In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in misinformation, disinformation and hate speech directed at Myanmar's Indigenous Rohingya population, with devastating consequences. Since 2017, Rohingya have been systematically driven from their ancestral homes, and their situation further worsened after the violent military coup in 2021, creating a refugee crisis as forced displacement has become the only means of survival.
Digital repression targeting the Rohingya and other minority groups in Myanmar has included internet blackouts, selective shutdowns, surveillance and social media weaponisation. False narratives about Rohingya refugees fuel hate and harm, pushing a vulnerable community further into fear and inciting real-life threats and violence against those who have already lost so much. These harmful narratives not only deepen mistrust but also fuel prejudice, incite real-world harassment and increase the dangers faced by Rohingya communities daily.
In response, Rohingya activists are taking action to reclaim their narratives by sharing stories grounded in truth, resilience and empathy. Stopping the spread of hatred and disinformation and promoting truth to bring awareness to the plight of Rohingya refugees is more urgent than ever. Supporting safe conditions in Myanmar means building a future where they can return home.
To support these efforts, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network (RMCN) and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) have jointly developed an advocacy video aimed at countering the damaging impact of misinformation and hate speech targeting Rohingya refugees.
This powerful video features two Rohingya advocates: Hafsar Tameesuddin, co-secretary general of APRRN, and Yasmin Ullah, founder and executive director of RMCN. Together, they confront prevalent falsehoods about their community that circulate widely on social media, especially in South and Southeast Asian countries where many Rohingya refugees seek asylum.
The full video is available with subtitles in four languages: English, Burmese, Bahasa, and Thai.
We invite you to help amplify this crucial message by sharing the video across your social media channels and networks using the #StopHateAgainstRohingya hashtag. By doing so, you can contribute to fostering a more nuanced understanding of Rohingya refugees while raising awareness of the harmful effects of misinformation and hate speech.