Etymology
The term 'Chin' initially as used by the Burmese in Myanmar referred to all the hill tribes in the western frontier of Myanmar. However, in India the hill tribes are divided into two groups i.e. Chin-Kuki and Naga. The Kukis generally live to the south of the Nagas. The term now generally refer only to the majorityHistory and politics
The Chin people are believed to have come to Burma via the Chindwin Valley in the late ninth or tenth century A.D. They moved westward, and are thought to have settled in the present Chin State around 1300-1400. The Chin practice oral traditions and do not have written historical records. The British first conquered Burma in 1824, established rule in 1886, and remained in power until Burma's independence in 1948. The 1896Divisions
Tribes
There are many tribes among the Chin people, such as the Zomi, Lai,Present-day ethnic groups
There are several tribes within Chin people. For example: Cumtu, Zomi, Mara_people, Mara,_ Yaw,___Attempts_at_unification
The_realization_that_the_Zomi_are_one_group_that_share_common_dialectical_roots_and_customs_despite_separation_by_international_and_state_boundaries,_brought_about_movements_for_unification_of_the_occupied_territories_and_of_the_people._One_of_the_first_movements_was_the_ Mizo_National_Movement_which_ended_with_the_formation_of_the_ Mizoram_State_in_India. *_The_re-unification_of_the_Chin-Kuki-Mizo_people_in_the__Culture
_Chin_National_Day
The_Chin_National_Day_is_celebrated_annually_on_February_20,_which_is_the_day_the_Chin_people_abolished_the_slavery_system_or_chieftainship._The_first_Chin_National_Day_was_celebrated_in_1951_at_ Mindat._Clothing
There_are_several_tradition_dresses_such_as_ Matu,__Sports
_Language
There_are_31_different_varieties_of_the_Chin_language,_which_are_also_spoken_in_India_and_Bangladesh._The_largest_varieties_in_three_countries_are:_Religion
Traditionally,_the_Chin_peoples_were_ animists._However,_in_the_late_1800s,_the_first_Christian_missionaries_arrived_in_the_Chin_State,_and_began_sharing_the_message_of__Human_rights_violations_against_Chin_peoples
The_Chin_people_in_Myanmar_are_one_of_the_minority_ethnic_groups_that_have_suffered_widespread_and_ongoing_ethnic_and_religious_persecution_ever_since_General_Ne_Win_overthrew_the_democratically_elected_government_in_1962._The_predominant_religion_in_Myanmar_is__Extrajudicial_killings
The_ right_to_life_is_a_non-derogable_(not_revocable_under_any_circumstances),_as_outlined_in_the__Arbitrary_arrests,_detention_and_attacks
Under_section_61_of_the_Myanmar_Code_of_Criminal_Procedure_1898,_a_person_who_is_arrested_without_a_warrant_must_not_be_detained_for_more_than_twenty-four_hours._Section_340_states_a_person_who_has_proceedings_against_him_or_her_has_the_right_to_legal_representation._Also,_article_9_of_the_UDHR_states_that_no_one_shall_be_subjected_to_arbitrary_arrest,_detention,_or_exile._Forced_labor
Myanmar_has_been_a_part_of_the___Research_
In_2011,_there_is__Universal_Periodic_Review_of_Myanmar
The_ Universal_Periodic_Review_(UPR)_on_Myanmar_had_a_section_for_the_protection_and_promotion_of_human_rights_in_Myanmar._It_summarized_that_Myanmar_provided_legal_provisions_under_section_348_of_the_Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_the_Union_of_Myanmar,_concerning_the_guarantee_of_non-discrimination_of_any_kind_as_to_race,_colour,_sex,_language,_religion,_political_opinion,_poverty,_birth,_or_other_status._It_states_that_capital_punishment_is_prescribed_under_the_law_to_be_imposed_only_for_the_most_serious_of_crimes_and_to_only_be_carried_out_pursuant_to_the_final_judgment_of_a_competent_court._Further,_the_UPR_states_that_the_Penal_Code_of_Myanmar_prohibits_torture,_degrading_treatment,_arbitrary_arrest,_and_that_arrest_of_anyone_must_be_done_in_accordance_with_procedure_established_under_law._Additionally,_it_states_that_Myanmar_provides_the_right_of_peaceful_assembly_and_freedom_of_association._The_summary_seems_to_be_contradictory_to_the_real-life_experiences_of_the_Chin_people. States_such_as_the_United_States_of_America,_Jordan,_New_Zealand,_Poland,_and_others_have_made_recommendations_to_Myanmar_concerning_its_human_rights_violations._There_were_recommendations_for_Myanmar_to_improve_human_rights,_address_humanitarian_needs_of_its_people,_and_engage_constructively_with_its_international_human_rights_obligations._Poland_in_particular_expressed_regret_that,_despite_constitutional_provisions,_the_Government_continued_to_control_and_restrict_activity_of_minorities._The_U.S._has_condemned_its_systematic_human_rights_violations_and_noted_that_government_critics_were_at_risk_of_harassment,_arbitrary_arrest,_torture_and_ill-treatment,_and_even_extrajudicial_killings._It_expressed_concern_over_the_situation_of_ethnic_minorities.__Diaspora_
