For three decades, the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) has stood at the forefront of the struggle for justice, human rights, and dignity for the Chin people and other marginalized communities in Burma. As conflict and displacement continue to ravage Myanmar, CHRO’s ongoing efforts remain crucial in addressing the interconnected crises of human rights abuses, humanitarian needs, and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

CHRO’s work is grounded in a mission that not only seeks to document atrocities but also empowers displaced communities, strengthens their resilience, and advances the cause of democracy. Here’s how CHRO has been addressing these challenges:

Protecting Human Rights

Since its founding in 1995, CHRO has been a tireless advocate for human rights, consistently exposing violations perpetrated against the Chin people and other vulnerable groups. As one of the few locally-led organizations with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations, CHRO has brought global attention to atrocities committed by the Myanmar military, including war crimes, religious persecution, and targeted attacks on civilians.

CHRO’s documentation of human rights abuses, particularly in the wake of the 2021 military coup, has provided invaluable evidence for international legal mechanisms, including Universal Jurisdiction cases and submissions to the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM). By documenting these violations, CHRO ensures that the voices of the displaced and persecuted are heard, and that justice remains a possibility.

Empowering Displaced Communities

Beyond documentation, CHRO’s commitment to empowering displaced communities has been central to its mission. Displacement as a result of military aggression has affected hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmar, especially in Chin State. CHRO has actively worked to protect the rights of these displaced communities by advocating for their safe migration, securing international protection, and ensuring that their basic needs are met.

CHRO has also played a crucial role in mentoring young Chin leaders, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to carry on the fight for justice. Through training programs, community outreach, and leadership development initiatives, CHRO empowers individuals within displaced communities to take an active role in shaping their own future and advocating for their rights.

Building Resilience

In times of crisis, resilience becomes the foundation for survival. CHRO has worked to strengthen the resilience of displaced and conflict-affected communities through a multi-faceted approach that integrates humanitarian assistance, local capacity building, and community-led initiatives.
During the food crisis of the 2000s and the 2015 natural disaster in Chin State, CHRO played a key role in organizing relief efforts, creating the Chin Committee for Emergency Relief and Response (CCERR). This community-driven approach ensured that relief efforts were coordinated, timely, and effective. Today, CHRO continues to work closely with local organizations to provide support in conflict zones, helping displaced communities recover and rebuild, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Promoting Democracy and Accountability

At the heart of CHRO’s mission is the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. Since the 2021 coup, Burma has faced a breakdown of democratic institutions and escalating violence against civilians. CHRO’s advocacy has focused on ensuring that the international community remains engaged in the crisis and that accountability for crimes committed by the military remains a top priority.

Through its sustained advocacy efforts at the United Nations, ASEAN, and other international platforms, CHRO continues to call for justice, democratic reforms, and a future federal system that ensures minority rights and protects the general welfare of all citizens. CHRO’s work is grounded in the belief that Burma’s path forward must be rooted in democratic principles, where all communities—including the displaced—have a voice in shaping the country’s future.

Supporting Humanitarian Needs Amid Crisis

In response to the ongoing humanitarian crises, CHRO has also expanded its efforts to address the urgent needs of displaced communities along the India-Burma border. Many of these communities face dire living conditions, including lack of food, shelter, healthcare, and education. CHRO’s work with partner organizations has provided critical assistance, helping to alleviate suffering and ensure that displaced individuals and families can access the resources they need to survive.

A Future Grounded in Human Rights and Democracy

CHRO’s work is far from over. The organization remains deeply committed to addressing the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crises in Burma while laying the foundation for a more just, equitable, and democratic future. By protecting rights, empowering people, building resilience, and promoting democracy, CHRO ensures that even in the face of immense challenges, the fight for justice and dignity continues.

As Burma faces some of the darkest moments in its history, CHRO’s work serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and solidarity for the displaced and oppressed. With continued international support, CHRO will remain steadfast in its mission to uphold human rights, support displaced communities, and advocate for a democratic future for all.