Projects

SOMISA investigates the securitization of migration in South Asia, particularly focusing on the Rohingya crisis and its implications for the countries of India and Bangladesh. This project critically examines how migration is framed as a security threat and the consequences this has for refugees, local populations, and national security policies. By exploring the intersection of migration, security, and human rights, SOMISA aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the forces at play in the South Asian context and their broader geopolitical implications. 

The mission of the project is to critically examine the securitization of migration in South Asia, with a specific focus on the Rohingya refugee crisis. It aims to assess how security-driven policies in the region affect the lives and rights of Rohingyas and to promote a shift towards more inclusive, human rights-based approaches to migration and refugee protection. Through research, advocacy, and policy recommendations, the project seeks to highlight the challenges faced by displaced communities and encourage regional cooperation to ensure their safety and well-being. 

For the latest updates and more information about the project, please visit the following website:https://sites.google.com/view/projectsomisa/home?authuser=0

In the digital age, the collection, storage, and use of personal data play a pivotal role in governance, particularly in managing vulnerable populations like refugees. This project examines how India’s digital infrastructure is used to collect and manage the data of Rohingya refugees, focusing on the challenges related to data storage, security, and potential misuse. By analyzing biometric systems such as Aadhaar and the deployment of surveillance technologies, the project highlights how these tools contribute to the securitization of Rohingya refugees. It explores ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding privacy violations, lack of oversight, and the risks of data misuse for discriminatory purposes. 

For the latest updates and more information about the project, please visit the following website:https://iccs.chss.nycu.edu.tw/en_old/subproject.php?USN=5105

This project was done in 2021 under the ICCS Student Research Group Scholarship by Monika Verma, Trang Nguyen, and Kahlan A Al Radhi. The title of my paper was “The Rohingya Crisis: Floating Populations’ Persecution/massacre-related Memories in Exile." https://iccs.chss.nycu.edu.tw/en/phd_project.php?USN=2

This project was done in 2020 under the ICCS Student Research Group Scholarship by Monika Verma, Trang Nguyen, and Kahlan A Al Radhi. The title of my paper was “The Issue of Land Acquisition / Grabbing-Induced Displacement in Myanmar: The Exacerbation of the Lives of Rohingyas.” https://iccs.chss.nycu.edu.tw/en/activity.php?USN=772&project_id=1