__Global_Chin_community_
Given_their_persecution_in_Burma,_thousands_of_Chins_are_scattered_throughout___Chin_refugees_
It_is_estimated_that_at_least_60,000_Chin_people_refugees_are_living_in_India,_while_more_than_20,000_Chin_people_refugees_are_living_in__Mizoram_response_to_Chins_seeking_refuge
Chins_have_restricted_ freedom_of_movement_and_their_travel_is_limited_by_the_SPDC_which_makes_it_difficult_for_them_to_escape_persecution_in_Myanmar._They_are_left_with_no_choice_but_to_leave,_without_travel_documents,_to_nearby_states._Chins_mainly_travel_to_the_Indian_state_of_Mizoram_and_seek_protection_there._As_of_2011,_it_is_estimated_that_100,000_Chins_were_living_there._Initially,_Mizoram_welcomed_the_Chins._However,_as_the_persecution_worsened_in_Myanmar,_the_Mizoram_population_became_less_generous_in_terms_of_the_protection_it_gave_and_its_attitude_towards_Chins._However,_this_attitude_has_completely_reversed_beginning_from_the_21st_Century,_with_people_from_both_areas_helping_each_other_through_disasters_with_a_newfound_realisation_of_shared_identity. Previously,_though_some_could_flee_from_persecution_in_Myanmar,_they_faced_a_new_problem_when_arriving_in_Mizoram._There_they_do_not_have_legal_immigration_status_and_are_subsequently_treated_as_illegal_aliens._As_such,_the_Chins_that_arrive_at_Mizoram_are_placed_in_a_"protracted,_urban_refugee_situation"_which_is_defined_by_the_ United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees_(UNHCR)_as_a_situation_where_refugees_find_themselves_in_a_long-standing_and_intractable_state_of_limbo._Their_lives_may_not_be_at_risk_but_their_basic_rights_and_essential_economic,_social,_and_psychological_needs_remain_unfulfilled_after_years_of_exile._They_face_challenges_related_to_livelihood,_food,_shelter,_and_healthcare._For_some_refugees,_survival_may_be_more_difficult_when_compared_to_their_former_lives_in_Myanmar.__Local_integration_is_extremely_challenging_for_Chins_since_they_do_not_speak_the_local_language_and_are_not_used_to_the_regional_culture_and_practices._Thus,_many_Chin_live_and_do_informal_work_on_the_outer_margins_of_the_community._As_a_result_of_not_having_any_legal_immigration_status,_many_Chins_have_reported_being_arrested,_detained,_and_fined_for_being_foreigners._Some_Chins_are_victims_of_labour_exploitation_and_crime_but_do_not_report_it_to_the_police_for_fear_of_deportation. The__Notable_Chin_people
_See_also
*_ Chin_Student_Association__References_
_External_links
Attempts at unification
The realization that the Zomi are one group that share common dialectical roots and customs despite separation by international and state boundaries, brought about movements for unification of the occupied territories and of the people. One of the first movements was the Mizo National Movement which ended with the formation of the Mizoram State in India. * The re-unification of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people in theCulture
Chin National Day
The Chin National Day is celebrated annually on February 20, which is the day the Chin people abolished the slavery system or chieftainship. The first Chin National Day was celebrated in 1951 at Mindat. People display many traditional dance such as bamboo dance, Sarlam (conquest dance), Khuangcawi(a lady is lifted by a crowd), Ruakhatlak/Cherua and many other dances from each group. One of the big events on Chin National Day is the traditional wrestling (Lai Paih). There is also Miss competition from each town or city in Chin State. Other events, such as fashion shows and singing also take place in Chin National Day. Traditional food, such as Sabuti/Sabaktui ( hominy corn soup) and Chang (rice cake) are served.Clothing
There are several tradition dresses such as Matu,Sports
Language
