 30 million kyat in cash to the group. In a written statement, the ultra-nationalist monks said they "harshly condemn" the scrapping of various laws, which they claimed had "allowed -- and continue to allow -- Bengalis to enter the country illegally". The term "Bengali" is a common slur in Myanmar for the Rohingya, implying they are illegal interlopers from Bangladesh. The hardliners even urged people in next year's election to vote against Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which is widely expected to return to power. They also sniped at Suu Kyi herself for "stepping foot" in a pagoda reserved for men. One notable absentee at the meeting was co-leader Wirathu, dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" and also blacklisted by Facebook. He is currently on the run after a court issued an arrest warrant for alleged sedition following several provocative speeches at nationalist rallies. The hardline monks condemned what they called the "unlawful" charges.

Myanmar's hardline monks rail against Rohingya, Aung San Suu Kyi

Half a million refugee Rohingya children are shut out of local schools in Bangladesh, leaving many in religious madrassas where critics say educational standards are low and students are vulnerable to indoctrination.

Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya fled into the country during a 2017 crackdown by Myanmar's military, swelling the numbers of the minority in Bangladesh to around a million.

But while their language and culture are similar to people in southeastern Bangladesh, authorities regard the Rohingya as temporary guests and their children are denied access to local schools, raising fears of a "lost generation".

Many Rohingya children had managed to slip through the net until earlier this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government cracked down, ordering schools to expel them.

Lucky Akter, 15, lost her spot at Hnila village school, where almost a third of her class were from refugee camps. She now has nothing to do but help her mother with chores.

"I wanted to be a doctor, but I don't think it will be possible," she told AFP, breaking down in tears.

Koran studies

Rights groups have criticised the government's policy, and charities and the UN children's agency UNICEF have set up some 1,800 makeshift facilities in the camps, schooling around 180,000 children -- but only to primary level.

To fill the gap, Rohingya groups and Bangladeshi Islamists have set up more than 1,000 madrassas -- religious schools that provide everything from basic Koran-based education to graduate-level religious studies.

"We don't differentiate people by their nationality as long as they have a strong urge to be educated and serve Allah's path," said the head teacher of one local madrassa, which has taken in at least 15 Rohingya students.

Thirteen-year-old Hares, who was expelled from a school in the Bangladesh town of Teknaf, now goes to a madrassa in the Leda refugee camp.

"It's better for him to get busy with studying, otherwise he will loiter around in the camp and get spoilt," his father, Mohammad Khaleque, told AFP.&nbsp;

Vulnerable children

But critics warn that the madrassas are not a good educational alternative.

The International Crisis Group said in a recent report that there was no evidence madrassas are promoting violence, intolerance or indoctrination by extremists.

"However, a policy of denying young people formal education and leaving them reliant on unregulated madrassas almost certainly increases the risks of such groups gaining a foothold in the camps," it added.

Mubashar Hasan, an expert in extremism at the University of Oslo in Norway, said the government should ensure "thorough monitoring".

Rohingya children "are psychologically vulnerable, isolated and angry. Simultaneously they are culturally very religious", Hasan told AFP.

Some of the madrassas are run by the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, which has a history of violent protests in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, including demonstrations urging the implementation of a blasphemy law and gender segregation in workplaces.

In 2013, tens of thousands of Hefazat activists descended on Dhaka triggering violence that killed 50 people and injured hundreds.

More recently, the group has made peace with the government and the degrees provided by its schools are recognised officially.

Senior Hefazat leader Azizul Haque denied the group had any link with extremism and said its institutions offered religious education in line with the curriculum at many Bangladeshi madrassas.

"There is no reason for suspicion," he said.

And Fazlul Karim, a spokesman for the group, told AFP the schools were the "last resort" for the Rohingya.

"They were driven away from their home because of their religion. True religious education can only bring salvation to this community," said Karim, who administers seven madrassas with some 2,500 pupils.

