The Irrawaddy Magazine

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The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (July 30, 2016) Posted: 29 Jul 2016 08:16 PM PDT The logo of telecommunications firm Ooredoo is seen at the company's head office in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: Reuters) ADB Has Tips on Transportation Improvements As much as US$60 billion of investment is required by 2030 if Burma is to address shortfalls in transportation infrastructure that risk holding the country back from economic growth and reducing poverty, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said. The Manila-based multilateral financial institution has just published a lengthy "policy note" on the transport sector, comprising nine separate reports that include one on "how to reform transport institutions," others looking at Burma's river transport, urban transport and truck roads, and a guide on "how to improve road user charges"—the latter dealing with the thorny issue of tolls. The reports derive from reviews on which the ADB assisted the Burmese government in 2014-15. A press release accompanying the publication cited Bambang Susantono, ADB's vice-president for knowledge management and sustainable development, saying the country's "future is full of great potential." "The new government is ready to make use of its abundant and innate resources to eradicate poverty and ensure growth for everyone," he said. "This includes providing access to a modern and safe transport system for all." Detailing some of the findings, it said that some 20 million people in Burma currently live in villages without road access during all seasons. "The report notes that $45 to $60 billion is required in transport investments by 2030, and these should be coupled with streamlining institutions and strengthening cross-ministerial collaboration," it added. Ooredoo Turns a Profit Qatar-based telecommunications firm Ooredoo has begun making profits on its operation in Burma, it announced, after more than doubling its subscriber base in a year. In half-year results announced this week, the company said it now had more than 8 million customers in the country, and said its data network was already available in locations where more than 85 percent of the population lives. The results say Ooredoo Myanmar made a profit almost $22 million in the first half of 2016, compared to losses of about $83 million in the first half of 2015. Despite the growth in subscribers, Ooredoo is still behind rival private telceommunications firm Telenor of Norway, which has raced to 16.9 million subscribers, according to quarterly results published this month. Telenor made $72.3 million in the second quarter of 2016, between April and June. But Ooredoo last year vowed to turn its fortunes around with a more mass market approach. Revenues grew by 41 percent year to year, according to the latest results. The company also said it had become the first operator to launch 4G mobile services in May, "confirming its data leadership in Myanmar." New South Korea-Backed Think Tank Takes Shape The Myanmar Development Institute, a new think tank set up in Naypyidaw with funding from South Korea's international aid agency, has picked its first director, according to a report. The institute was officially launched in January with the intention of creating a "national think tank" to advise the government on socioeconomic issues and policy. The Korean International Cooperation Agency has committed $20 million of funding for the project over five years. A report from Korean business publication Pulse this week cited an announcement from the Korea Development Institute naming the first director as Burmese national and World Bank economist Min Ye Paing Hein. The new director—who will assume office in December, according to the report—has a doctorate in social science and political economy from the University of Wisconsin, and speaks Chinese, as well as English and Burmese, it said. In a sign of what the new institute's priorities might be, Min Ye Paing Hein has served as a poverty specialist at the World Bank, and is the author of a slideshow published online about landlessness in Burma. At the time of its launch, a state media report said the Myanmar Development Institute's working committee was chaired by Zaw Oo, then an economic advisor to former President Thein Sein. Japanese Firm to Launch Crop Insurance Japan's Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance has signed a memorandum of understanding with the leading association of rice producers to offer insurance covering crop losses due to bad weather, according to state media. The Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Friday that the Japanese company and the Myanmar Rice Federation signed the agreement on Tuesday in Rangoon to work together on launching an insurance system in Upper Burma. It will cover crop losses due to torrential rains, the report said. "We will provide technical assistance without gaining any profit," Keiji Okada, general manager at Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance was quoted saying. "Since Myanmar has difficulty in collecting weather data we will apply satellite technology to measure rainfall and weather conditions using photos sent by the satellite." The report cited Tun Win, deputy minister for agriculture, livestock and irrigation saying that the country is among those in the world most