There are 31 different varieties of the Chin language, which are also spoken in India and Bangladesh. The largest varieties in three countries are: * Mizo Chin along with Lusei, Hualngo, Hmar estimated 1,000,000+ * Zomi Tedim Chin with an estimated 344,000 speakers * Thadou Kuki Chin estimated 300,000 * Asho Chin 200,000-300,000 * Falam Chin with an estimated 50,300 speakers * Haka Chin (Hakha) with an estimated 125,000 speakers * Matu Chin 25,000 speakers * Khumi Chin 90,000 * Mara Chin with an estimated 50,000 speakers * Cho Chin 60,000 * Zotung Chin 35,000 There are also many different accents among the same dialects. Many Chin people, especially students also speak Burmese, since it is the primary official language inReligion
Traditionally, the Chin peoples were animists. However, in the late 1800s, the first Christian missionaries arrived in the Chin State, and began sharing the message ofHuman rights violations against Chin peoples
The Chin people in Myanmar are one of the minority ethnic groups that have suffered widespread and ongoing ethnic and religious persecution ever since General Ne Win overthrew the democratically elected government in 1962. The predominant religion in Myanmar isExtrajudicial killings
The right to life is a non-derogable (not revocable under any circumstances), as outlined in theArbitrary arrests, detention and attacks
Under section 61 of the Myanmar Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, a person who is arrested without a warrant must not be detained for more than twenty-four hours. Section 340 states a person who has proceedings against him or her has the right to legal representation. Also, article 9 of the UDHR states that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile. Despite the presence of legal structures andForced labor
Myanmar has been a part of theResearch
In 2011, there isUniversal Periodic Review of Myanmar
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Myanmar had a section for the protection and promotion of human rights in Myanmar. It summarized that Myanmar provided legal provisions under section 348 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, concerning the guarantee of non-discrimination of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion, poverty, birth, or other status. It states that capital punishment is prescribed under the law to be imposed only for the most serious of crimes and to only be carried out pursuant to the final judgment of a competent court. Further, the UPR states that the Penal Code of Myanmar prohibits torture, degrading treatment, arbitrary arrest, and that arrest of anyone must be done in accordance with procedure established under law. Additionally, it states that Myanmar provides the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. The summary seems to be contradictory to the real-life experiences of the Chin people. States such as the United States of America, Jordan, New Zealand, Poland, and others have made recommendations to Myanmar concerning its human rights violations. There were recommendations for Myanmar to improve human rights, address humanitarian needs of its people, and engage constructively with its international human rights obligations. Poland in particular expressed regret that, despite constitutional provisions, the Government continued to control and restrict activity of minorities. The U.S. has condemned its systematic human rights violations and noted that government critics were at risk of harassment, arbitrary arrest, torture and ill-treatment, and even extrajudicial killings. It expressed concern over the situation of ethnic minorities.Diaspora
Global Chin community
Given their persecution in Burma, thousands of Chins are scattered throughoutChin refugees
It is estimated that at least 60,000 Chin people refugees are living in India, while more than 20,000 Chin people refugees are living inMizoram response to Chins seeking refuge
Chins have restricted freedom of movement and their travel is limited by the SPDC which makes it difficult for them to escape persecution in Myanmar. They are left with no choice but to leave, without travel documents, to nearby states. Chins mainly travel to the Indian state of Mizoram and seek protection there. As of 2011, it is estimated that 100,000 Chins were living there. Initially, Mizoram welcomed the Chins. However, as the persecution worsened in Myanmar, the Mizoram population became less generous in terms of the protection it gave and its attitude towards Chins. However, this attitude has completely reversed beginning from the 21st Century, with people from both areas helping each