Physicians for Patterns of Anti-Muslim Human Rights Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability August 2013 and Prevention

A mother looks out from her tent alongside physiciansforhumanrights.org her children at a camp for internally displaced persons on the outskirts of Sittwe, Burma. Photo: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images About Physicians for Human Rights

For more than 25 years, PHR’s use of science and medicine has been on the cutting edge of human rights work.

1986 2003 Led investigations of torture in Warned U.S. policymakers on health Chile, gaining freedom for heroic and human rights conditions prior doctors there to and during the invasion of Iraq

1988 2004 First to document the Iraqi use Documented genocide and sexual of chemical weapons on Kurds, violence in Darfur in support of providing evidence for prosecution international prosecutions of war criminals 2010 1996 Investigated the epidemic of Exhumed mass graves in the violence spread by Burma’s Balkans for International Tribunals, military junta and sounded the alarm about refugee camps in Bosnia and 2012 Kosovo Trained doctors, lawyers, police, and judges in the Democratic 1996 Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Provided evidence of genocide for Syria on the proper collection of the International Criminal Tribunal evidence in sexual violence cases for Rwanda 2013 1997 Won first prize in the Tech Shared the Nobel Peace Prize for Challenge for Atrocity Prevention the International Campaign to Ban with MediCapt, our mobile app Landmines that documents evidence of torture and sexual violence

physiciansforhumanrights.org Library of Congress Control Number: 2013946389 ©2013 Physicians for Human Rights. All rights reserved. ISBN 1879707764 Contents

2 Executive Summary

4 Acknowledgments

5 Introduction

8 Sites of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma Since June 2012

9 Methods

10 Protecting Witnesses, Limitations

11 Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma Since June 2012

14 Acts of Courage

A Muslim Rohingya man sits at his burnt home at a village in 17 Human Rights Violations Minpyar in Rakhine State on October 28, 2012. Photo: Than WIN/AFP/Getty Images 24 Humanitarian Needs

26 Conclusion

28 Policy Recommendations

32 Historical Timeline of Burmese Muslims

36 Endnotes

Physicians for Human Rights 2 Executive Summary

iolence against ethnic One of the most extreme and alarming acceptance where the rights of all people and other minority examples of anti-Muslim violence was are protected. The Burmese government groups living in Burma the March 2013 massacre of dozens of also has the responsibility to find durable (officially the Union of Muslim students, teachers, and other solutions to end violence that respect Myanmar) has marked community members in Meiktila, a ethnic diversity. Institutionalized displace- the country’s history over town in central Burma. Physicians for ment and segregation are abhorrent and Vthe past several decades. Burma’s former Human Rights (PHR) conducted an in- unsustainable responses that have devas- military regime made common practice depth investigation into those killings tating consequences for those displaced of targeting ethnic communities for and released a report in May 2013 de- by violence or fear of persecution. forced labor, sexual violence, and other tailing the crimes. In an effort to place serious crimes. Under Burma’s current this particular incident in the wider PHR conducted eight separate investi- nominally democratic government, context of ongoing violence, PHR gations in Burma and the surrounding violence against marginalized groups produced this report to analyze and region between 2004 and 2013. PHR’s has escalated to an unprecedented asses patterns of extreme violence most recent field research in early 2013 level as Rohingyas and other Muslims from various sites across the country, indicates a need for renewed attention throughout Burma face renewed acts which indicate that the government to violence against minorities and of violence. Persecution and violence has consistently failed to properly ad- impunity for such crimes. The findings against Rohingyas, a Muslim group long dress attacks driven by hate speech presented in this report are based on excluded from Burmese society and and racism. Further investigation by an investigations conducted in Burma over denied citizenship, has spread to other independent commission is necessary two separate visits for a combined Muslim communities throughout the to uncover additional details about the 21-day period between March and country. Serious human rights violations, organization and motivation behind the May 2013. including anti-Muslim violence, have recent violence. resulted in the displacement of nearly The Government of Burma, civil society 250,000 people since June 2011, as There are no simple solutions to stem ris- leaders, and the international community well as the destruction of more than ing tides of religious hatred and violence. must act immediately to stop anti-Muslim 10,000 homes, scores of mosques, and The people of Burma face the significant violence in the country. The unhampered a dozen monasteries. task of choosing how to grapple with spread of violent incidents across Burma intolerance and anti-Muslim hatred, as exposes concerning indicators of future The successive waves of violence too well as myriad abuses by the government violence. There is, for instance, rapid often go unpunished by the Burmese against other marginalized groups. The dissemination of hate speech against government. At times, the crimes have ultimate responsibility, however, rests marginalized groups, widespread impu- even been facilitated by the police. The with the Government of Burma, which nity for most perpetrators, and inaction failure of the Burmese government to must ensure that people are protected or acquiescence by many leaders in gov- properly protect its people and address from violence and that any perpetrators ernment and the democracy movement. human rights violations committed by are investigated, arrested, and charged As we have witnessed in the past, these police officers signals serious obstacles according to fair and transparent legal elements are ingredients for potential ahead on the path from military dicta- standards. As this report demonstrates, catastrophic violence in the future, torship to a truly democratic country while there have been several arrests including potential crimes against where everyone has a voice and the following some of the most extreme humanity and/or genocide. If left rights of all people are respected and outbreaks of violence, the government unchecked, this particular combination protected. must do more not only to respond to the could lead to mass atrocities on a scale individual acts of violence, but also to heretofore unseen in Burma. promote an atmosphere of tolerance and

Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Executive Summary 3 continued from page 2

A formerly functioning mosque that was reduced to rubble during the violence in Meiktila, Burma in March 2013. Photo: Richard Sollom.

The impunity of the former Burmese internationally recognized legal norms. For full policy recommendations, regime and the renewed waves of The international community must not please see page 28. recent violence demand an immediate be reluctant to confront a country just response not only to properly address because it has made some recent po- the crimes of the past, but also to litical improvements. Instead, all those stem the escalation of violence. All dedicated to ending violence must see people of Burma deserve decisive and the crimes in Burma as a horrible ex- effective action to combat hate speech ample of what happens when impunity and impunity, within the bounds of reigns and demagogues are not con- fronted, and as an urgent warning sign of potential atrocities.

Physicians for Human Rights 4 Acknowledgments

his report was written by This report has benefited from review (InCHOIR) at Mount Sinai; and Michele Andrea Gittleman, JD, by PHR leadership and staff, including Heisler, MD, MPA, PHR board member, Physicians for Human Rights Donna McKay, executive director; professor of internal medicine and (PHR) senior legislative Susannah Sirkin, director of internation- health behavior and health education counsel; Marissa Brodney, al policy and partnerships and senior at the University of Michigan Medical PHR senior program advisor; Hans Hogrefe, chief policy School and research scientist at the Tassociate; and Holly Atkinson, MD, officer and Washington director; DeDe Ann Arbor VA’s Center for Clinical FACP, PHR volunteer medical advisor, Dunevant, director of communications; Management Research, co-director and past PHR president. and Stefan Schmitt, director of the of the University of Michigan’s Robert International Forensic Program. Wood Johnson Foundation’s Clinical This report is based on field research Scholars Program, and associate conducted in March, April, and May Stephen Greene, PHR senior communi- director of the University of Michigan 2013 by Holly Atkinson and Richard cations advisor, and Eliza B. Young, PHR Medical School’s Global REACH Sollom, MA, MPH, former PHR director publications coordinator, copyedited program. of emergencies. the report. PHR consultant Brendan Sozer conduct- The report has benefited from ed background research and drafted external review by Deborah Ascheim, material for this report in consultation MD, PHR board chair, associate with PHR interns Brianna Buckingham, professor in the Departments of Health Anna Patten, Katherine Robbins, and Evidence and Policy and Medicine/ Irina Volf. Cardiovascular Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Support for the investigations and and clinical director of research and report was provided by the Open director of the Clinical Research Unit Society Foundations. at the International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovation Research

Anti-Muslim May 28, 2012 June 3, 2012 Violence: A 27-year-old Buddhist Rakhine seamstress is A Rakhine mob pulls 10 Muslims from a bus raped and murdered by a group of men. The and kills them in retaliation for the rape and June 2012 next day, police arrest three Muslim suspects. murder of the seamstress. Anti-Muslim leaflets are distributed before the attack. to Present

Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Introduction 5

urma’s Muslims have faced Serious human rights violations, including an unprecedented number of attacks since mid-2012, anti-Muslim violence, have resulted in the resulting in injury, displace- ment, economic hardship, displacement of nearly 250,000 people since and death. The recent June 2011, as well as the destruction of more Bupsurge in violence began in June 2012 after three Muslim men allegedly than 10,000 homes, scores of mosques, and a raped and killed a Buddhist woman in Rakhine State in western Burma.1 dozen monasteries. A mob of Buddhists then pulled 10 Muslims—nine men and one woman— off of a bus and lynched them, spark- in the displacement of nearly 250,000 Islam.11 Muslims currently comprise an ing riots by ethnic Rohingya Muslims people since June 2011,6 as well as estimated 4 to 10 percent of Burma’s in the northern Rakhine townships2 the destruction of more than 10,000 total population.12 The largest Muslim of Maungdaw and Buthidaung.3 Non- homes,7 scores of mosques, and a population living in Burma today is Muslim Rakhine civilians retaliated to dozen monasteries.8 concentrated in Rakhine State, which is the reported June incident in force, home to approximately 800,000 ethnic in some cases supported by police offi- Burma (officially the Union of Rohingya.13 cers and members of the military. The Myanmar) is a diverse country with immediate result was approximately many different ethnic groups, lan- The root causes of the anti-Muslim 200 people killed, 100,000 people guages, and religions. The majority violence are complex. Though Muslim displaced, and 8,500 homes destroyed, Burman ethnic group makes up 60 minorities have a long history in Burma, according to estimates from the to 70 percent of the population and it has not always been peaceful. With Burmese government.4 The violence in has controlled the government and a longstanding fear of perceived out- Rakhine State was followed by another military for six decades.9 The country is siders, Buddhist nationalist groups wave in October 2012 that resulted in nearly 90 percent Buddhist, according and individuals have dredged up old more than 80 deaths and displaced to government figures; other religions conflicts—such as the mujahid re- over 35,000 people.5 Since then, in Burma include Christianity, Islam, bellion for independence in Rakhine sporadic attacks against Muslims have Hinduism, and Animism.10 Muslims in State following World War II—in an continued across the country resulting Burma are a diverse community among effort to incite Buddhist nationalism.14 in even more killing and displacement. themselves, tracing their roots to sever- Hate speech by prominent monks and Serious human right violations, includ- al waves of migration that began with anti-Muslim movements, which has ing anti-Muslim violence, have resulted Persian traders before the advent of been facilitated by the opening up of

June 7, 2012 June 8, 2012 The Burmese government launches an Rohingyas riot after Friday prayers; sectarian investigation into the murder of the violence breaks out in several towns across 10 Muslim pilgrims. Rakhine State. Muslims report security forces and mobs of Rakhine subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, rape, and killings.

Ethnic Rakhine demonstrators protest at the Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon after unrest flared in western Burma and seven people were killed in June 2012. Photo: Ye Aung Thu/AFP/GettyImages. Physicians for Human Rights 6 Introduction continued from page 5