adversely affected by "erratic weather," making the implementation of an insurance system difficult. Private Equity Fund Raises $20M for Burma Projects Singapore-registered private equity fund Golden Rock Capital has raised $20 million and has begun investing in business in Burma, according to dealstreetasia.com. The website reported that the fund is targeting $100 million in total funding to make individual investments of ideally between $7 million and $10 million in the country. It has already put money into Myanmar Personal Care, a Singapore-registered entity trading in perfumes, the report said. Dealstreetasia.com this week cited Marvin Yeo, founder of the fund, which has offices in Rangoon and Singapore, saying that $20 million had so far been raised. Originating partner Thura Soe Paing told the website that investments would mean firms get management help from the fund. "We are more than a provision of capital, we would like to help the businesses grow through the contacts and connections that we have," he was quoted saying. "The most important thing is when we come as investors and advisors, we believe in the long term potential of the country we are not here just to make a quick buck." The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (July 30, 2016) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

This Week in Parliament (July 25-29) Posted: 29 Jul 2016 08:11 PM PDT Members of Parliament arrive for a meeting in Naypyidaw on March 10, 2016. (Photo: Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters) July 25 (Monday) The second regular session of Parliament resumed on Monday. The Union Parliament put on record President Htin Kyaw's attendance at the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit to mark the 20th anniversary of the Asean-Russia dialogue partnership; the declaration of bylaws related to electricity and chemicals; the appointment of a State Counselor's Office deputy minister, a Naypyidaw council member and the chairman of the Danu Self-Administered Zone in Shan state, and the resignation of a member of the Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission. The deputy minister of planning and finance, Kyaw Win, explained the amended Union budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year and the draft law to amend the Union budget law. The chairman of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission explained the commission's 2015 annual report. The Lower House approved the draft law to revoke the Rangoon and Mandalay municipal laws. In the Upper House, Sai Wan Hline Kham of Shan State Constituency-3 submitted a proposal urging the government to take a tough stance on drug production and distribution across northern Shan State, conduct an awareness campaign and implement rehabilitation policies. The Upper House approved his proposal. July 26 (Tuesday) In the Lower House, lawmakers debated a proposal previously submitted by Aye Zin Latt, a National League for Democracy lawmaker from Shwebo Township in Sagaing Division. His proposal urged the health ministry to expand its rural care service and address the shortage of doctors and medicines at hospitals. The health minister replied that his ministry was implementing a five-year health plan that would upgrade all 25-bed hospitals to 50-bed ones and within two months hire 2,000 new doctors and medical staff. In the Upper House, Okkar Min from Tenasserim Division asked about plans to protect migrant workers' rights. Labor, Immigration and Population Minister Thein Swe replied that his ministry was holding multilateral talks with Asean members to ensure safe workplaces free from discrimination and exploitation. His ministry is also trying to bring back Burmese migrant workers who have been detained in Malaysia and Thailand. Zaw Min Latt from Shan State Constituency-1 asked if the ministry had a plan to improve the minimum wage—3,600 kyats for an eight-hour day, or 450 kyats per hour. Thein Swe replied that his ministry currently had no such plan but would monitor the overall situation and consider it in the future. Regarding a question by Khin Ma Gyi from Kachin State Constituency-8 about foreign workers in Burma, the minister replied that taxes are levied on them according to related laws, bylaws, visas and bilateral agreements. The ministry is drafting a law to enforce regulations on foreign workers employed in Burma. July 27 (Wednesday) Twelve lawmakers debated Aye Zin Latt's proposal to expand the public health department.  Health Minister Myint Htwe responded to the discussion and Parliament agreed to monitor the department's performance. In the Upper House, Than Soe from Rangoon Constituency-4 asked if Burma's Agriculture and Rural Development Bank would release its annual financial statement for 2015-16, and agriculture minister Aung Thu said work was underway to release the financial statement. In Burma, the government confiscates lottery prizes that are not claimed within a year. Htein Win from Irrawaddy Division Constituency-4 asked if the government had a plan to increase the prizes instead of confiscating them. National Planning and Finance Deputy Minister Maung Maung Win said his ministry was drafting the State Lottery Law, under which the government would use unclaimed lottery money toward public spending. Aung Myo from Sagaing Division Constituency-2 asked what the government does with the vehicles it confiscates in connection with criminal and