But Mojib Ullah, who studied in a Bangladeshi madrassa before switching to secular schools, said the religious institutions were not offering a proper education.

"These madrassas can only help create some religious teachers and mosque imams," said Ullah, who now leads prayers in an Australian mosque.

"We need to send our kids to a school system which can help prepare them to face the challenges of globalisation," he told AFP.

"Otherwise, this generation will be lost forever."

Half a million refugee Rohingya children are shut out of local schools in Bangladesh, leaving many in religious madrassas where critics say educational standards are low and students are vulnerable to indoctrination.

Half a million refugee Rohingya children are shut out of local schools in Bangladesh, leaving many in religious madrassas where critics say educational standards are low and students are vulnerable to indoctrination. Around 740,000 Muslim Rohingya fled into the country during a 2017 crackdown by Myanmar's military, swelling the numbers of the minority in Bangladesh to around a million. But while their language and culture are similar to people in southeastern Bangladesh, authorities regard the Rohingya as temporary guests and their children are denied access to local schools, raising fears of a "lost generation". Many Rohingya children had managed to slip through the net until earlier this year when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government cracked down, ordering schools to expel them. Lucky Akter, 15, lost her spot at Hnila village school, where almost a third of her class were from refugee camps. She now has nothing to do but help her mother with chores. "I wanted to be a doctor, but I don't think it will be possible," she told AFP, breaking down in tears. Koran studies Rights groups have criticised the government's policy, and charities and the UN children's agency UNICEF have set up some 1,800 makeshift facilities in the camps, schooling around 180,000 children -- but only to primary level. To fill the gap, Rohingya groups and Bangladeshi Islamists have set up more than 1,000 madrassas -- religious schools that provide everything from basic Koran-based education to graduate-level religious studies. "We don't differentiate people by their nationality as long as they have a strong urge to be educated and serve Allah's path," said the head teacher of one local madrassa, which has taken in at least 15 Rohingya students. Thirteen-year-old Hares, who was expelled from a school in the Bangladesh town of Teknaf, now goes to a madrassa in the Leda refugee camp. "It's better for him to get busy with studying, otherwise he will loiter around in the camp and get spoilt," his father, Mohammad Khaleque, told AFP. Vulnerable children But critics warn that the madrassas are not a good educational alternative. The International Crisis Group said in a recent report that there was no evidence madrassas are promoting violence, intolerance or indoctrination by extremists. "However, a policy of denying young people formal education and leaving them reliant on unregulated madrassas almost certainly increases the risks of such groups gaining a foothold in the camps," it added. Mubashar Hasan, an expert in extremism at the University of Oslo in Norway, said the government should ensure "thorough monitoring". Rohingya children "are psychologically vulnerable, isolated and angry. Simultaneously they are culturally very religious", Hasan told AFP. Some of the madrassas are run by the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, which has a history of violent protests in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, including demonstrations urging the implementation of a blasphemy law and gender segregation in workplaces. In 2013, tens of thousands of Hefazat activists descended on Dhaka triggering violence that killed 50 people and injured hundreds. More recently, the group has made peace with the government and the degrees provided by its schools are recognised officially. Senior Hefazat leader Azizul Haque denied the group had any link with extremism and said its institutions offered religious education in line with the curriculum at many Bangladeshi madrassas. "There is no reason for suspicion," he said. And Fazlul Karim, a spokesman for the group, told AFP the schools were the "last resort" for the Rohingya. "They were driven away from their home because of their religion. True religious education can only bring salvation to this community," said Karim, who administers seven madrassas with some 2,500 pupils. But Mojib Ullah, who studied in a Bangladeshi madrassa before switching to secular schools, said the religious institutions were not offering a proper education. "These madrassas can only help create some religious teachers and mosque imams," said Ullah, who now leads prayers in an Australian mosque. "We need to send our kids to a school system which can help prepare them to face the challenges of globalisation," he told AFP. "Otherwise, this generation will be lost forever."

