Rochun stands unwaveringly at the forefront, an impassioned advocate for the rights and representation of indigenous tribes in Mizoram, Myanmar’s Chin State, and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. With a profound commitment to reclaiming their silenced voices amidst the weight of historical divides and contemporary crises, Rochun tirelessly strives for justice and recognition on local, regional, and international platforms.
Notably, our advocacy has extended to the global stage, with active participation in UN Human Rights Council sessions. We have fervently championed the rights to education, the protection of refugees, and the fundamental indigenous rights to land ownership. Emphasising the principle of free prior and informed consent, especially concerning development projects encroaching upon indigenous lands, we have stood firm in our dedication to uphold the dignity and sovereignty of these marginalised communities.
Rochun works with communities and advocates for the Lai and Zo indigenous tribes in Mizoram, India; Chin State in Myanmar; and Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, where the indigenous Zo, Lai, and Chin inhabit. This area was once a tribal homeland with its own chiefs and kingdoms, split into three countries now by the so-called “divide and rule” policy of British colonialism 200 years ago. There is very limited representation of these tribes in their respective countries as they represent a tiny portion of the population, often hindered by their landlocked territories and stringent boundaries set by the governing central bodies of their respective countries.
Since the military coup takeover in Myanmar in February 2021, towns and villages, including some of our libraries in the Chin State, were burned in November last year. Our brothers and sisters, the Chin people, had no choice but to flee their homes or be murdered. Stuck in the middle border between India and Myanmar, towns in Mizoram have hosted and embraced hundreds of Myanmar refugees since then. Rochun then intervened, working directly with local communities, NGOs, and the government to improve the situation. It is heartbreaking to witness what is happening as people are left living in schools, separated by guns from their livelihoods and families. But even more striking is the response from neighboring countries and the rest of the world, which is “silence.” Rochun cannot express highly enough the deep concern about the humanitarian impact of continuing violence and displacement of people, being tortured and murdered each day. Since 2021, Rochun has started to work directly with Chin Refugees from Myanmar and has been advocating for their rights, wellbeing, and representation on local, regional, and international levels with communities, governments, and institutions such as the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held at the UN headquarters annually.
Statement made at the 22nd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters
(Statement on “Indigenous peoples, business, autonomy and the human rights principle of due diligence, including free, prior and informed consent”)
Alinery Lianhlawng
Founder of Rochun: Pay it Forward
Oxford, United Kingdom
Recent infrastructure projects in Northeast India have sparked discussions regarding their implications, particularly for indigenous communities. Alinery Lianhlawng, Founder of Rochun, highlighted the historical neglect faced by states like Mizoram, attributing it to challenges in connectivity, infrastructure, and governance. However, since 2011, increased trade interests with Myanmar and East Asia have accelerated investment in the region, aiming to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Among the upcoming mega projects, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project stands out, connecting Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmar. While touted to bring benefits such as improved transportation infrastructure and economic opportunities, concerns arise regarding indigenous land rights, environmental impact, and human rights violations. Additionally, the North East Capital Rail Connect project aims to further enhance connectivity within the region, with hopes of boosting tourism and socio-economic development. As discussions continue, ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation of indigenous communities remain crucial for equitable development in Northeast India.
Statement made at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council
(Statement made under agenda 3. Promotion and protection of all human rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.)
Alinery Lianhlawng
Founder of Rochun: Pay it Forward
Oxford, United Kingdom
Statement made at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council
(Statement on Contemporary Land Rights and Border Challenges in Northeast India)
Chhani Bungsut
Rochun: Pay it Forward
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, where they have occupied the land since ancient times, the Zofate (the bloodline of Zo people) are being oppressed and humiliated. They are denied the rights and benefits to which they are entitled. Development work is not being undertaken in their area, and essential facilities such as hospitals and public primary schools are lacking.
The Bangladesh government often sends troops to enter Zofate villages, closes down churches, and evicts them from their own homes and communities, resulting in cross-migration and fleeing into India. Community leaders are summoned and unfairly beaten, and selling and purchasing are prohibited during these interventions for the entire community. As a result, school students are afraid to attend classes, and college and university students are fleeing the country and going into hiding underground.
Therefore, Rochun is open to collaboration and partnership with individuals, organisations, and institutions to advocate for, support, and protect these indigenous rights and address their issues.
Statement made at the 22nd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters
(Statement on Human Rights Dialogue with Myanmar Refugees)
Alinery Lianhlawng
Founder of Rochun: Pay it Forward
Oxford, United Kingdom
During the Human Rights Council Session on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Alinery spoke about the current challenges faced by people living in the Chin state of Myanmar, many who lack the vital access to education as their schools and libraries were burned down by the military junta. Alinery also raised a call to the Indian government and the UN to work towards providing refugee cards to the many who have fleed to Mizoram, India. This also involves a plea to provide unfettered access for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to enter Northeast India and supply necessary aid.
Statement made at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council
(Statement on the situation of human rights in Myanmar)
Alinery Lianhlawng
Founder of Rochun: Pay it Forward
Oxford, United Kingdom
