In September 2024, I began my new position as a research fellow at the Myanmar Studies Center, where I will be for the next two years as a recipient of the Marie Curie Sklodowska (MSCA CZ) fellowship.
I hold a doctoral degree from the Institute of Social Research and Cultural Studies at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, where my research explored the political dynamics shaping the experiences of Rohingya refugees. My doctoral work focused on the interplay of politics, securitization, and exclusion, specifically analyzing how these factors impact the Rohingya in India as they navigate displacement and marginalization. In addition, I wrote about the situation of the Rohingya several academic papers, for example: Exploring Public Opinions on Rohingya Refugees Residing in India: An Empirical Study.
My current research builds on this foundation by examining the securitization of migration in South Asia—specifically in India and Bangladesh—and its broader consequences for Rohingya refugees. In this region, the framing of migration as a security threat has led to restrictive policies that limit the rights and opportunities of refugee communities. For the Rohingya, this has resulted in increased exclusion from basic resources, education, and employment, further compounded by social alienation in host countries like India and Bangladesh.
This project focuses on several key questions:
- How has the securitization of migration in South Asia affected Rohingya refugees’ access to rights and resources?
- What are the daily experiences of Rohingya refugees in host countries, and how do securitization policies shape their interactions with local communities?
- What role do surveillance, biometrics, and other forms of digital control play in shaping the lives of displaced Rohingya in the region?
By addressing these questions, I aim to highlight the broader implications of securitization for refugee populations in South Asia and advocate for policies that are more inclusive and grounded in human rights.
In addition to my main research, I will help organize events related to Myanmar and the Rohingya community, such as film screenings and public lectures. I will also engage with Czech civil society organizations working on Myanmar-related issues and manage the Myanmar Studies Center’s social media presence (check out our new Facebook page at facebook.com/mscatup!).
You can reach me at monika.verma@upol.cz