access to the Internet and social media The Burmese government’s long history accountability—the system was set up websites, allows anti-Muslim rhetoric of sponsoring Buddhist nationalism to arrest whomever those in power to spread farther and faster than be- and the marginalization of all ethnic wanted to arrest.26 A 1982 law that lists fore. International news media accuse minority groups, combined with weak citizenship requirements for Burma, a Buddhist nationalist movement called attempts to stop violence as it occurs as well as a statement by the former “969” and a notorious radical monk, and its history of cultivating impunity junta that excludes Rohingyas from Wirathu, of spearheading anti-Muslim for human rights violators, have fueled the arbitrary 135 recognized national propaganda.15 The 969 movement the spread of anti-Muslim violence.24 races of Burma, have rendered the promotes the boycott of Muslim busi- Despite widespread rumors connecting Rohingya stateless. The effects of state- nesses and encourages Buddhists to political elites or other influential lessness have had a significant impact display 969 logos on their homes, people with the recent spikes in on Rohingyas, such as restrictions on businesses, and vehicles in a show of violence,25 corroboration of these education27 and marriage, though the solidarity. Wirathu and other monks reports has been difficult. While marriage regulations apply only to linked to the 969 movement delivered additional investigation is necessary Rohingyas living in the northern part of anti-Muslim speeches in early 2013 to uncover the nature and extent of Rakhine State.28 Forced labor,29 extor- in Mandalay Region,16 Gyobingauk the connections between high-level tion,30 restrictions on movement, and Township,17 Minhla18 in Bago Region, political elites and any organizers of targeted taxation31 by the government Okkan,19 Taunggyi,20 and near Lashio21 the recent violence, the Government also apply specifically to Rohingyas in in the days before anti-Muslim vio- of Burma’s failure to appropriately stop northern Rakhine State.31 lence erupted in those towns. A recent attacks and protect those at risk implies news report noted that Wirathu called an unacceptable measure of support Other Burmese Muslims have also felt the massacre of Muslims in Meiktila for the acts of violence. the effects of this exclusion. While they a “show of strength.”22 Following the are issued identity cards, in order to attacks in Meiktila, DVDs were sold in Current Burmese laws do little to pro- acquire them, they frequently have to Mandalay that contained video foot- vide protection for ethnic and religious pay a bribe and declare that they are age, reportedly shot during the Meiktila minorities, especially Muslims. Criminal from another country, such as Pakistan riots in March 2013, of Muslims being law in Burma since the 1960s has or India.33 Most Muslims refrain from burned and beaten to death. The DVDs heavily favored state security over working in the police and military, were being sold by Buddhists with the protection of citizens’ rights. The where they face institutional discrim- “pride and glee,” according to a person Burmese legal system has operated ination.34 The effects of decades of who bought them.23 for decades as an arm of state op- state-sponsored discrimination against pression rather than an institution ethnic minorities are twofold: first, they dedicated to promoting justice and create an environment in which abuse

June 10, 2012 Police patrol in a truck on the streets President Thein Sein declares a state of of Sittwe, capital emergency. of Rakhine State, in June 2012. Photo: STR/AFP/ GettyImages

Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Introduction 7 continued from page 6

against ethnic minorities is acceptable, Between 2004 and 2013, Physicians for PHR released an emergency report and second, the lack of effective ac- Human Rights (PHR) documented sys- with detailed findings from the school countability mechanisms emboldens tematic attacks by the Burmese military massacre in May 2013, but the report perpetrators to commit abuses without against the country’s minority ethnic did not cover the widespread and sys- consequence. There is thus little risk for groups in eight investigations in Burma tematic nature of the current wave of people who attack Muslims in Burma. and bordering countries.39 The attacks anti-Muslim violence in Burma. This re- on Muslims in the past year are a con- port uses data from both investigations Not all Buddhists in Burma are tinuation of that trend of targeting to demonstrate the broader nature of anti-Muslim; many of them have vulnerable groups. The Government of the rising tide of violence across the risked their own lives to protect their Burma has the responsibility to protect country. Muslim neighbors, and several groups its citizens, and its failure to do so has have spoken out against recent vi- created widespread impunity. Broad Consistent patterns of behavior by olence.35 Monasteries in Shan State popular support for the atrocities, government entities, and consistent and Mandalay Division have sheltered combined with this climate of impunity, patterns of abuse, may imply that Muslims fleeing the violence.36 Groups has led anti-Rohingya attitudes to police or military were following orders of Buddhist monks, such as the All metastasize into anti-Muslim sentiment from their superiors, thus suggesting Burma Monks’ Alliance, have issued that has spread across the country. a government role in the abuses. statements condemning the violence.37 Evidence of direct orders, funding Dozens of civil society groups— In order to more deeply document the streams, and material support remains including Interfaith Youth Coalition recent upsurge in anti-Muslim violence, elusive and requires additional indepen- on AIDS in Myanmar (IYCA-Myanmar), PHR sent two researchers to Burma in dent investigation. Even if there were Mizzima Youth Network, Interfaith March 2013 to investigate the situation no direct orders and high-level Peace Network, and Myanmar Youth in Rakhine State. While they were organization to promote abuse, the Resource Society (MYRS)—have held there, anti-Muslim violence erupted in deeply engrained disdain for Muslims events promoting religious understand- Meiktila, Mandalay Division. The PHR and other minorities that allowed ing and nonviolence.38 researchers immediately traveled to for such patterns of human rights Mandalay Division to conduct a prelimi- violations demonstrates a deep nary investigation, and PHR sent a problem that the Government of second team to do a forensic assessment Burma must address. of a massacre at a Muslim school in the Mingalar Zayyone quarter of Meiktila.

June 18, 2012 Rohingya Muslim children from The Rohingya men arrested for the rape and Burma cry while murder of a Rakhine seamstress in May are kept under watch sentenced to death. by Bangladeshi security officials after disembarking from an intercept- ed boat in Teknaf, June 2012. Photo: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/ GettyImages. Physicians for Human Rights 8 Sites of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma Since June 2012

India Hpakant China

Mandalay

Lashio

Meiktila Buthidaung Maungdaw Township Bangladesh Mrauk U Laos Parein Minbya Shwe Dar Mine Tauk Sittwe Kyein Ni Pyin Camp Yamethin Pauktaw Tharsi Tatkon Key Myebon Major City Nay Pyi Taw Kyauk Phyu

Dates of Violence Thailand Toungup Township June–October 2012 Thandwe February 2013 March 20–24, 2013 Thegon Padigon March 25–26, 2013 Nattalin Zigon March 27–28, 2013 Gyobingauk Okpho Othegon April 30, 2013 Minhla Sitkwin May 2013 Letpadan Tharyarwaddy June–July 2013 Oakkan Win Kite Bago Rangoon

Thaketa Kawkareik Mawlamyine

100 km

June 25, 2012 July 2, 2012 July 5, 2012 Security forces begin resettling displaced Thirty people are arrested in connection Ten aid workers are detained by the Burmese Rohingyas in Rakhine State’s capital with the murder of the 10 Muslims on government in Rakhine State, some of whom of Sittwe. June 3. are charged with criminal offenses.

Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Methods 9

he findings of this report are PHR researchers used similar methods based on field investigations in central Burma to identify victims and conducted by Physicians witnesses of human rights violations. for Human Rights (PHR) in In central Burma, PHR interviewed 39 Burma from March 22 to people in the cities and surrounding March 29, 2013 and from villages of Mandalay, Meiktila, Nay Pyi TApril 20 to May 2, 2013. The PHR team Taw, and Rangoon (Yangon). consisted of Richard Sollom, MA, MPH, former PHR director of emergencies; PHR researchers sought eyewitnesses and Holly Atkinson, MD, FACP. The from as many different locations where team interviewed 71 people in total, outbreaks of violence occurred as was including Muslim, Buddhist, and possible, given logistical and security Christian community leaders, as well as constraints. By taking this approach, victims and witnesses of the violence. PHR researchers were able to identify patterns of human rights abuses, ex- In the Sittwe displaced persons camps, amining how the police, military, and PHR investigators used modified Buddhist monks behaved in different chain-referral sampling to identify locations. internally displaced persons (IDPs) from each village or quarter in Sittwe who PHR epidemiologists have used such were living in the camps. Chain-referral pattern identification in prior investi- sampling is a technique that enables gations elsewhere in Burma—as well researchers to identify subgroups of as in Afghanistan, Darfur, Kosovo, and people based on referrals from other Sierra Leone—to examine whether the participants in the survey.40 PHR government or military played an active researchers conducted in-depth inter- role in the perpetration of human rights views with 32 people from six rural abuses.41 villages and 12 neighborhoods in the town of Sittwe, addressing a total of 18 geographic locations where sepa- rate incidents of violence had occurred.

July 11, 2012 July 12, 2012 August 4, 2012 The Myanmar National Human Rights President Thein Sein announces that the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Commission reports no abuses by security “only solution” to the inter-ethnic violence in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana calls for an forces during violence in June, states all is to send all 800,000 Rohingyas to other investigation into the June violence in Rakhine aid needs are being met, and does not countries or put them in camps run by the State over allegations of human rights abuses. acknowledge the plight or existence of United Nations High Commissioner for Rohingyas. Refugees (UNHCR). The UNHCR rejects the proposal.

