Welcome To
Smile MyanmarSMILE’s STATEMENT on 2022 Human Rights Day
Burmese Civil Society Will Continue to Defend Human Rights Until Democracy Prevails Yangon 10 December 2022
On the international commemoration of Human Rights Day, when in 1948 the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the SMILE Myanmar reiterates its commitment to the protection of the human rights of everyone without discrimination of any kind. Burmese ethnic and religious minorities deserve equal access to services and the protection and promotion of all their human rights.
In this context, Burmese civil society faces increasing administrative restrictions, surveillance, and other obstacles. Sometimes it has difficulties in accessing people in need. However, organizations like the SMILE Myanmar will not desist in their will to defend human rights until democracy prevails. The SMILE Myanmar is dedicated to the protection of those most vulnerable and wants to celebrate Human Rights Day with a message of hope and optimism against adversity. At the end, democracy and human rights shall overcome.
Furthering the spirit of the 1961 Statelessness Convention. Statement on 60th Anniversary of Statelessness Convention (August 30th, 2021).
Statement on UN International Day of Peace 2024
(September 21, 2024)
Season’s Greetings from SMILE – towards an inclusive 2021.
As we reach the end of what has been a challenging year for people across the globe, SMILE would like to take the chance to thank everyone who has supported us and wish you a restful holiday period and a peaceful and prosperous new year. No-one could have predicted the turmoil that the COVID-19 pandemic would bring on the world, and our thoughts are with those who have faced the most difficult circumstances, for those who have lost loved ones and those who have lost the basic dignity of work and the right to self-determination. Not only has the pandemic impacted the global poor in unforeseen ways, but hundreds of thousands of religious and ethnic minorities in Myanmar who are stateless or at risk of statelessness have suffered through a lack of access to healthcare, and in the case of many communities in northern Rakhine, a lack of access to information about how to protect themselves from the virus. We hope that the spirit of togetherness will thrive in 2021, and that our efforts to overcome the pandemic have inclusion, equality and value for all human life at their core.
Only Together Can We Recover Better, UN Human Rights Day, 10th December 2020
We would like to congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (the first female vice-president of the USA) on their historic election victory.
Our Story
Is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation working with diverse people from all levels of Myanmar society to promote freedom of religion and belief and to protect the dignity and rights of religious minorities.
Our Vision
Our vision is of a society where all people can practice their faith without fear or restriction and where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
Our mission is to mobilize broad support for laws and policies that protect religious minorities and to empower the diverse people of Myanmar to be change-makers.
Our History
SMILE Myanmar was founded in 2007 and registered in 2013, SMILE’s main focus was originally to train teachers in Myanmar to utilize participatory approaches.
In the years following SMILE’s establishment, Myanmar experienced waves of violent attacks targeting Muslims, both in Rakhine State and around the country. At the same time, SMILE observed a wide range of increasingly repressive measures that were being levied against religious minorities around the country. In the years following, SMILE began to shift its focus more towards promoting freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) and building interfaith cooperation.
We work in partnership with CBOs, NGOs, INGOs and a broad range of civil society actors. Most of our work has been conducted in Yangon and Mandalay and via our field coordinators in states and regions around the country.
SMILE is maintained through generous support by funding form INGOs, embassies,foundations, and generous donations.
Our Values
Empathy & Solidarity
We believe it is necessary that we cultivate empathy and that we demonstrate solidarity with marginalized groups and persons different from ourselves.
Justice & Equality
We strive to promote justice and equality for all persons in Myanmar regardless of ethnicity, race, gender identity, ability, socioeconomic status or other characteristic.
Collaboration
We believe that realistic and innovative solutions are found through collaboration, which is what we strive for in all our external activities and internal operations.
Dignity & Diversity
We believe that diversity is a strength and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
Transparency & Accountability
We strive to maintain internal and external transparency and promote an environment of openness within Myanmar society.
Sustainability
To promote lasting peace and implement lasting change, our projects and activities must be socially, politically, and economically sustainable
Examples of Past and Current Activities
Theory of Change
If we raise awareness about the existence and effects of faith-based discrimination and persecution by creating spaces where people of diverse backgrounds can build relationships with one another, then people will be motivated to protect the rights and dignity of religious minorities and will work together towards lasting solutions.
Publication
Briefing Paper
Get In Touch
We are always looking for enthusiastic people to help us achieve our mission!
For inquiries about internships or volunteering opportunities, please send an email to ad.smile.myanmar@gmail.com with your motivation and a copy of your resume. We ask that you are available to work with us for at least three (3) months.
All other questions, comments, or feedback should be directed below: