Summary
Highlights
Myanmar is experiencing a significant displacement crisis, with 3.6 million out of 54 million people internally displaced or having fled the country. This crisis is driven by social, political, economic, and environmental factors. Many refugees escape to neighboring countries like Bangladesh, often by crossing rivers. The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority, have faced political discrimination from the Buddhist government since the early 1900s, exacerbated by British colonial policies that fostered animosity. This discrimination has led to the killing of Rohingya, destruction of their homes and mosques, and over 700,000 fleeing to surrounding countries, with some labeling it ethnic cleansing. Islamophobic messages spread by some Buddhist sermons contribute to this environment, though other Buddhist leaders advocate for coexistence. The social and cultural values in Myanmar have deteriorated, rendering the country violent and uninhabitable for many.
Economic factors are a significant catalyst for displacement. The Rohingya are stateless in Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority country that denies them citizenship. This statelessness, highlighted by Muhammad Rahman of the New Lines Institute, deprives them of basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment. The government's armed forces also seize Rohingya land without compensation. Natural disasters like earthquakes further compound their struggles, making humanitarian aid difficult to deliver due to damaged infrastructure and inaccessible areas. As many Rohingya cannot secure jobs, the inflation caused by earthquake damage and resulting low supply and high demand has led to skyrocketing prices for essential goods, making them unaffordable and contributing to economic hardship and displacement.
Myanmar had been transitioning towards democracy after decades of military rule, but on February 1st, 2021, the military seized power, citing fraudulent 2020 election results. The military's refusal to relinquish control, in place since 1962, and its desire to protect its influence and economic privileges, were long-term factors contributing to the coup. The coup triggered widespread protests, met with violent repression by the military, leading to thousands of deaths and arrests. This brutality compelled civilians to take up arms, igniting a civil war that continues to this day. This political instability has also exacerbated Myanmar's economic crisis.
Myanmar's economic crisis stems from long-term weak governance under military control, which limited growth and foreign investment, making the economy fragile. The 2021 military coup intensified this by causing economic collapse, with fighting and political instability leading to job losses, reduced trade, high inflation, increased poverty, and falling incomes. Despite the severe crisis, the US, under the Trump administration, set a refugee cap of only 7,500 worldwide for a fiscal year. This low cap may restrict safe havens for the Rohingya, forcing them to remain in dangerous situations and potentially increasing internally displaced persons if they have nowhere else to go. Refugee camps are already overcrowded, highlighting the urgent need for shelter and support.
On August 25th, 2025, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, including those in Cox's Bazar, commemorated the 8th anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar. They protested, demanding a safe return to their homes in Rakhine state, carrying banners with messages like 'no more refugee life' and 'repatriation the ultimate solution.' This 'Rohingya genocide remembrance day' highlights the ongoing humanitarian and political issues, as the military continues its persecution of Muslims, with some accusations of ethnic cleansing. These protests serve as a crucial call to action, as the crisis escalates not only for Myanmar but also for Bangladesh, which is growing increasingly frustrated with hosting over 1 million refugees. The Rohingya's plea for return also encompasses demands for recognition, citizenship rights, and freedom in their own country, similar to other ethnic groups.
A harrowing account from March 28th, 2024, describes Suzu Halong and her two sons trapped in their collapsed apartment building after an earthquake in Myanmar. Suzu's arm was severely injured, nearly severed. Her husband, Zan Ningu, bravely rescued them using a car jack to lift debris. After three hours, Suzu received first aid and awaited surgery in a gymnasium serving as an overflow for the local hospital. Despite the trauma, she expressed determination to stay strong for her sons, with her father supporting her during the ordeal.