Chin

Stateless

The Chin refugees embarked on a courageous journey, escaping the horrors of their homeland in Myanmar, where they endured unimaginable hardships, including forced labor and brutal torture by government soldiers. Faced with devastating famine, the Chin community was compelled to seek refuge in Bangladesh, while a significant majority found solace in the northeastern state of Mizoram, India. However, Their path to safety was strewn with discrimination and the constant threat of mass deportations.

Regrettably, the Chin refugees face numerous challenges in their daily lives. They cannot open bank accounts, leaving them financially unstable, while their children are deprived of education. Tragically, the Chin people encounter discrimination in the form of underpayment and unjust dismissals due to illness or unavoidable absences. Furthermore, racist attacks and incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by the local community have become commonplace, affecting 80 percent of the Chin population and leading to evictions and physical assault. Despite their unwavering desire to return to their homeland, the Chin people remain barred from doing so, as the military still maintains control over the region in Myanmar, leaving their dreams of reunion and reconciliation shattered.

The backdrop of this painting portrays the western region of Myanmar, captured in lively hues inspired by the nation's flag- red, white, blue, and green. The central figure, a woman, stands embellished in a traditional loomed garment, while her face bears the intricate tattoos that are said to once serve as a safeguard against kidnapping. Sadly, this ancient tradition is on the verge of extinction, with only one generation of women left bearing these distinctive facial markings due to a government-imposed ban on such tattoos. In addition to the facial tattoos, the portrayal showcases the decorated women wearing huge earrings, which were also believed to serve as a deterrent against kidnappings. The Chin tribe, predominately Christian, and who remain in Myanmar now resides in the remote corners of their country, their vibrant culture and traditions confined to far-flung regions, isolated from the rest of society.