Rochun work with communities and advocates for Lai and Zo indigenous tribes in Mizoram, India; Chin State in Myanmar and Chittagong Hill tracks in Bangladesh where the indigenous Zo, Lai and Chin are inhabitant. This area was once a tribe homeland with their 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 number of population often hindered by their landlock territories and stringent boundaries set by the governing central body of their respective countries.

            Since the military coup take over Myanmar in February 2021, towns and villages including some of our libraries in the Chin State was 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 intervene, working directly with local communities, NGOs’ and government to improve the situation. It is heart-breaking to witness what is happening as people left living in schools, separated by guns from their livelihood and families, but even more striking, is the response from neighbouring 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 started to work directly with Chin Refugees from Myanmar and has been advocating for their rights, wellbeing and representation in local, regional and international levels with communities, government and institution such as Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held at the UN headquarter annually.

Statement made at the 22nd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters

Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh in the land they have occupied since ancient times, the Zofate (The blood line 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 done in their area. They lack a hospital, public primary schools, and development etc.

The Bangladesh government often sent troops to enter Zofate villages and closed down churches and evicted them from their own house and community resulting cross migration and fleeing into India. The community leaders were summoned and unfairly beaten, selling and purchase would be prohibited during these interventions for the entire community. Due to this School students are afraid to go to school. The students of colleges and universities are fleeing the country and hiding underground.

Therefore, ROCHUN is open to collaboration and partnership with individuals, organisations and institutions for advocacy, support and protect these indigenous rights and to solve their issues.

 

Statement made at the 22nd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN Headquarters