Shut out from Bangladesh schools, Rohingyas turn to madrassas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-seeks-us-help-for-rohingyas-return-to-myanmar-209073">Bangladesh</a> President Abdul Hamid on Saturday said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-draws-up-plans-to-facilitate-rohingya-relocation-to-island-205126">Rohingya crisis</a> can destabilise the entire region if left unresolved.

Addressing the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Hamid stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya crisis, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The President also sought support and cooperation from CICA partners so that the forcibly displaced inhabitants of the Rakhine state can return to their homeland with "safety, security and dignity".

"The world knows Bangladesh hosts 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. You must be aware of the evidence of genocide and gross violation of human rights, which has been termed a `textbook example of ethnic cleansing` and humanitarian catastrophe of unmanageable magnitude," he added.

"Asian security is vulnerable as irregular migration, drug trafficking, territorial claims, ethnic conflicts, separatism, economic problems and climate change are visible here. To address these crucial challenges, CICA needs to enhance its capacity through promoting the concept of indivisible security," the President was quoted as saying.

Rohingya, who belong to the Rakhine state in Myanmar, have been facing extreme persecution by authorities and majority Buddhists.

It has further prompted their flight over the years, many on rickety boats that are mostly pushed back into the open sea by countries, especially Thailand and Myanmar.

Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine since violence swept the area in 2012.

The unrest prompted thousands of minorities to flee Myanmar by sea.&nbsp;

The exodus peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats.

According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017.

According to a UN report, titled "Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience," around 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmar`s army and police and over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalised.&nbsp;

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Saturday said the Rohingya crisis can destabilise the entire region if left unresolved. Addressing the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Hamid stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya crisis, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Saturday said the Rohingya crisis can destabilise the entire region if left unresolved. Addressing the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Hamid stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya crisis, Dhaka Tribune reported. The President also sought support and cooperation from CICA partners so that the forcibly displaced inhabitants of the Rakhine state can return to their homeland with "safety, security and dignity". "The world knows Bangladesh hosts 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. You must be aware of the evidence of genocide and gross violation of human rights, which has been termed a `textbook example of ethnic cleansing` and humanitarian catastrophe of unmanageable magnitude," he added. "Asian security is vulnerable as irregular migration, drug trafficking, territorial claims, ethnic conflicts, separatism, economic problems and climate change are visible here. To address these crucial challenges, CICA needs to enhance its capacity through promoting the concept of indivisible security," the President was quoted as saying. Rohingya, who belong to the Rakhine state in Myanmar, have been facing extreme persecution by authorities and majority Buddhists. It has further prompted their flight over the years, many on rickety boats that are mostly pushed back into the open sea by countries, especially Thailand and Myanmar. Myanmar regards Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine since violence swept the area in 2012. The unrest prompted thousands of minorities to flee Myanmar by sea. The exodus peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats. According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017. According to a UN report, titled "Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience," around 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmar`s army and police and over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalised.

Rohingya crisis can destabilise region if not solved: Bangla President

Thai police said on Thursday there is enough evidence to press human trafficking charges against the captain and crew of a boat carrying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/65-rohingyas-found-shipwrecked-in-thailand-226453">65 Rohingya Muslims that was shipwrecked this week</a> on a southern Thai island.

Many Rohingya Muslims have boarded boats in recent months to try to reach Malaysia, part of what authorities fear could be a new wave of people smuggling by sea after a 2015 crackdown on trafficking.

The 65 Rohingya men, women and children were discovered on Tuesday on Rawi island off Thailand's southern Satun province where their boat had beached due to engine trouble while en route to Malaysia.

Police have already charged the crew with assisting the migrants to illegally enter Thailand.

"We have completed talking to some of the Rohingya and we now have evidence to press human trafficking charges against the Thai captain and the five Myanmar crew," Police Major General Supawat Thapkliew, the head of police in Satun, told Reuters.