Physicians for Human Rights 10 Protecting Witnesses Limitations

iven the sensitive nature PHR investigators employed additional ue to security concerns, of this research and the safeguards for respondents under 12 PHR was unable to ac- risk of community or years of age: the investigators listened cess internally displaced government reprisals to their uninterrupted narrations and persons (IDP) camps in against witnesses, PHR did not ask probing questions. Those Rakhine State that were investigators made every interactions were kept purposefully further inland from Sittwe Geffort to protect the identities of the short. In each interview with respon- Dor to interview Muslims in the north- interview subjects. PHR researchers did dents under 12 years of age, at least ern Rakhine towns of Maungdaw or not record names, nor did they make one parent was either present or Buthidaung. For security and logistical audio or video recordings of the inter- nearby during the interview. Interviews reasons, PHR investigators also were views. They conducted interviews with were halted if the child became unable to access all of the towns where only one interpreter in private areas out distraught in any way. Of the nine violence had occurred, and thus could of sight and earshot of passersby. interviews conducted with minors who not speak with eyewitnesses about the were eyewitnesses, the PHR field team violence that had occurred in those PHR investigators obtained informed terminated three of them early because areas. Because PHR did not use random oral consent from each participant fol- of emotional distress. sampling to identify victims of abuses, lowing a detailed explanation of PHR, these data may not be representative the purpose of the investigation, and and cannot be extrapolated to a larger the potential benefits and risks of population. participation. Oral rather than written consent was obtained to ensure PHR’s Ethical Review Board (ERB) ap- anonymity and security. In the case of proved this research. PHR has had an a minor, permission was also obtained ERB since 1996 to ensure protection orally from the child’s parent or of human subjects in its research and guardian to ensure that he or she investigations. PHR’s ERB regulations was confident that the safety, rights, are based on Title 45 CRF Part 46 (see: and interests of the child were being http://ohsr.od.nih.gov/guidelines/45c- safeguarded during the interview. fr46.html) provisions, which are used by Participants could stop the interview academic Institutional Review Boards at any time or refuse to answer (IRBs). All of PHR’s research and investi- any questions. gations involving human subjects must be approved by the ERB and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki as revised in 2000.

August 17, 2012 October 15, 2012 President Thein Sein announces the creation Thousands of Buddhist monks march in pro- of a 27-member commission to investigate test over of the establishment of an office for the causes of the sectarian violence that oc- the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) curred in June. in Rakhine State.

President Thein Sein’s office announces that it will not permit the OIC to have a presence in Burma.

Buddhist monks take part in a demonstration against the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in Rangoon on October 15, 2012. Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Photo: Ye Aung Thu/AFP/GettyImages Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence 11 in Burma Since June 2012

s the descriptions convictions in Burma may be a sign that them to discriminatory and arbitrary below demonstrate, the government is taking action to stop arrests, physical attacks, rape, killing, the patterns of violence the violence; however, the international and destruction of property.47 against Muslims tend to community should not use these num- stem from one “incit- bers as the only measure of progress PHR documented multiple instances of ing incident.” In several on this front. police attacking Rohingyas, providing Ageographic locations, word of these covering fire for Rakhine mobs that initial incidents spread widely and led Rakhine State: were attacking Rohingyas, and watch- to extreme violence. An overview of June 8–10, 2012 ing while Rohingyas were attacked. the violence across the country allows The violence in Rakhine State in June several discernible patterns to emerge. 2012 started when a group of men The UN Special Rapporteur on the Often the initial incident that leads to allegedly raped and murdered a Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar future violence includes elements of 27-year-old Rakhine seamstress.42 Three stated that 1,100 people were detained sexual violence or an attack on a reli- Muslim men were arrested the next day in relation to the June 2012 violence gious figure—acts that can promote for the crime.43 On June 3, some 300 and subsequent violence in October, feelings of ethnic or religious purity. Buddhists pulled 10 Muslims from a bus the “vast majority” of whom were Whether these initial acts are violent or and lynched them in a retaliatory at- Rohingya men and boys.48 In an August innocuous, the retaliatory attacks tend tack.44 Prior to the lynching, pamphlets 2012 presentation, Burma’s Ministry of to target an entire community and not were handed out in Rakhine State, Border Affairs stated that 858 people the individual perpetrators of that par- calling for retribution for the murder were detained in Rakhine State after ticular inciting incident. of the Buddhist woman.45 On June 8, the violence in June; 734 of those Rohingyas rioted after Friday prayers, people are Rohingyas (listed by the PHR was not able to determine resulting in the destruction of numerous government as “Bengali”).49 Official whether arrests and convictions were homes and the death of seven people, government documents use the term carried out in a manner consistent with four of whom were Rakhine.46 Over the “Bengali” to refer to Rohingyas, reflect- internationally-established norms of next four days, the violence quickly es- ing the government’s allegations that police work or rule of law. Convictions calated as it spread to other townships Rohingyas come from Bangladesh and can only be an indicator of justice across Rakhine State. Rohingyas and have little claim to Burmese citizenship. if these norms are upheld, and the other Muslims reported that security Government of Burma is notorious forces and Rakhine mobs subjected for jailing people without cause. The

