Hate Speech Targets and Usages
In this month’s (the month of December 2024) monitoring, hate speech targeted the most was PDF and the second most was Muslim community and the third was women. Moreover, hate speeches targeting Arakan Army, Rakhine people and Chin people were found as well. Hate speech targeted to the Rohingya community in Rakhine State were also recorded along with AA.
In addition, the most used terms of hate speeches for this month are dog, terrorists, Muslim terrorists, Kalar (a derogatory term referring to Muslim), evil and non-pork eaters.
Hate Speech targeted to the Rohingya community
During the intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta in Rakhine State, the Rohingya are often considered a common target of ethnic, religious, military, and political hostility. The spread of hate speech against the Rohingya, particularly those who were forcibly recruited by the military, has increased since the AA took control of almost all parts of Rakhine State.
The Rohingya in Rakhine State can be divided into two groups: those living in areas controlled by the AA and those living in areas controlled by the Myanmar military. They face significant pressure from hate speech as they are caught between both the AA and the junta. The Irrawaddy News Agency has accused and spread hate speech against Rohingya who were forcibly recruited by the military, labeling them as “Muslim Pyusawhtee,” which translates to “Muslim Militant.” This is misleading, as these individuals were compelled to serve in the military against their will. The term “Pyusawhtee” is commonly used to refer to the military's puppets; thus, applying the same term to the Rohingya community fosters a misunderstanding that they are aligned with or complicit in the military's actions. The use of this term against the Rohingya can foster animosity not only among ethnic minorities but also among the ethnic majority towards the Rohingya community.