This paper employs a mixed-methods approach: (1) original thematic analysis of 50+ oral
history testimonies from the Roots of Arakan archive; (2) statistical analysis of humanitarian
data from UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, GAGE Bangladesh, and Human Rights Watch; (3)
institutional impact data from RYU program records and MEL system; (4) comparative legal
analysis of statelessness cases across six countries; and (5) analysis of 15+ international
advocacy engagements (2024-2026). All eight data visualizations and nine tables include full
source citations. Where data reflects the author's own analysis, this is clearly indicated.
2. Conceptual Framework
2.1 Self-Determination in International Law
Self-determination is enshrined in Article 1 of both the ICCPR (1966) and ICESCR (1966): all
peoples may freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and
cultural development. UNDRIP (2007) extends this to indigenous peoples, affirming their right
to maintain distinct political, legal, economic, social, and cultural institutions (Articles 3-4).
For the Rohingya, both internal and external dimensions of self-determination are denied — a
complete foreclosure that is the defining analytical feature of the case (Cassese, 1995; Anaya,
2004).
2.2 The Self-Determination Continuum — Table 1 and Figure 4
Table 1 presents the Self-Determination Continuum framework assessing Rohingya rights
across eight dimensions. Figure 4 renders this analysis as a radar chart for visual comparison
between the benchmark of full self-determination, Rohingya status in Myanmar pre-2017, and
Rohingya status in Bangladesh in 2026.
Table 1: Self-Determination Continuum — Rohingya Rights Assessment (August 2026)
Dimension
Full Self-Determination
Rohingya Myanmar (pre-2017)
Rohingya Bangladesh (2026)
Political
Participation
Voting, representation,
office, governance
None — no citizenship, no voting
rights
None — no formal political standing
in host country
Economic Rights
Property, formal
employment, financial
services
None — NRC required for all
formal transactions
None — formal employment
prohibited by law
Cultural
Expression
Language recognition,
cultural institutions,
heritage
Severely restricted — no
language rights in schools
Partial — community-led only; no
state support
Legal Identity
Citizenship documents,
legal standing, court
access
Denied — white cards cancelled
2015
Partial — refugee registration only;
limited rights
Educational
Access
State education in own
language
Excluded from all state schools
Non-formal only; 300K+ students at
risk (2025)
Freedom of
Movement
Unrestricted internal and
international movement
Permits required between
townships
Restricted to camp perimeter; limited
exceptions
Organizational
Freedom
Full civil society and
political party rights
Severely restricted by authorities
Partial — constrained humanitarian
environment
4
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