civil cases. Maung Maung Win replied that these vehicles were sold to buyers under an open tender system as instructed by the Union government and vehicles beyond repair were transferred to the National Planning and Finance Ministry as state property. July 28 (Thursday) In the Union Parliament, lawmakers debated the joint public accounts committee's report of its review and remarked on the Union government's targeted taxation goals and actual taxation amounts for the second half of the 2015-16 fiscal year. The Union Parliament approved the report. Sixteen lawmakers discussed the 2015 annual report of the National Human Rights Commission and the commission chairman responded. The Union Parliament put the discussions on record. July 29 (Friday) Ten lawmakers debated a proposal by Yin Min Hlaing from Gangaw Township of Magwe Division that urged the Union government to address deforestation and environmental degradation in western Magwe Division. Resources and Environmental Conservation Minister Ohn Win responded to the discussion and the Parliament approved monitoring of the situation. The post This Week in Parliament (July 25-29) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Suu Kyi Discusses Language, Education With Wa and Mongla Representatives
• Govt Releases Economic Policy Outlines, Deferring Detail
• KIA, Burma Army Clash Amid Ongoing Ethnic Summit
• Securities Commission Says Foreigners Cannot Buy Shares This Year
• Wa Pledge Not to Split From Union
• China Envoy Expects ‘All Armed Groups’ to Attend Union Peace Conference
• National Human Rights Commission Strongly Criticized by Lawmakers
• Stakeholders Discuss Refugee Repatriation on Thai-Burma Border

Suu Kyi Discusses Language, Education With Wa and Mongla Representatives Posted: 29 Jul 2016 07:10 AM PDT State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi speaks with representatives from Wa and Mongla communities in Naypidaw on Friday, July 29, 2016. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) NAYPYIDAW — State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi briefly met over 100 members of the Wa and Mongla public on Friday afternoon in Naypidaw. Suu Kyi delivered a speech and hosted a question and answer session with community members, in which she emphasized the importance of developing the education and healthcare sectors across the nation, including in the remote regions of ethnic states. The 20-minute event, which followed an earlier meeting with leaders of the United Wa State Army and the National Democratic Alliance Army—also known as the Mongla Group, had to be conducted through an interpreter, from Burmese into Wa. Chinese, rather than Burmese, serves as a lingua franca in the Wa self-administered zone in Shan State, which also borders China. Addressing the language barrier at the event in the context of educational development, Suu Kyi told the audience that the country still lacked the capacity to provide textbooks for schools in the country's many ethnic languages. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi answers questions from representatives from Wa and Mongla communities during a brief meeting in Naypidaw on Friday, July 29, 2016. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) "We need more teachers for our ethnic regions; having enough teachers is more important than having more school buildings," she said. To this end, the State Counselor suggested training more teachers who are able to speak the languages of Burma's ethnic minorities, so that they can better communicate with students and thereby give them "a more effective education." She also cautioned the Wa and Mongla community to keep in mind "the practicality in using the Bamar [Burmese] language for official use." "If we have many official languages—more than two or three—it is difficult to work in the administrative sector," she added. "I recognize that the education level is far worse [in remote ethnic areas] than the central part of the country, but the central region also does not have such a good situation," Suu Kyi said. Stressing a need to work beyond the curriculum, Suu Kyi told the participants, "We have to try many ways to have equality…to achieve unity, equality and respect among us, I invite all of you to give input and suggestions." In response to a question from a participant from the Mongla region, she urged parents to consider the importance of encouraging knowledge acquisition in their children, and investing in vocational skills training to support their livelihoods. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi poses for a photo with women from Wa and Mongla communities during a brief meeting in Naypidaw on Friday, July 29, 2016. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) Suu Kyi also highlighted the importance of youth and women's participation in building peace. "As I see many youth and women here, whatever we do, it is crucial to use the power of these people who make up more than half of the population," Suu Kyi said. She encouraged youth to build a network, describing young people as "key" in creating a strong Union; her comment comes as organizers from across Burma hosted an ethnic youth conference this week in Panglong, Shan State, with the aim of forming a "collective youth voice." The post Suu Kyi Discusses Language, Education With Wa and Mongla Representatives appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt Releases Economic Policy Outlines, Deferring Detail Posted: 29 Jul 2016 06:41 AM PDT Aung San Suu Kyi speaks at the launch of the government's economic policy at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Naypyidaw. (Photo: Aung Htet) NAYPYIDAW — The launch of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government's five-year, 12-part economic policy in Naypyidaw on Friday contained only broad outlines, leaving some industry leaders frustrated at the lack of detail. Speaking at the launch event, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said that, although the information released was "general," "detailed policy" would be unveiled later, including for local and international investors. Several of Burma's well-known tycoons were present alongside foreign diplomats, government officials, and members of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Suu Kyi acknowledged that "many foreign investors and diplomats" had asked the NLD government about their economic policy, which has yet to be spelled out in any detail in the four months since they assumed office. Minister of National Planning and Finance Kyaw Win said that the 12-part policy would be "people-centered" and would involve a "fair" distribution of natural resources between the states and divisions of Burma, in support of "national reconciliation" and the building of a "federal democratic country." The latter points suggest a tentative link to the peace process with ethnic armed groups. A Union Peace Conference scheduled for late August is hoped to achieve a deal on a federal restructuring of the state, in order to resolve half a century of civil conflict. Other outlines delivered at the launch included better opportunities for youth, support for small and medium businesses, jobs for Burmese returning from residence abroad, support for both agricultural and industrial exports, environmental protection, a stronger tax system, and expanding economic relations with countries both within and beyond Asean. Suu Kyi also stressed infrastructural investment as a means of increasing investment in Burma and speeding up development. Zaw Zaw, a prominent tycoon and chairman of the Max Group of Companies, spoke at the event about the need for better statistics in Burma, including for job, unemployment, birth and morality rates, as an aid to engineering economic growth. Chit Khine, chairman of Eden Group, one of Burma's largest conglomerates, told The Irrawaddy after attending the ceremony of the importance of devising a "detailed investment policy." He said that policy so far had been "very general" but expressed faith that greater detail would be forthcoming, and that "better economic policies" would be implemented under the new government—although this would "take time," given the need for reform in so many sectors. "There should be no rush," he said, "but they should tell us what sorts of businesses would be prioritized." Other industry leaders present stressed a more urgent need for policy detail, given the high expectations held by many towards the NLD government. Tun Foundation Bank Chairman Thein Tun—best known for bringing Pepsi to Burma in 1991 through his Myanmar Golden Star company—told the Irrawaddy that the government should develop a "detailed master plan" for economic development, one that included "annual implementation plans." Taking a more overtly critical line, he said, "This is not like the time before the election. We [business leaders] should know exactly what needs to done." "These economic policies are too general," he said. "If ministers cannot help the country's economic development, they should resign." Fifty journalists from both Burmese and international news agencies had turned up to cover the event at the Myanmar International Convention Center 2 in Naypyidaw, but were held up at the security gate. Security guards said they had been told that members of the media were not to be allowed in without "access cards" provided by the Ministry of Information. Only two journalists, bearing these cards, were allowed in, and later shared their coverage with others. The Irrawaddy reporter was not among those permitted inside. Several of the barred journalists expressed their frustration at what they felt was poor event management on behalf of the Ministry of National Planning and Finance. BBC correspondent Nay Myo Lin said he had "woken up early" to report on the economic policy launch but had "wasted his time." The post Govt Releases Economic Policy Outlines, Deferring Detail appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KIA, Burma Army Clash Amid Ongoing Ethnic Summit Posted: 29 Jul 2016 05:47 AM PDT KIA officials from Brigade 3 in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State on Thursday. (Photo: Kyaw Kha / The Irrawaddy) MAI JA YANG, Kachin State — As ethnic armed groups gathered in Kachin State's Mai Ja Yang to search for common ground toward federalism in Burma, clashes broke out twice on Thursday between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)—the armed wing of Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Battalion No. 2 under KIA Brigade No. 6 and battalions under the Burma Army's 10th Military Operations Commands (MOC-10) clashed twice at Hopong Mountain in northern Shan State's Kutkai Township, said Lt Col Naw Bu, a KIO information officer. "[Our troops] said three military columns from the Burma Army surrounded them. At first, they attacked with small