October 21, 2012 October 27, 2012 Violence erupts throughout Rakhine State. President Thein Sein acknowledges Security forces reportedly stand by as that whole villages were burned down Rakhine mobs attack Rohingya villages in Rakhine State. and neighborhoods, killing inhabitants and burning down houses.

Burma’s president, Thein Sein. Photo: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Physicians for Human Rights 12 Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma Since June 2012 continued from page 11

Rakhine State: the Democratic Voice of Burma stated were killed in October 2012 alone.63 October 21–24, 2012 that 966 Rohingyas have remained According to Burmese officials, the After a mob killed a Rakhine merchant incarcerated since November 2012.55 violence in October left 89 people dead, for selling rice to Muslim customers The detained Rohingyas were more 136 injured, and over 5,300 houses and in Mrauk U on October 21, a wave likely to face charges carrying sentenc- religious buildings destroyed.64 As of of violence spread to nine townships es of up to 13 years, while detained May 2013, as many as 140,000 inter- within three days. Witnesses described Rakhines allegedly faced charges that nally displaced persons (IDP) resided in thousands of armed Rakhines descend- carry sentences of 6 months to a year.56 89 locations across Rakhine State.65 ing on Muslim towns and villages, As of February 2013, 68 people had burning houses as the inhabitants reportedly died while in custody, 62 of Rangoon: fled.50 Entire villages, neighborhoods, whom were detained in Buthidaung February 2013 townships, and cities, including Sittwe, prison.57 Four Rakhines suspected of Several hundred Buddhist nationalists were emptied of Muslims; those involvement in the October violence attacked a Muslim school and businesses who fled were forced into makeshift were released in April 2013.58 On July in the Thaketa Township of Rangoon camps.51 Over 35,000 people were 9, 2013, senior Burmese government in February 2013. The mob had mis- displaced by this round of violence, officials stated that 1,169 people had takenly thought the school was being more than 97 percent of whom were been arrested in connection with the turned into a mosque after it requested Muslim.52 violence in Rakhine State, and that 507 permission to make repairs to the roof.66 had been convicted in 195 court cases, On December 8, 2012, then minister while 662 others were still on trial in Police reported that they detained of border affairs, Lieutenant-General 45 other cases. There was no indication four people after the attacks, but all Thein Htay, released the official number of the religious or ethnic breakdown of were released shortly thereafter.67 of those detained in connection with those arrested.59 Thus far, no other reports have been the violence in June and October in released to indicate additional Rakhine State. The minister stated that The Burmese government’s combined detentions or arrests. 1,121 people in 12 townships had been estimates of those killed during the detained, 849 of whom were Rohingya June and October 2012 violence range (listed as “Bengali”), 233 were Rakhine, from 176 60 to 211 people,61 with all 27 were Hindu, eight were Burmese estimates indicating that proportionally (listed as “Myanmar”), and four were many more Rohingya were killed.62 Maramagyi.53 Prisoners were reportedly In contrast, Rakhine State’s National refused bail or access to legal counsel.54 Democratic Party for Development In February 2013, a report released by reports that more than 500 people

October 28, 2012 A Rohingya girl stands next to a Over 35,000 people displaced by shelter in an violence that started on October 21 unregistered/ increase the total number of IDPs in Rakhine to 100,000; nearly all are Muslim. unofficial IDP camp near Sittwe.

