LONDON, Jul 3 2024 (IPS) – Myanmar’s army, at war with pro-democracy forces and ethnic militias, must know it’s nowhere near victory. It recently came close to losing control of Myawaddy, one of the country’s biggest cities, at a key location on the border with Thailand. Many areas are outside its control.
The army surely expected an easier ride when it ousted the elected government in a coup on 1 February 2021. It had ruled Myanmar for decades before democracy returned in 2015. But many democracy supporters took up arms, and in several parts of the country they’ve allied with militia groups from Myanmar’s ethnic minorities, with a long history of resisting military oppression.
Setbacks and violence
Army morale has collapsed. Thousands of soldiers are reported to have surrendered, including complete battalions – some out of moral objections to the junta’s violence and others because they saw defeat as inevitable. There have also been many defections, with defectors reporting they’d been ordered to kill unarmed civilians. Forces fighting the junta’s troops are encouraging defectors to join their ranks.
In response to reversals, in February the junta announced it would introduce compulsory conscription for young people, demanding up to five years of military service. An estimated 60,000 men are expected to be called up in the first round. The announcement prompted many young people to flee the country if they could, and if not, seek refuge in parts of Myanmar free from military control.
There have also been reports of army squads kidnapping people and forcing them to serve. Given minimal training, they’re cannon fodder and human shields. Rohingya people – an officially stateless Muslim minority – are among those reportedly being forcibly enlisted. They’re being pressed into service by the same military that committed genocide against them.
People who manage to cross into Thailand face hostility from Thai authorities and risk being returned against their will. Even after leaving Myanmar, refugees face the danger of transnational repression, as government intelligence agents reportedly operate in neighbouring countries and the authorities are freezing bank accounts, seizing assets and cancelling passports.
Conscription isn’t just about giving the junta more personnel to compensate for its losses – it’s also part of a sustained campaign of terror intended to subdue civilians and suppress activism. Neighbourhoods are being burned to the ground and hundreds have died in the flames. The air force is targeting unarmed towns and villages. The junta enjoys total impunity for these and many other vile acts.
The authorities hold thousands of political prisoners on fabricated charges and subject them to systematic torture. The UN independent fact-finding mission reports that at least 1,703 people have died in custody since the coup, likely an underestimate. Many have been convicted in secret military trials and some sentenced to death.
There’s also a growing humanitarian crisis, with many hospitals destroyed, acute food shortages in Rakhine state, where many Rohingya people live, and an estimated three million displaced. Voluntary groups are doing their best to help communities, but the situation is made much worse by the military obstructing access for aid workers.
International neglect
In March, UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the situation in Myanmar as ‘a never-ending nightmare’. It’s up to the international community to exert the pressure needed to end it.
It’s by no means certain the military will be defeated. Adversity could lead to infighting and the rise of even more vicious leaders. One thing that could make a decisive difference is disruption of the supply chain, particularly the jet fuel that enables lethal airstrikes on civilians. In April, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution calling on states to stop supplying the military with jet fuel. States should implement it.
Repressive states such as China, India and Russia have been happy enough to keep supplying the junta with weapons. But democratic states must take the lead and apply more concerted pressure. Some, including Australia, the UK and USA, have imposed new sanctions on junta members this year, but these have been slow in coming and fall short of the approach the Human Rights Council resolution demands.
But the worst response has come from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Ignoring reality and civil society’s proposals, ASEAN has stuck to a plan it developed in April 2021 that simply hasn’t worked. The junta takes advantage of ASEAN’s weakness. It announced compulsory conscription shortly after a visit by ASEAN’s Special Envoy for Myanmar.
ASEAN’s neglect has allowed human rights violations and, increasingly, transnational organised crime to flourish. The junta is involved in crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling and online fraud. It uses the proceeds of these, often carried out with the help of Chinese gangs, to finance its war on its people. As a result, Myanmar now ranks number one on the Global Organized Crime Index. This is a regional problem, affecting people in Myanmar’s neighbouring countries as well.
ASEAN members also have an obligation to accept refugees from Myanmar, including those fleeing conscription. They should commit to protecting them and not forcing them back, particularly when they’re democracy and human rights activists whose lives would be at risk.