"We have not completed questioning all the Rohingya to determine whether they were tricked or they came willingly," he added.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha on Thursday ordered relevant agencies to care for the Rohingya - 29 men, 31 women and five children - while authorities complete their investigation.

"The prime minister wants to stress that the Rohingya migration issue is important to the government and Thailand has worked with other countries on this issue continuously," Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak, the government spokesman, told reporters.

Myanmar regards the Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state segregated from the Buddhist Rakhine population since violence swept the area in 2012.

The unrest prompted tens of thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar by sea, an exodus that peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh in 2017 after a crackdown by Myanmar's army, according to UN agencies.

Thai police said on Thursday there is enough evidence to press human trafficking charges against the captain and crew of a boat carrying 65 Rohingya Muslims that was shipwrecked this week on a southern Thai island.

Thai police said on Thursday there is enough evidence to press human trafficking charges against the captain and crew of a boat carrying 65 Rohingya Muslims that was shipwrecked this week on a southern Thai island. Many Rohingya Muslims have boarded boats in recent months to try to reach Malaysia, part of what authorities fear could be a new wave of people smuggling by sea after a 2015 crackdown on trafficking. The 65 Rohingya men, women and children were discovered on Tuesday on Rawi island off Thailand's southern Satun province where their boat had beached due to engine trouble while en route to Malaysia. Police have already charged the crew with assisting the migrants to illegally enter Thailand. "We have completed talking to some of the Rohingya and we now have evidence to press human trafficking charges against the Thai captain and the five Myanmar crew," Police Major General Supawat Thapkliew, the head of police in Satun, told Reuters. "We have not completed questioning all the Rohingya to determine whether they were tricked or they came willingly," he added. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha on Thursday ordered relevant agencies to care for the Rohingya - 29 men, 31 women and five children - while authorities complete their investigation. "The prime minister wants to stress that the Rohingya migration issue is important to the government and Thailand has worked with other countries on this issue continuously," Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak, the government spokesman, told reporters. Myanmar regards the Rohingya as illegal migrants from the Indian subcontinent and has confined tens of thousands to sprawling camps in Rakhine state segregated from the Buddhist Rakhine population since violence swept the area in 2012. The unrest prompted tens of thousands of Rohingya to flee Myanmar by sea, an exodus that peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh in 2017 after a crackdown by Myanmar's army, according to UN agencies.

Stranded Rohingyas linked to human trafficking: Thai police

A group of 65 Rohingya Muslims have been found on a shipwrecked boat off the coast of southern Thailand, Navy officials said Wednesday as authorities investigated whether they had been trafficked.

The boat was discovered early Tuesday in the Tarutao Marine National Park in southern Thailand, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the border of Myanmar.

Some 740,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since a brutal military crackdown in 2017 against the stateless minority in the Buddhist-majority country.

Most have escaped into overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, while others have fallen prey to human trafficking rings as they seek better lives in Malaysia or Thailand.

A Thai Navy spokesman said there were 31 women and five children among the Rohingya on the shipwrecked boat.&nbsp;

One Thai man and five Burmese citizens were also in the group. The men said they were fishing in the area and had no link to the Rohingyas.&nbsp;

The six men "were detained for questioning because of their suspicious behaviour," Thai Navy spokesman, vice admiral Khan Deeubol, said Wednesday.

A provincial official said the group was initially investigated for illegal entry but the probe had broadened.&nbsp;

"Authorities are not ruling out other issues such as human trafficking," an Internal Security Command (ISOC) source in Satun province told AFP.&nbsp;

Photos from the Thai Navy showed the group on a beach, some eating rice near the marooned ship. &nbsp;

Bangladeshi authorities have intercepted several suspected traffickers seeking to transport refugees from squalid camps in Cox's Bazaar, where nearly one million Rohingyas are living -- almost all refusing to go back to Myanmar out of fear for their safety and rights.&nbsp;

Myanmar has said the 2017 crackdown was aimed at rooting out insurgents who attacked military posts.&nbsp;

It has signed a repatriation agreement with Bangladesh to return Rohingya refugees, but so far virtually none have volunteered to go back.&nbsp;

United Nations investigators have said the violence amounts to "genocide" and called for the prosecution of the top general

A group of 65 Rohingya Muslims have been found on a shipwrecked boat off the coast of southern Thailand, Navy officials said Wednesday as authorities investigated whether they had been trafficked.

A group of 65 Rohingya Muslims have been found on a shipwrecked boat off the coast of southern Thailand, Navy officials said Wednesday as authorities investigated whether they had been trafficked. The boat was discovered early Tuesday in the Tarutao Marine National Park in southern Thailand, some 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the border of Myanmar. Some 740,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since a brutal military crackdown in 2017 against the stateless minority in the Buddhist-majority country. Most have escaped into overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh, while others have fallen prey to human trafficking rings as they seek better lives in Malaysia or Thailand. A Thai Navy spokesman said there were 31 women and five children among the Rohingya on the shipwrecked boat. One Thai man and five Burmese citizens were also in the group. The men said they were fishing in the area and had no link to the Rohingyas. The six men "were detained for questioning because of their suspicious behaviour," Thai Navy spokesman, vice admiral Khan Deeubol, said Wednesday. A provincial official said the group was initially investigated for illegal entry but the probe had broadened. "Authorities are not ruling out other issues such as human trafficking," an Internal Security Command (ISOC) source in Satun province told AFP. Photos from the Thai Navy showed the group on a beach, some eating rice near the marooned ship. Bangladeshi authorities have intercepted several suspected traffickers seeking to transport refugees from squalid camps in Cox's Bazaar, where nearly one million Rohingyas are living -- almost all refusing to go back to Myanmar out of fear for their safety and rights. Myanmar has said the 2017 crackdown was aimed at rooting out insurgents who attacked military posts. It has signed a repatriation agreement with Bangladesh to return Rohingya refugees, but so far virtually none have volunteered to go back. United Nations investigators have said the violence amounts to "genocide" and called for the prosecution of the top general

65 Rohingyas found shipwrecked in Thailand

Myanmar has granted early release to seven soldiers jailed for the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys during a 2017 military crackdown in the western state of Rakhine, two prison officials, two former fellow inmates and one of the soldiers told Reuters.

The soldiers were freed in November last year, the two inmates said, meaning they served less than one year of their 10-year prison terms for the killings at Inn Din village.&nbsp;

They also served less jail time than two Reuters reporters who uncovered the killings. The journalists, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reuters-journalists-jailed-in-myanmar-freed-from-prison-216559">Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo</a>, spent more than 16 months behind bars on charges of obtaining state secrets. The two were released in an amnesty on May 6.

Win Naing, the chief warden at Rakhine's Sittwe Prison, and a senior prison official in the capital, Naypyitaw, confirmed that the convicted soldiers had not been in prison for some months.

"Their punishment was reduced by the military," said the senior Naypyitaw official, who declined to be named.

Both prison officials declined to provide further details and said they did not know the exact date of the release, which was not announced publicly.&nbsp;

Military spokesmen Zaw Min Tun and Tun Tun Nyi declined to comment.

The seven soldiers were the only security personnel the military has said it has punished over the 2017 operation in Rakhine, which drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN&nbsp;investigators said the crackdown was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson.

Myanmar denies widespread wrongdoing and officials have pointed to the jailing of the seven soldiers in the Inn Din case as evidence Myanmar security forces do not enjoy impunity.

"I would say that we took action against every case we could investigate," the military's commander in chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, told officials from the UN&nbsp;Security Council in April last year, according to an account posted on his personal website.&nbsp;

The army chief cited the Inn Din case specifically. "The latest crime we punished was killing, and ten years’ imprisonment was given to seven perpetrators," he said. "We will not forgive anyone if they commit (a) crime."