Patterns of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma: A Call for Accountability and Prevention Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence 13 in Burma Since June 2012 continued from page 12

Mobs destroyed the school and mosque in the Mingalar Zayyone quarter of Meiktila, site of the massacre of scores of students, teachers, and residents. Photo: Heim Aung

Mandalay & Bago Divisions: Muslim-owned shops nearby while with 1,500 homes.72 Witnesses told March 26–29, 2013 reportedly shouting anti-Muslim slurs.69 PHR that in the days leading up to The violence in Mandalay reportedly In retaliation, a group of local Muslims the violence, the number “786” was started with a quarrel between a reportedly killed a Buddhist monk. spray-painted on Muslim homes.73 Buddhist couple and the employees of As news of the monk’s death spread, This number—which is significant to a Muslim-owned gold shop over the mobs of Buddhists attacked Muslims in Muslims in the region74—was apparent- value of a gold hair clip in the city of the city and destroyed Muslim homes, ly used in this particular case to identify Meiktila. The argument became phys- religious buildings, and shops.70 The homes to be attacked.75 ical as the employees reportedly beat violence continued for several days as the husband in the street; police arrived it spread to other villages in Mandalay One eyewitness to the violence in and detained the owner of the shop Division and south to Bago Division.71 Meiktila told PHR that one week before and the Buddhist woman.68 Onlookers Eyewitnesses told PHR that over the the fighting, Buddhists throughout became enraged and destroyed the course of three days, 12 of Meiktila’s the city had put 969 stickers on their gold shop, as well as several other 13 mosques were destroyed, along homes. He said groups of people

October 29, 2012 November 1, 2012 November 4, 2012 Explosions reportedly caused by hand Thousands of Rohingyas in Pauktaw Doctors Without Borders reports that grenades occur at two mosques in Township refuse to sign government pamphlets and posters being distributed Kawkareik Township in Karen State. registration forms because authorities re- in Sittwe threaten any aid workers who placed the term “Rohingya” with “Bengali.” treat Muslims.

Physicians for Human Rights 14 Anatomy of Anti-Muslim Violence in Burma Since June 2012 continued from page 13

were going door-to-door and giving As of the writing of this report, the Acts of Courage Buddhists stickers to mark their homes government had arrested 44 people, so that they would not be targeted for both Muslims and Buddhists, for inci- burning.76 Eyewitnesses told PHR dents that occurred in Meiktila. In April Some positive stories have emerged from that they saw monks instigating the 2013, the gold shop owner, his wife, this new chapter of atrocities in Burma. violence, some carrying weapons.77 and an employee were sentenced to Civil society groups are leading efforts to 14 years each for assault and theft.83 In build peace and social reconciliation; the PHR interviewed eyewitnesses who said May, seven Muslim men were convicted government can learn much from these police watched without trying to in- on various charges for the killing of the groups. The Interfaith Youth Coalition tervene while Muslims were killed and Buddhist monk, receiving sentences of on AIDS in Myanmar (IYCA-Myanmar), their homes and mosques burned.78 2 to 28 years in prison.84 In July, two Mizzima Youth Network, Interfaith Peace Buddhists were sentenced to seven Network, Myanmar Youth Resource The number of people arrested for the years for murder committed during Society (MYRS), and other Burma-based Meiktila violence varies considerably the riots.85 Between July 9 and July 11, groups have held several events promot- among sources. Mandalay Region 2013, 25 Buddhists and four Muslims ing religious understanding and nonvi- Advocate General Ye Aung Myint were convicted for crimes committed olence.92 In addition, PHR interviewed reported on May 27 that 87 people had during the violence in Meiktila.86 The Muslim victims of the violence in Sittwe been arrested in connection with the 25 Buddhists were sentenced on who spoke of groups and individuals who events in Mandalay, 38 of whom are several charges, including arson, incit- protected them. For example, a Rohingya Buddhist.79 In a briefing on April 3, the ing unrest, assault, theft, and murder;87 person described how Rakhine staff of minister for foreign affairs stated that those convicted of murder received the Myanmar Red Cross stopped Rakhine 142 people had been detained and 10 to 15 years in prison.88 The four mobs from beating them, provided that action was being taken against Muslims received sentences ranging treatment, and evacuated them to the 32 perpetrators of the violence in from seven years to life imprisonment hospital.93 Other Muslim victims said that Mandalay and Bago.80 The police stated for their roles in one murder specifical- their Buddhist neighbors hid them from that 70 people ha