Forced conscription must be the tipping point for international action. This must include international justice, since there’s none in Myanmar. The junta has ignored an order from the International Court of Justice to protect Rohingya people and prevent actions that could violate the Genocide Convention, following a case brought by the government of The Gambia alleging genocide against the Rohingya. The UN Security Council should now use its power to refer Myanmar to the International Criminal Court so prosecutions of military leaders can begin.
China and Russia, which have so far refused to back calls for action, should end their block on Security Council action, in the interests of human rights and to prevent growing regional instability.
From differences in age and diverse partnerships to relationships influenced by Tinder, these figures are far from ordinary.
So, grab a drink and get comfortable, as we explore the “35 Facts About Relationships in 2024.” Whether you’re navigating the complexities of modern love or simply curious, there’s something here for everyone.
Teenage Relationship Stats
Let’s explore the realm of young romance, where hearts are just starting to flutter and bonds are forming. Here are some important relationship statistics for teenagers in 2024:
Teenage Dating Insights
Surprisingly, 35% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 have some dating experience. This includes those currently in relationships and those who have explored casual or serious connections.
For those curious about sweethearts, 40% of teens are in committed relationships, while 16% have had past romantic involvements but are not currently dating.
You may have heard of high school sweethearts getting together during their school years. Interestingly, 14% of couples met in high school, but only one out of five of these couples pursued further education together in college.
Even more intriguing, less than two percent of these high school couples graduated from college together. This suggests that marrying your high school sweetheart might mean a less competitive journey in the workforce.
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Face-to-Face Connections Are Still Popular
Even with the rise of online friendships, it’s interesting that 26% of teenagers met their partners in person. While a significant 57% of teens form friendships online, only 8% mention finding their partners there.
And when they did find them, it often happened through platforms like Facebook or other social media sites.
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Romantic Interactions Among Teens
Ah, young love! Here’s an interesting fact: 55% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 have flirted with someone. What’s more surprising is that 50% of them did so through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Furthermore, almost half, 47%, conveyed their feelings for someone by engaging in activities such as comments and likes. It seems digital heart emojis are all the rage these days!
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College Relationship Stats
Entering the college world, where life is a mix of self-discovery and the transition into adulthood. Below are some fascinating relationship statistics for college students in 2024:
Serious vs. Casual Relationships in College
College years may appear to be all about casual encounters, but here’s a surprise: 63% of college males are actually looking for serious relationships.
Women in college are not far behind, with an impressive 83% seeking traditional relationships in the love department. However, many are open to short-term, casual affairs.
One reason for this trend is their intense focus on academic achievements and ambitions, which leave little time for long-term commitments.
You might be amazed to find out that 75% of university students have had a long-distance relationship. Among these lovebirds, 66% found the biggest obstacle to be the lack of physical closeness, while 31% mentioned that not having sex was the most challenging part.
The good news is that more than half of these long-distance relationships managed to survive the distance and stay strong.
This might surprise you—24% of college seniors are still virgins. Yes, one-fourth of male and female students in their last year of college have never engaged in sexual activity before college.
For individuals aged between 20 and 24, 12% of women and 13% of men proudly consider themselves virgins.
Oh, millennials, the generation that keeps us guessing. They have their own unique set of relationship statistics from 2024 that reflect how they handle matters of the heart. Let’s explore:
Concerns About Financial Stability in Marriage
Millennials value financial security, and 29% of them feel they are not yet prepared for marriage. This generation gives more importance to the financial side of getting married. Surprisingly, data shows that millennials are three times more likely to stay unmarried compared to the Silent Generation (those born between 1925 and 1942). Among millennials, 26% are waiting for a partner with specific qualities, while another 26% believe they are too young to get married.
Millennials are not rushing into marriage. In fact, a huge 72% of them plan to stay single until they find their perfect match. However, some millennials also confess to feeling lonely as a result of this mindset.
When millennials look for a partner, they are very careful. A significant 40% of them say they won’t just settle for anyone in a relationship. They prefer being single rather than being with someone they don’t see a future with.
This selectiveness is visible in their older age when they first get married, but this is also linked to a decrease in divorce rates. Half of millennials, which is 50%, have worries about long-term relationships, mainly about losing their independence.