Reached by phone on Thursday, a man named Zin Paing Soe confirmed that he was one of the seven soldiers and that he was now free, but declined to comment further. "We were told to shut up," he said.

'First step'

The 2017 campaign was launched across hundreds of villages in northern Rakhine in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents. Reuters exposed the killings in a report published in February 2018.&nbsp;

Troops from the 33rd Light Infantry Division, a mobile force known for its brutal counter-insurgency campaigns, worked with members of a paramilitary police force and Buddhist vigilantes to drive out the entire Muslim population of Inn Din, burning and looting Rohingya homes and property, according to Buddhist and Muslim villagers and members of the security forces.&nbsp;

On Sept. 1, 2017, soldiers and some villagers detained a group of 10 Rohingya. The military said the men were "terrorists"; their family members said they were farmers, high school students and an Islamic teacher.&nbsp;

The next morning, witnesses said, Buddhist villagers hacked some of the Rohingya men with swords. The rest were shot by Myanmar troops and buried in a shallow grave.&nbsp;

The two Reuters reporters, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, discovered the grave and obtained pictures of the 10 men before and after they were killed. The journalists were arrested in December 2017 while investigating the killings and later sentenced to seven years in prison under the Official Secrets Act.&nbsp;

Defence lawyers argued their arrest and prosecution were aimed at blocking their reporting, and one police officer testified that a senior police official had ordered that the reporters be set up and arrested.

In April 2018, after launching an investigation into the killings, the military announced that four officers and three soldiers of other ranks had been dismissed from the military and sentenced to 10 years with hard labour for "contributing and participating in murder". Neither their names nor details of their roles in the killing were disclosed.

Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the convictions, telling reporters at the time the sentencing was Myanmar`s "first step on the road of taking responsibility".Suu Kyi's spokesman, Zaw Htay, did not pick up a call seeking comment on the release of the seven soldiers.

'Year that changed my life'

Two men who recently spent time in Sittwe Prison told Reuters the seven soldiers were well-known among prisoners there.

“We were in the same building but different cells," said one of the men, Aung Than Wai, a political activist from Sittwe, who spent nearly six months in prison under a privacy law after he criticised a state official and posted an image of the official online.

Aung Than Wai, who was released from Sittwe in December, said he wanted to speak publicly about the soldiers` early release because an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist villager also jailed over the Inn Din killings was still in prison. The villager, school teacher Tun Aye, is serving a five-year sentence for murder at Buthidaung Prison in northern Rakhine, said his lawyer, Khin Win.

The convicted soldiers in Sittwe were given beer and cigarettes even though such indulgences were off-limits to other prisoners, Aung Than Wai said.

The soldiers were also visited by army officials, said the second man who was in the prison at the time and asked not to be named. In November, the seven men were taken away in a military vehicle, he said.

The same month, Zin Paing Soe, one of the convicted soldiers, set up a new Facebook account, noting in his biography that he attended the military's elite Defence Services Academy.

In one of the account`s first public posts, he said he was looking forward to the end of a year spent mostly in prison.&nbsp;

"When will these unfortunate things end for me?" the post reads.

Myanmar has granted early release to seven soldiers jailed for the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys during a 2017 military crackdown in the western state of Rakhine, two prison officials, two former fellow inmates and one of the soldiers told Reuters.

