A Muslim minority in a majority Buddhist country, Myanmar’s Rohingya are perceived as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by the government, and continue to face discriminatory policies despite International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings.
Gender violence remains an ongoing challenge among Asian communities.
The capture and execution of Burmese drug lord Naw Kham has sparked debate around the world both for his public execution parade and that his capture was the result of Chinese drone surveillance, the first time China has admitted to using drones.
Upwards of 90 percent of the opium poppies in Myanmar’s northern region are grown in Shan State, even though farmers are aware that if they grow an illicit crop, it may be eradicated and they could lose everything. Alternative livelihood support is needed if growers are to be weaned off this double-edged source of income.