Despite their caution and pickiness, 70% of millennials aim to get married in the future, and an even larger percentage, 74%, want to have children.
This generation is known for their thoughtful approach to relationships, considering the positives and negatives related to their happiness, work, and health. They seem to focus on long-term objectives.
The world of long-distance relationships has evolved over time. While the era of handwritten letters and waiting for weeks for a response is over, the ups and downs of these relationships continue. Let’s explore some 2024 data to understand this modern concept of love better:
Successful Long-Distance Relationships
Good news! 60% of couples who engage in long-distance relationships are able to sustain it long-term. Typically, a long-distance relationship refers to partners living at least 132 miles apart.
These relationships are a significant commitment and can be tough, but this data demonstrates their success.
Communication plays a vital role, especially for long-distance couples. On average, these partners exchange around 343 texts per week. The more you talk, the closer you feel, increasing the chances of success.
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Love Grows Stronger with Distance
A surprising 81% of individuals engaged in long-distance relationships feel closer to their partners when they come together after being apart. For 5% of them, this time away actually strengthens their bond more than ever.
Interestingly, 70% of people communicate more frequently when they are separated.
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The Many Long-Distance Relationships
Prepare yourself as a whopping 14 million Americans are navigating the challenges of long-distance relationships. Out of this vast number, 4 million couples are in non-marital relationships.
These relationships emerge due to various reasons like attending college, career opportunities, and military obligations.
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Planning Ahead for Success
The success of long-distance relationships often depends on preparing for the future. A notable 66% of these couples fail due to their lack of concrete plans.
According to these statistics, some suggest that long-distance relationships typically last around 14 months, while some end within five months or even sooner, usually due to concerns about infidelity.
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Visits, Calls, and Letters
In a long-distance relationship, couples commonly meet each other twice a month or sometimes even less. They make sure to have a conversation at least once every three days. Surprisingly, many pairs still exchange letters, approximately three times per month.
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Interracial Relationship Statistics
As a society, we have made progress, and interracial relationships are more widely accepted today than ever. Below are some fascinating 2024 stats. Data showing how interracial relationships are becoming more common:
Mixing Things Up in America
Impressively, 11 million Americans are currently married to someone of a different race or background.
So, it turns out that around 10% of Americans have chosen to embrace diversity in their love lives. It’s interesting to know that interracial marriage was made legal in the USA back in 1967.
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New Couples, New Cultures
Love doesn’t care about where you’re from for Asian and Hispanic couples. A notable 46% of Asian newlyweds and 39% of Hispanics born in the USA have decided to embrace diverse relationships.
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Increasing Diversity in African American Marriages
More African Americans are choosing to marry outside their race. In 2015, 18% of African Americans tied the knot with partners of a different race or background, a significant jump from the 5% recorded in 1980.
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Growth in Acceptance
Thankfully, people are more open to the idea of interracial marriages now. Currently, 39% of Americans are in favor of such relationships. Although there’s still room to grow, this percentage has risen by 15% in just seven years.
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Need for Diversity in Media
Youth today want to see more representation of interracial couples in movies and TV shows. A considerable 56% of individuals aged 18 to 29 believe that TV programs should showcase more interracial couples.
In fact, 43% of women and 39% of the general population are eager for greater visibility of interracial relationships on screen.
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Popular Locations for Interracial Marriages
CertainCities in America are setting an example in mixed-race marriages. Honolulu leads the way, with a surprising 43% of its marriages being between people of different races. Following closely is Las Vegas, Nevada, where 31% of marriages are interracial. Santa Barbara, California, is not far behind with 30% of such marriages. When it comes to the statistics on age differences in relationships, it’s fascinating to note that in countries like the US and Europe, 8% of married couples have an age gap of ten years or more. Usually, it involves an older man and a younger woman. Surprisingly, only 1% of such relationships have the woman being older than the man. In Eastern countries, the age gaps tend to be even larger and more common. In terms of same-sex relationships, a significant 25% of male-male couples have a considerable age difference. This suggests that there are more gay couples with notable age gaps compared to straight couples. Research shows that the size of the age gap can impact the stability of a relationship. A study involving 3,000 individuals revealed that couples with a five-year age difference are 18% more likely to divorce. If the gap increases to ten years, the likelihood of divorce rises to 39%. Surprisingly, if the age gap is a massive 20 years, the risk of divorce soars to a remarkable 95%. Experts believe that larger age gaps can lead to differences in values, preferences, cultural backgrounds, and attitudes towards intimacy.This information was checked in 2024 | 👨🎓Cite this stat. This picture is free to use.
