Myanmar army behind spreading Rohingya hatred on Facebook

Release of UN investigation report

A recent investigation conducted by the United Nations' Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) has uncovered damning evidence implicating Myanmar's military in orchestrating a hate speech campaign on Facebook targeting the Rohingya minority. The findings shed light on the systematic and coordinated efforts by the military to spread fear and hatred against the Rohingya community, exacerbating tensions prior to the 2017 crackdown.

Military's Secret Campaign: The IIMM's investigation reveals that Myanmar's military clandestinely organized and propagated hate speech content on dozens of Facebook pages. This campaign was aimed at instilling fear and promoting hatred towards the Rohingya minority.

Interconnected Network: Seemingly unrelated Facebook pages, including those dedicated to celebrity news and popular culture, were found to form an interconnected network known as the "Military Network." These pages disseminated hate speech content in a systematic and coordinated manner.

Scope of Hate Speech: The report identifies over 10,000 items containing hate speech posted on 43 Facebook pages between July and December 2017. Hate speech content ranged from discriminatory narratives to derogatory remarks targeting the Rohingya community, portraying them as existential threats and promoting violence against them.

Military Affiliation: While some pages had no outward affiliation with the military, their connections were traced through shared creators, administrators, editors, and IP addresses associated with the Myanmar military.

Timing and Impact: The hate speech campaign coincided with violent actions against the Rohingya, including burning of villages, physical assaults, and forced displacement. Rather than preventing violence, the military's campaign exacerbated the situation, contributing to the persecution of the Rohingya minority.

Implications and Recommendations

Accountability: The findings underscore the need for accountability and justice for those responsible for inciting hatred and violence against the Rohingya community. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions in accordance with international law.

Regulation of Social Media: The case highlights the role of social media platforms in facilitating hate speech and calls for enhanced measures to regulate and monitor online content, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

Protection of Minority Rights: Efforts must be intensified to safeguard the rights and dignity of minority communities, including the Rohingya, and prevent further persecution and discrimination.

The revelations of the IIMM's investigation regarding the Myanmar military's involvement in spreading hate speech on Facebook underscore the urgent need for action to address systemic discrimination and promote reconciliation in Myanmar. It is imperative that the international community and relevant stakeholders work together to ensure accountability, protect vulnerable communities, and promote peace and stability in the region.