Migration Study Activity 2
Achtar Khalif Firdausy
Summary of The Issue
The Rohingya are a muslim minority group predominantly living in the Rakhine state of
Myanmar. They have historically been neglected by the Burmese government and even more so
With the rise of the Junta and the implementation of the Bamar supremacist ideas that is
amplified by Junta. Since the start of the Myanmar civil protest in 2017, the military junta
implemented a crackdown targeting the Rohingya which forced them to forcefully migrate to
neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and in other parts of Southeast Asia. Numbering up to
750.000 refugees they now mostly reside in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh as well
as in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Comparing Al Jazeera and BBC Coverage:
Through its title Al Jazeera “‘Many more could die’: Urgent plea for Rohingya refugees trapped
at sea” their coverage emphasizes urgency and humanitarianism in a time of dire crisis. The
coverage focuses on the suffering that the Rohingya refugees experience being adrift in the
middle of the Andaman sea in overcrowded boats. It also criticizes the inaction of neighboring
nations, especially coastal states which might lead to unnecessary death under their watchful
eyes. The focus of the coverage is on human suffering, the inaction of regional coastal states, and
the urgency for immediate humanitarian action.
Whereas the BBC article covering the same topic titled: “Bangladesh 'to be tougher' on Rohingya
refugees”. Focuses the coverage of the issue through the lens of the institution instead of from
the point of view of the refugee. It highlights the challenges that Bangladesh faces with the mass
migration of the Rohingya, especially concerning economy and security. The article also shifts to
discussing stricter policy the government are taking and effort of relocating the refugees.
Framing Analysis:
Al Jazeera takes a more sympathetic framing of the issue of Rohingya forceful migration.
Portraying individual Rohingya as a victim of regional and global neglect. Through the use of
Personal experience Al Jazeera seeks to generate sympathy and emphasize the urgency of the
situation which could potentially move people to take action on the issue.
In contrast, BBC took a more realistic approach from the point of view of the Bangladeshi
government. Although generally taking a neutral stance on the issue the focus was more on the
burden that the government must face rather than focusing on the immediacy or human suffering
of the Rohingya.
Implication for International Human Rights:
Al Jazeera focuses on immediacy and personal stories can generate emotional response to the
reader, bringing awareness and a sense of immediacy to the situation. This can hopefully raise
awareness to the event happening and raise international advocacy to the media. Thus,
reinforcing human rights and international norms.
While BBC is still neutral on the subject, their emphasis is on challenges and constraints of a
receiving country such as Bangladesh. BBC could inspire fear and inaction for regional
countries. Moreover, the cold and realistic frame could also make the international audience lose
their sympathy for the plight of the Rohingya.
In conclusion, how media frame migration issues always have an impact on public opinion
whether positive or negative toward humanity. A factual framing focusing on the burdens that
are carried by institution due to migration must be coupled with frame that emphasize human
suffering and personal experience in order to spur international advocacy and, hopefully, inspire
better policy in migration governance.
Reference:
BBC News. (2019, August 24). Bangladesh “to be tougher” on Rohingya refugees.
[Link]
Jazeera, A. (2023, December 24). ‘Many more could die’: Urgent plea for Rohingya refugees
trapped at sea. Al Jazeera.
[Link]
gya-refugees-trapped-at-sea?utm_