In Focus

At the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), our mission is driven by a commitment to protect the rights and dignity of the Chin people and other marginalized communities in Myanmar. In response to the escalating conflict, human rights abuses, and growing humanitarian crises, we have developed a comprehensive approach that integrates both human rights advocacy and humanitarian action. Our work is grounded in a rights-based approach, ensuring that our humanitarian assistance not only meets immediate needs but also protects and upholds the fundamental rights of the most vulnerable.

1. Human Rights Documentation and Advocacy

For nearly three decades, CHRO has been at the forefront of documenting and advocating against human rights violations in Chin State and beyond. Our Human Rights Division focuses on:

Documentation & Investigation: We systematically document war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights violations. Our field investigators collect evidence and testimonies to build comprehensive reports, which are shared with international accountability mechanisms and human rights organizations.

Advancing Justice & Accountability: CHRO is committed to holding perpetrators accountable through legal channels, including Universal Jurisdiction cases in the Philippines and Indonesia. We actively engage with international bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and UN Special Rapporteurs. Our goal is to secure justice for victims and survivors by amplifying their voices and advocating for global action.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement: CHRO works closely with national governments, international organizations, and policymakers to push for stronger protections for the Chin people and other ethnic groups in Myanmar. Our advocacy ensures that the human rights situation in Myanmar remains on the international agenda, with a focus on long-term accountability.

2. Humanitarian Response and Protection: A Rights-Based Approach

In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis following the 2021 military coup, CHRO expanded its operations to include direct humanitarian assistance. Our humanitarian work is rooted in a rights-based approach, which ensures that our efforts go beyond providing basic relief, emphasizing the protection of human rights, dignity, and the safety of vulnerable communities. Our Humanitarian Division focuses on:

Emergency Response & Community Resilience: We provide life-saving aid, including food, shelter, and essential supplies, to displaced communities. Our response is guided by the principles of dignity and respect for the rights of those affected. We work to empower communities, building their capacity to recover and become more resilient to future crises, while ensuring their rights to safety, security, and livelihood are upheld.

Health & Protection: Our rights-based approach extends to healthcare and protection services, where we prioritize the most vulnerable, such as women, children, and the elderly. CHRO provides medical aid, psychosocial support, and safe shelter, ensuring that protection measures are integrated into all aspects of our humanitarian work. We also support human rights defenders and those at risk of persecution, safeguarding their right to protection from violence and exploitation.

Capacity Building for Sustainability: A key part of our rights-based humanitarian work is building the capacity of local civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs and CBOs). By empowering local actors, CHRO ensures that humanitarian efforts are sustainable and that local communities can take ownership of their recovery and resilience efforts. This approach aligns with our belief that humanitarian assistance must be community-led, respecting the right of people to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships

CHRO collaborates with international organizations, regional partners, and local communities to maximize the impact of our rights-based humanitarian and advocacy work. As the only locally-led human rights organization from Myanmar with UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for the Chin people on the global stage. Our partnerships strengthen our ability to address both the human rights and humanitarian needs of Chin State and northwest Myanmar.

4. Public Awareness and Global Advocacy

We leverage our platform to raise global awareness of the human rights abuses and humanitarian crises affecting Chin State and northwest Myanmar. Through our reports, briefings, and public advocacy, we engage with media, international institutions, and the global public to ensure the voices of Burma’s marginalized communities are heard. Our advocacy is aimed at securing not only immediate relief but also long-term justice and rights protection.

By integrating a rights-based approach into all aspects of our work, CHRO ensures that both our humanitarian and advocacy efforts are focused on empowering and protecting the Chin people and other vulnerable communities in Myanmar. Our activities seek to uphold their dignity, ensure accountability, and build a future where all ethnic and religious groups in Myanmar can live free from oppression and violence.