Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and respect to the researchers in Myanmar who
contributed to this report but cannot be named or credited to ensure their safety and security, and
their ability to continue to work effectively towards social justice.
We also extend our thanks to the participants of this research who contributed their time and
shared their thoughts and experiences. The names of all participants names have been changed
for the purpose of this report to protect their privacy.
Field Research:
Field research in Southeast Myanmar was led and conducted by six Burmese researchers. Field
research in Rakhine was led and conducted by a Burmese Rohingya researcher. Without their
efforts, this report would not have been possible. While their names do not appear in this report,
they are its true authors. Additional field research by Victoria Larroche
Coordinated and written by:
Amal de Chickera, José María Arraiza, Zahra Albarazi, Georgia Field and Natalie Brinham
Design by:
Alena Jascanka.
Photography by:
José María Arraiza
Proofread by:
Amanda Brown and Stefania Tantimonaco.
Reviewed by:
Peggy Brett, Hege Mørk, Jose Arraiza, Ali Johar.
This October 2021 report is based on legal and qualitative research conducted in Myanmar between
2017 and 2020. The research focuses on experiences of arbitrariness and discrimination in accessing
citizenship documents in Myanmar during this period. Since the research was conducted, the
situation in Myanmar has changed dramatically. At this critical time in Myanmar, in the aftermath of
the February 2021 military coup d’etat, important conversations have opened up about equality and
inclusion in a future Myanmar. This report presents the findings from the research to invite reflection
on the impact of the current citizenship framework on people across Myanmar. It has been drafted
with the Myanmar peoples’ struggle for peace and justice in mind, in the hope that it will contribute in
a small way towards re-imagining a more equal and inclusive future.
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the Institute on
Statelessness and Inclusion. Whilst the authors, editors and publisher have tried to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the
publisher, authors and editors cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, misstatements, or mistakes and accept no
responsibility for the use of the information presented in this work.
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