other through disasters with a newfound realisation of shared identity. Previously, though some could flee from persecution in Myanmar, they faced a new problem when arriving in Mizoram. There they do not have legal immigration status and are subsequently treated as illegal aliens. As such, the Chins that arrive at Mizoram are placed in a "protracted, urban refugee situation" which is defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a situation where refugees find themselves in a long-standing and intractable state of limbo. Their lives may not be at risk but their basic rights and essential economic, social, and psychological needs remain unfulfilled after years of exile. They face challenges related to livelihood, food, shelter, and healthcare. For some refugees, survival may be more difficult when compared to their former lives in Myanmar. Local integration is extremely challenging for Chins since they do not speak the local language and are not used to the regional culture and practices. Thus, many Chin live and do informal work on the outer margins of the community. As a result of not having any legal immigration status, many Chins have reported being arrested, detained, and fined for being foreigners. Some Chins are victims of labour exploitation and crime but do not report it to the police for fear of deportation. TheNotable Chin people
*See also
* Chin Student AssociationReferences
External links
Attempts at unification
The realization that the Zomi are one group that share common dialectical roots and customs despite separation by international and state boundaries, brought about movements for unification of the occupied territories and of the people. One of the first movements was the Mizo National Movement which ended with the formation of the Mizoram State in India. * The re-unification of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people in theCulture
Chin National Day
The Chin National Day is celebrated annually on February 20, which is the day the Chin people abolished the slavery system or chieftainship. The first Chin National Day was celebrated in 1951 at Mindat. People display many traditional dance such as bamboo dance, Sarlam (conquest dance), Khuangcawi(a lady is lifted by a crowd), Ruakhatlak/Cherua and many other dances from each group. One of the big events on Chin National Day is the traditional wrestling (Lai Paih). There is also Miss competition from each town or city in Chin State. Other events, such as fashion shows and singing also take place in Chin National Day. Traditional food, such as Sabuti/Sabaktui ( hominy corn soup) and Chang (rice cake) are served.Clothing
There are several tradition dresses such as Matu,Sports
Language
There are 31 different varieties of the Chin language, which are also spoken in India and Bangladesh. The largest varieties in three countries are: * Mizo Chin along with Lusei, Hualngo, Hmar estimated 1,000,000+ * Zomi Tedim Chin with an estimated 344,000 speakers * Thadou Kuki Chin estimated 300,000 * Asho Chin 200,000-300,000 * Falam Chin with an estimated 50,300 speakers * Haka Chin (Hakha) with an estimated 125,000 speakers * Matu Chin 25,000 speakers * Khumi Chin 90,000 * Mara Chin with an estimated 50,000 speakers * Cho Chin 60,000 * Zotung Chin 35,000 There are also many different accents among the same dialects. Many Chin people, especially students also speak Burmese, since it is the primary official language inReligion
Traditionally, the Chin peoples were animists. However, in the late 1800s, the first Christian missionaries arrived in the Chin State, and began sharing the message ofHuman rights violations against Chin peoples
The Chin people in Myanmar are one of the minority ethnic groups that have suffered widespread and ongoing ethnic and religious persecution ever since General Ne Win overthrew the democratically elected government in 1962. The predominant religion in Myanmar isExtrajudicial killings
The right to life is a non-derogable (not revocable under any circumstances), as outlined in theArbitrary arrests, detention and attacks
Under section 61 of the Myanmar Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, a person who is arrested without a warrant must not be detained for more than twenty-four hours. Section 340 states a person who has proceedings against him or her has the right to legal representation. Also, article 9 of the UDHR states that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile. Despite the presence of legal structures andForced labor
Myanmar has been a part of theResearch
In 2011, there isUniversal Periodic Review of Myanmar
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Myanmar had a section for the protection and promotion of human rights in Myanmar. It summarized that Myanmar provided legal provisions under section 348 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, concerning the guarantee of non-discrimination of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinion, poverty, birth, or other status. It states that capital punishment is prescribed under the law to be imposed only for the most serious of crimes and to only be carried out pursuant to the final judgment of a competent court. Further, the UPR states that the Penal Code of Myanmar prohibits torture, degrading treatment, arbitrary arrest, and that arrest of anyone must be done in accordance with procedure established under law. Additionally, it states that Myanmar provides the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. The summary seems to be contradictory to the real-life experiences of the Chin people. States such as the United States of America, Jordan, New Zealand, Poland, and others have made recommendations to Myanmar concerning its human rights violations. There were recommendations for Myanmar to improve human rights, address humanitarian needs of its people, and engage constructively with its international human rights obligations. Poland in particular expressed regret that, despite constitutional provisions, the Government continued to control and restrict activity of minorities. The U.S. has condemned its systematic human rights violations and noted that government critics were at risk of harassment, arbitrary arrest, torture and ill-treatment, and even extrajudicial killings. It expressed concern over the situation of ethnic minorities.Diaspora
Global Chin community
Given their persecution in Burma, thousands of Chins are scattered throughoutChin refugees
It is estimated that at least 60,000 Chin people refugees are living in India, while more than 20,000 Chin people refugees are living inMizoram response to Chins seeking refuge
Chins have restricted freedom of movement and their travel is limited by the SPDC which makes it difficult for them to escape persecution in Myanmar. They are left with no choice but to leave, without travel documents, to nearby states. Chins mainly travel to the Indian state of Mizoram and seek protection there. As of 2011, it is estimated that 100,000 Chins were living there. Initially, Mizoram welcomed the Chins. However, as the persecution worsened in Myanmar, the Mizoram population became less generous in terms of the protection it gave and its attitude towards Chins. However, this attitude has completely reversed beginning from the 21st Century, with people from both areas helping each other through disasters with a newfound realisation of shared identity. Previously, though some could flee from persecution in Myanmar, they faced a new problem when arriving in Mizoram. There they do not have legal immigration status and are subsequently treated as illegal aliens. As such, the Chins that arrive at Mizoram are placed in a "protracted, urban refugee situation" which is defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a situation where refugees find themselves in a long-standing and intractable state of limbo. Their lives may not be at risk but their basic rights and essential economic, social, and psychological needs remain unfulfilled after years of exile. They face challenges related to livelihood, food, shelter, and healthcare. For some refugees, survival may be more difficult when compared to their former lives in Myanmar. Local integration is extremely challenging for Chins since they do not speak the local language and are not used to the regional culture and practices. Thus, many Chin live and do informal work on the outer margins of the community. As a result of not having any legal immigration status, many Chins have reported being arrested, detained, and fined for being foreigners. Some Chins are victims of labour exploitation and crime but do not report it to the police for fear of deportation. TheNotable Chin people
*See also
* Chin Student AssociationReferences
External links