Myanmar's historic census draws criticism from Rohingyas
- 10 years ago
Volunteers in Myanmar are going door-to-door for the country's first census in 30 years.
It's intended to verify the nationality of Rohingyas living in the western Rakhine state, but authorities are not using the term 'Rohingya' on the official forms.
Officials introduced the measure to prevent Buddhist groups from boycotting the census.
Many in Myanmar do not consider the Rohingya an official ethnic group.
Some of the Rohingyas say it's not fair.
(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) MUSLIM HEAD OF VILLAGE, AUNG PE, SAYING:
"We are not ok with the census like this. We want to be on it, but if we say this name, Rohingya, they don't put us in. We feel aggrieved."
The Rakhine State is home to the vast majority of the nation's Rohingya population, estimated at around 800,000, according to Democratic Voice of Burma.
Local media reports said the country's Ministry of Information ordered volunteers not to use the term.
(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) SCHOOL TEACHE
It's intended to verify the nationality of Rohingyas living in the western Rakhine state, but authorities are not using the term 'Rohingya' on the official forms.
Officials introduced the measure to prevent Buddhist groups from boycotting the census.
Many in Myanmar do not consider the Rohingya an official ethnic group.
Some of the Rohingyas say it's not fair.
(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) MUSLIM HEAD OF VILLAGE, AUNG PE, SAYING:
"We are not ok with the census like this. We want to be on it, but if we say this name, Rohingya, they don't put us in. We feel aggrieved."
The Rakhine State is home to the vast majority of the nation's Rohingya population, estimated at around 800,000, according to Democratic Voice of Burma.
Local media reports said the country's Ministry of Information ordered volunteers not to use the term.
(SOUNDBITE) (Burmese) SCHOOL TEACHE