Stats on Abusive RelationshipsUnfortunately, not all relationships are about love and respect. Let’s explore some harsh facts from 2023 that show us how people can behave abusively in different types of relationships, even in those involving teens:Cheating in RelationshipsRegrettably, some relationships involve cheating. Approximately 20% of men and 13% of women have confessed to being unfaithful.These percentages may sound small, but when added up, they represent a significant number of people either cheating or being cheated on.It’s important to mention that the chances of cheating can change with age, and younger women aged 18 to 29 are more likely to cheat than men in the same age group.This data was validated 2024 | 👨🎓Cite this stat. This picture is free to use.Online Cheating BehaviorsIn the modern era, technology has introduced new ways of cheating. Nowadays, most cheating behaviors occur online, like developing feelings for someone over the internet, sharing personal details, or even contacting an ex-partner through messages.This information was verified in 2024 | 👨🎓Cite this stat. This picture is free to use.Violence by Partners among Young WomenA startling fact shows that 94% of women aged 16 to 19 have faced violence from their partners. Among them, 70% belong to the 20 to 24 age bracket.The data indicates that violent conduct often begins during the critical teenage years between 12 and 18.This data was checked in 2024 |👨🎓Refer to this data. This picture is free to use.
Problems in American High Schools
Distressing data shows that around 1.5 million high school students in America go through some type of mistreatment in their relationships. This implies that one out of every three high school students deals with emotional, verbal, sexual, or physical abuse from their partner.
Shockingly, half of young people who have encountered violence or sexual assault have tried to commit suicide. This is a stark difference from typical suicide rates, where approximately 5.4% of boys and 12.5% of girls who haven’t faced violence or assault attempt suicide.
In today’s digital era, online dating plays a significant role in how we meet potential partners. Let’s delve into some interesting Tinder numbers for 2023:
Tinder’s Popularity in America
Tinder boasts an impressive 7.86 million users in the United States, making it a major player in the online dating scene.
Receiving compliments online can greatly improve self-confidence, with 45% of Tinder users confessing to using the app for a self-esteem boost. It provides an easy way to receive compliments from strangers and feel positive about oneself.
An outstanding 77% of Tinder users are open to dating someone from a different ethnic background. This figure shows the increasing acceptance of diverse relationships in the realm of online dating.
People on Tinder quickly say they love each other. An astonishing 85% of them express love within the initial year of being together. This shows how fast emotional ties form in the world of digital dating.
That wraps up everything in the world of relationships in 2023! We’ve seen the growing acceptance of differences, explored how age gaps influence relationships, and looked into the interesting realm of online dating with Tinder.
Whether you’re trying to understand love dynamics or just curious, these numbers give a nice peek into the complicated world of current relationships.
So, keep interacting, dating, and loving! In today’s digital era, the connections we create are limitless. Cheers to all forms of love, now and forever!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average age of people who use online dating apps like Tinder?
The typical age of online daters varies, but many fall in the 18 to 34 age group. This range is most active on apps like Tinder, although users come from all age groups as digital dating becomes more accepted across different generations.
2. Is online dating safe?
Approach online dating with caution for safety. Safeguard your personal info, meet in public places for first dates, and trust your instincts.
Tinder and similar platforms offer safety tools and reporting features to enhance user security.
3. What are the main reasons people use Tinder?
People use Tinder for various purposes, such as seeking romance, casual meetings, and boosting self-confidence. It’s a flexible platform that caters to different dating preferences and goals.
4. How common are interracial relationships on apps like Tinder?
Interracial relationships are increasingly seen on apps like Tinder. A notable number of users are open to dating someone of a different race, indicating a growing acceptance of diversity in online dating.
5. Can relationships started on Tinder lead to long-lasting, meaningful bonds?
Indeed, relationships formed on Tinder can result in lasting, meaningful connections.
Many individuals have discovered love, companionship, and even marriage on the platform. The key is being open, communicating effectively, and investing time in understanding your potential partner, just like in any other relationship.
