Framing the identity and citizenship crises of rohingya from the perspective of diaspora communities

This thesis argues that by the citizenship policies of Myanmar government, the rights of Rohingya have been taken away and the identity of Rohingya has been marginalized. An emphasis is made on the history, ancestors, homeland, and ideal when an individual seeks for a recognition for an ethnic identity. Ethnic groups hold on to their unique culture, cultural heritage, language, homeland, and historical past not only to act in solidarity but also to reinforce the consciousness of national identity. Rohingya ethnic group in Rakhine state (formerly Arakan state) is in seek for identity and citizenship rights in the country. Even though Rohingya people have been living in Arakan for centuries, they are being marginalized and have been deprived their rights by the 1982 citizenship law, which was created by the authoritarian leader after the military coup in 1962. This study was elaborated marginalized and persecuted life of Rohingyas for decades by the Government of Myanmar (GOM) in their homeland, and after the enactment of the 1982 Citizenship Law and citizenship polies enforced by the government. Thereby, every right was deprived systematically from the Rohingya by the GOM. By this circumstance of the country, many Rohingyas have been fled from the country and seek asylum from other countries. This study primarily used the qualitative research data of in-depth personal interview by conducting 18 Rohingya participants from diaspora community including male and female participants. The study examined the narrative of the Rohingya identity and citizenship policies of their homeland from the personal experience of diaspora community.