Community-Based Social Cohesion Rakhine (CBSC)
In the fragile and conflict-affected context of Rakhine State, Switzerland aims to prevent violence and improve intercommunal relations between the Rohingya, Rakhine and other minority ethnic groups. It will achieve this by strengthening intercommunal institutions and facilitating community-based reconciliation and dialogue efforts in Rakhine State through community networks, civil society organization (CSOs) and local leaders.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Myanmar |
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR Conflict & fragility nothemedefined
Protection, access & security
Conflict prevention |
01.07.2024
- 30.06.2026 |
CHF 1’690’000
|
- Communities from different ethnicity background from 17 township of Rakhine (Rohingya, Rakhine and other ethnic minority like Kamau)
- Community Networks (Youth & Women): 20’000 members and 75’000 supporters
- Village representatives and religious leaders from 8 village tracks
- Disadvantaged ethnic communities, in particular youth, girls and women
- 160 Rohingya community teachers from Northern Rakhine
- Civic education ToT training to local schools’ teachers from AA controlled areas
- Community networks and local leaders are empowered to lead social cohesion initiatives within their communities and to advocate effectively with local authorities
- Conflict prevention is achieved through the dissemination of accurate and reliable information, countering harmful disinformation and targeted advocacy
- Social cohesion, inclusion and intercultural skills are fostered through civic education and vocational training
- Center for Diversity and National Harmony (CDNH); Center for Social Integrity (CSI)
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Material relief assistance and services
Civilian peace-building, conflict prevention and resolution
Cross-cutting topics Crisis prevention
The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
Aid Type Project and programme contribution
Project number 7F09591
| Background | Rakhine is one of the poorest states in Myanmar, plagued by social exclusion, inter-communal tension, conflict and vulnerability to natural disasters. Communal tensions between Rakhine and Rohingya - a Muslim minority group residing in Rakhine which has historically experienced persecution – have existed for several decades. The Rohingya constitute the single biggest stateless community in the world. In 2012, Rakhine was marked by large-scale inter-communal violence. Hundreds of people were killed, houses burnt and 140’000 Rohingya were forcibly displaced. In 2017, the situation worsened and around 500’000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar into Bangladesh. The refugee camp in Cox Bazar hosts now 1 mio Rohingya. Following the military coup in February 2021, the situation in Rakhine was relatively calm in comparison with other regions, as there was an informal ceasefire between the Myanmar Armed Force (MAF) and the Arakan Army (AA). It led to increasing freedom for civil society to address intercommunal relations, especially in AA-controlled areas. Armed conflict between MAF and AA resumed however in November 2023, resulting in devastating consequences for the civilian population. The Rohingya community continues to be caught between the MAF and the AA. Social cohesion is more needed than ever. Switzerland brings comparative advantage from its long experience in social cohesion and locally-led solutions in Rakhine. In view of the volatility of the context, adaptative management will be done continuously during the implementation of the project. |
| Objectives | Strengthen social cohesion in Rakhine State by supporting youth and women networks to prevent conflicts and facilitate increased community dialogue and resilience. |
| Target groups |
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| Medium-term outcomes |
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| Results |
Expected results: 1.1 7000 community leaders, CSOs and community network partners are trained on leadership, peacebuilding, negotiation and advocacy 2.1 Accurate and reliable information is collected and disseminated in mass awareness campaigns and events to counter hate speech 2.2 Human rights violations are brought to the attention of parties to conflict 3.1 Communities are sensitized about social cohesion through civic education 3.2 Disadvantaged ethnic youth receive vocational trainings and mentorship to start small businesses 3.3 Rohingya adults learn Burmese language Results from previous phases: Despite the intense armed conflict and intercommunal tensions, there has been an overall positive shift in community awareness, with individuals now recognizing that their actions can exacerbate intercommunal tensions. Women and Youth Networks established in 17 townships in Rakhine State, as well as a Community Development Committee, have played an active and central role in community service and conflict prevention efforts. More than 30’000 people were sensitized about social cohesion, 7867 individuals benefited from vocational training programmes, 191 adolescent girls received non-formal education courses. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | Mainly with the portfolio on Peace, Reduction of violence and Protection in SPO1, both in terms of programmes (Meiskwe) and advocacy; with Rakhine UNDP programme. Coordination will be ensured with other actors delivering humanitarian aid (ICRC, UNHCR, WFP, Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF), etc.). |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 1’690’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 566’017 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF 1’400’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2026 (Current phase) |