A child waits to fill water containers in Gaza. Credit: UNRWA
In its latest update last week. the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, reported “especially intense” airstrikes in central Gaza in recent days, particularly in Bureij, Maghazi and Nuseirat refugee camps and eastern Deir Al-Balah.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military’s ground offensive “continues to expand”, UNRWA noted, particularly in the southern regions of Gaza City and eastern Rafah, causing further suffering and further “destabilising” humanitarian aid flows.
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jul 3 2024 (IPS) – Zionism is broken. It is finished as a political philosophy and cannot long survive. Having earned the visceral opposition of multitudes of people and countries around the world for engaging in vast overkill in Gaza, that historical reality will likely become clear to the Israeli people over time.
Still, how could the most powerful state in the Middle East, the most flourishing economically, with the strongest superpower backing, become defunct? It cannot—unless somehow its chief raison d’etrê, its founding philosophy, collapses. That has already happened.
In the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas, the visceral racist core of Zionism has become evident in the indiscriminate slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians, including many thousands of children.
No reason of state can ever excuse that. Israel’s righteous anger against HAMAS for its obscene October 7 attack transitioned quickly into racial hatred, ending in, if not genocide, then certainly war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu and his Likud allies have not hidden their racism for decades. Now it is explicit in full view of the world.
The Zionism of Netanyahu and his supporters must be repudiated by the Israelis themselves. Israel’s leaders from Menachem Begin to today have long endorsed statements lauding Israel uber alles.
Zionism can only be rehabilitated if it separates its reason for existing from the current triumphalist military identity that is determined to kill, kill, and kill again until the utter destruction and suppression of all every tangible and ideological enemy.
In a recent CNN interview, former Shin Beth Director Ami Ayalon, was very explicit: he said “The toxic leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu” [in pursuing an endless war] will “lead to the end of Zionism.” In that case, he said, “We cannot be secure and we shall lose our identity.”
Ayalon was preceded by a number of courageous Israeli thinkers and writers who warned of the same outcome—Israel was founded in 1948 but in their opinion, Zionism had already failed ideologically by the mid-1960s. They included Hebrew University professor Israel Shahak (1933-2001), who wrote, “It is my considered opinion that the State of Israel is a racist state in the full meaning of the term.”
He insisted that, “You cannot have humane Zionism. It (too) is a contradiction in terms.” Uri Avnery (1923-2018), a decorated Israeli soldier and later a publisher and politician, published a book in 1968 titled Israel without Zionists.
Many of the original Jewish colonists had utopian dreams, but their leaders would probably not recognize the grim, revengeful militarism of today’s Israel. A few tiny orthodox religious parties in Israel have never bought into the military machine that is the Likud Party’s pride and joy.
Some have steadfastly refused even to serve in the Israeli army because they don’t believe in the Israeli state. Now even they are being conscripted.
The original dream of Zionism from Theodore Herzl to Chaim Weizmann to David Ben Gurion, although containing seeds of a today’s hob-booted military identity, nevertheless also expressed a grandiosely humane, even a universal, goal—to become a “light to the nations.” In that, Israel has signally failed.
Like HAMAS and most Palestinians, Israel’s people—and Israel as a country—has become increasingly and deeply racist. Now racism—hatred of others for their differences—has become racial-ism, which is even worse, a doctrine of race superiority, which was the Nazi credo.
The Israel of Benjamin Netanyahu and his thuggish coalition has succumbed to such race hatred that Zionists from pre-1948 Palestine would not recognize it. A Jan. 6, 2024 opinion article in the Jerusalem Post urges Israel to reform its politics along better Zionist lines and take power away from the extremists now in charge. Commendable, but not nearly enough.
What if Abraham Lincoln had countenanced America’s original sin of slavery by merely taking half steps? We might still have “slavery lite.” No, Israel’s race-based philosophy must change to the democratic ideal: a single state in Israel and the occupied territories for Muslims, Christians, and Jews. One person, one vote.
When Palestinians are treated as human beings—as real people instead of enemies to be eradicated en masse—people everywhere would soon see how quickly peace would come to the Middle East.
This data was validated 2024 | 
This information was verified in 2024 | 
This data was checked in 2024 |