Myanmar has granted early release to seven soldiers jailed for the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys during a 2017 military crackdown in the western state of Rakhine, two prison officials, two former fellow inmates and one of the soldiers told Reuters. The soldiers were freed in November last year, the two inmates said, meaning they served less than one year of their 10-year prison terms for the killings at Inn Din village. They also served less jail time than two Reuters reporters who uncovered the killings. The journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, spent more than 16 months behind bars on charges of obtaining state secrets. The two were released in an amnesty on May 6. Win Naing, the chief warden at Rakhine's Sittwe Prison, and a senior prison official in the capital, Naypyitaw, confirmed that the convicted soldiers had not been in prison for some months. "Their punishment was reduced by the military," said the senior Naypyitaw official, who declined to be named. Both prison officials declined to provide further details and said they did not know the exact date of the release, which was not announced publicly. Military spokesmen Zaw Min Tun and Tun Tun Nyi declined to comment. The seven soldiers were the only security personnel the military has said it has punished over the 2017 operation in Rakhine, which drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh. UN investigators said the crackdown was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson. Myanmar denies widespread wrongdoing and officials have pointed to the jailing of the seven soldiers in the Inn Din case as evidence Myanmar security forces do not enjoy impunity. "I would say that we took action against every case we could investigate," the military's commander in chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, told officials from the UN Security Council in April last year, according to an account posted on his personal website. The army chief cited the Inn Din case specifically. "The latest crime we punished was killing, and ten years’ imprisonment was given to seven perpetrators," he said. "We will not forgive anyone if they commit (a) crime." Reached by phone on Thursday, a man named Zin Paing Soe confirmed that he was one of the seven soldiers and that he was now free, but declined to comment further. "We were told to shut up," he said. 'First step' The 2017 campaign was launched across hundreds of villages in northern Rakhine in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents. Reuters exposed the killings in a report published in February 2018. Troops from the 33rd Light Infantry Division, a mobile force known for its brutal counter-insurgency campaigns, worked with members of a paramilitary police force and Buddhist vigilantes to drive out the entire Muslim population of Inn Din, burning and looting Rohingya homes and property, according to Buddhist and Muslim villagers and members of the security forces. On Sept. 1, 2017, soldiers and some villagers detained a group of 10 Rohingya. The military said the men were "terrorists"; their family members said they were farmers, high school students and an Islamic teacher. The next morning, witnesses said, Buddhist villagers hacked some of the Rohingya men with swords. The rest were shot by Myanmar troops and buried in a shallow grave. The two Reuters reporters, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, discovered the grave and obtained pictures of the 10 men before and after they were killed. The journalists were arrested in December 2017 while investigating the killings and later sentenced to seven years in prison under the Official Secrets Act. Defence lawyers argued their arrest and prosecution were aimed at blocking their reporting, and one police officer testified that a senior police official had ordered that the reporters be set up and arrested. In April 2018, after launching an investigation into the killings, the military announced that four officers and three soldiers of other ranks had been dismissed from the military and sentenced to 10 years with hard labour for "contributing and participating in murder". Neither their names nor details of their roles in the killing were disclosed. Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the convictions, telling reporters at the time the sentencing was Myanmar`s "first step on the road of taking responsibility".Suu Kyi's spokesman, Zaw Htay, did not pick up a call seeking comment on the release of the seven soldiers. 'Year that changed my life' Two men who recently spent time in Sittwe Prison told Reuters the seven soldiers were well-known among prisoners there. “We were in the same building but different cells," said one of the men, Aung Than Wai, a political activist from Sittwe, who spent nearly six months in prison under a privacy law after he criticised a state official and posted an image of the official online. Aung Than Wai, who was released from Sittwe in December, said he wanted to speak publicly about the soldiers` early release because an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist villager also jailed over the Inn Din killings was still in prison. The villager, school teacher Tun Aye, is serving a five-year sentence for murder at Buthidaung Prison in northern Rakhine, said his lawyer, Khin Win. The convicted soldiers in Sittwe were given beer and cigarettes even though such indulgences were off-limits to other prisoners, Aung Than Wai said. The soldiers were also visited by army officials, said the second man who was in the prison at the time and asked not to be named. In November, the seven men were taken away in a military vehicle, he said. The same month, Zin Paing Soe, one of the convicted soldiers, set up a new Facebook account, noting in his biography that he attended the military's elite Defence Services Academy. In one of the account`s first public posts, he said he was looking forward to the end of a year spent mostly in prison. "When will these unfortunate things end for me?" the post reads.

Myanmar soldiers jailed for Rohingya killings freed after less than a year

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