arms, but later there was artillery support," Naw Bu told The Irrawaddy. The casualties incurred on both sides were not immediately clear. The KIA also claimed that the Burma Army was conducting military activities near Battalion No. 14 under KIA Brigade No. 2 in Tanai Township. The Burma Army could not be reached for confirmation of the clashes or military activity, nor did they release a statement. The ethnic summit in KIA-controlled Mai Ja Yang began on Tuesday and ends Saturday. When asked about the recent clashes, Lt Col Naw Bu said, "We are not sure if the military really supports peace. Drawing a conclusion from their actions, it seems they want to cause a disturbance." The KIA is a part of the nine-member ethnic alliance, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), which opted out of signing a nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the previous government in 2015. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post KIA, Burma Army Clash Amid Ongoing Ethnic Summit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Securities Commission Says Foreigners Cannot Buy Shares This Year Posted: 29 Jul 2016 05:41 AM PDT People wait at the Yangon Stock Exchange in Rangoon on March 25, 2016. (Photo: Soe Zeya Tun) NAYPYIDAW — The Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (SECM) will not allow foreigners to buy shares on the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) this year, said Maung Maung Win, deputy minister of the Ministry of National Planning and Finance. Only two companies have listed on the YSX to date—First Myanmar Investment (FMI) and Myanmar Thilawa SEZ Holdings Public Ltd.—with four more expected to list later this year. Since trading began in March, industry sources said foreign investors have indicated interest in investing, but the SECM has not allowed it. "There are a lot of things to consider when thinking of allowing foreign investors, which is why it won't happen this year. We've been looking at other countries' practices as well," said Maung Maung Win. He added that the Myanmar Companies Act must be amended before foreigners can buy shares from local companies. Enacted in 1914, some of the clauses are ill-suited for present-day Burma, but have yet to be updated by Parliament. Khin Maung Nyo, economist and columnist, said if the government allows foreigners to legally purchase shares, it would have to limit what percentage they could purchase in order to maintain control of the market. He said he was concerned that local investors would be kicked out if foreigners could play the market, and that perhaps foreigners were already buying stock shares indirectly. Industry sources said some foreigners have shown an interest in investing in FMI shares through local colleagues. FMI opened in March at about 26,000 kyats (about US$22) per share, peaked at 41,000 kyats in April and later stabilized at about 30,000 kyat last month. The post Securities Commission Says Foreigners Cannot Buy Shares This Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Wa Pledge Not to Split From Union Posted: 29 Jul 2016 04:44 AM PDT State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi meets with leaders of the Wa and Mongla non-state armed groups in Naypyidaw on Friday, July 29, 2016. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) NAYPYIDAW – During their first meeting with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday, an ethnic Wa delegation pledged to remain within the Union of Burma, rather than opting to split from the country. Suu Kyi held a closed door meeting with top leaders from the United Wa State Army (UWSA), led by Pao Yu Yi, and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)—better known as the Mongla Group—led by Sai Leun, for two hours in Burma's capital. As chair of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) and the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), Suu Kyi has been holding a series of meetings with Burma's many ethnic armed groups since June. "Today's meeting furthered relations and mutual understanding between the stakeholders. Both sides—the Wa and the State Counselor—openly discussed policies," said Zaw Htay, the President's Office spokesperson and member of the sub-committee tasked with reaching out to NCA non-signatories regarding the upcoming Union Peace Conference slated to be held in late August. "The Wa pledged to stay in the Myanmar Union, and they said they won't split from the country," Zaw Htay told the press, adding that there had been no discussion about a separate Wa State, which has been a pressing issue in recent years. The Wa currently have a self-administered zone in Shan State, but have also pushed for an autonomous state of their own. Wa and Mongla leaders also met the Burma Army chief, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, in the afternoon. Government peace negotiator Dr. Tin Myo Win will hold further meetings with the groups on Saturday, in which they will discuss technical issues, added Zaw Htay. The post Wa Pledge Not to Split From Union appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Envoy Expects ‘All Armed Groups’ to Attend Union Peace Conference Posted: 29 Jul 2016 03:52 AM PDT China's Special Envoy on Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang addresses the Mai Ja Yang summit of ethnic armed groups in Kachin State. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy) MAI JA YANG, Kachin State — China's Special Envoy on Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang, who has attended the Mai Ja Yang summit of ethnic armed groups in Kachin State as an observer, said that China backed "all the forces that support internal peace in Burma." "We expect that all ethnic armed groups will join the 21st Century Panglong Conference," he told The Irrawaddy on Friday, when asked about China's stance on "inclusion" at the Union Peace Conference scheduled for late August, where a deal on federalism is hoped for to resolve half a century of civil conflict in Burma. "There may be different views about internal peace, but this is quite natural," he said. "It is crucial for Burma to achieve internal peace," he said, citing the "payoff" the country would receive. "We hope all the stakeholders will continue to strive for peace." He did not address The Irrawaddy's question on what Beijing would do to persuade armed groups to attend the Union Peace Conference—particularly those groups based along the China-Burma border. These groups include the United Wa State Army (UWSA), acknowledged as the largest non-state armed group in Burma; the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), generally reckoned as the second largest; the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N); the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA); the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA); and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), better known as the Mongla Group. None of these groups were party to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement reached between the previous government and eight ethnic armed groups in October last year, and the Burma Army has been in active conflict over the past 18 months with all but the UWSA and the NDAA. The special envoy left the five-day Mai Ja Yang summit on Friday for China, having attended the first four days, starting on Monday. The post China Envoy Expects 'All Armed Groups' to Attend Union Peace Conference appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National Human Rights Commission Strongly Criticized by Lawmakers Posted: 29 Jul 2016 02:52 AM PDT Police crack down on student protesters in Letpadan, Pegu Division on March 10, 2015. (Photo: J Paing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Lawmakers in a joint-session of the Union Parliament directed heavy criticism at the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) for its poor record on securing and monitoring the compliance of government ministries with their recommendations. Lawmakers also highlighted what they considered to be weak collaboration from the commission with civil society, weak promotion of prisoners' rights—including access to adequate healthcare—and a reluctance to investigate alleged human abuses on their own initiative. During the session on Thursday, 16 lawmakers from the Upper and Lower houses of Parliament were debating the human rights commission's annual report for 2015, which had been presented by the commission's chairman to the Union Parliament on Monday. The commission was formed under the orders of former President Thein Sein in September 2011, and was reformed in 2014 with tougher requirements for ministries to report on their implementation of the commission's recommendations within 30 days. The commission currently has 11 members (reduced from 15), comprised of retired civil servants, military officers, professors and ambassadors. The commission has delivered human rights workshops to government and military officers, conducted community outreach, monitored standards in prisons, and undertaken investigations on receipt of reports of rights abuses—although critics in civil society have claimed that the majority of submitted cases have gone unaddressed. "We know the [commission] received 1,287 complaints in 2015. But we know from reports across the country, including in ethnic minority areas, that there were more human rights abuses than that," said Lower House lawmaker Ma Thandar, an award-winning human rights defender and the widow of a journalist who died in military custody in Mon State in October 2014. Two soldiers said to be implicated in the death of her husband, known as Par Gyi, were brought before a military tribunal but were acquitted in May 2015. Former President Thein Sein ordered an investigation from the national human rights commission, which released its findings in a report that Ma Thandar slammed as "fabricated." Ma Thandar told the Thursday session of parliament that the commission was weak in following up with ministries regarding their recommendations. She mentioned that 19 recommendations from separate investigations by the commission in 2014 had been directed at ministries including Defense and Home Affairs, but the commission had failed to publish which ministries had failed to transparently respond to them. She said she had not seen the commission applying the necessary pressure on government ministries, calling into serious doubt their claims to be independent and transparent. Upper House lawmaker Ye Htut from Sagaing Division mentioned several high-profile cases where justice had not been delivered: including the killing of the journalist Par Gyi; the shooting dead by police of Khin Win, a woman protesting land grabs linked to the Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Division, in 2014; and the rape and murder of two ethnic Kachin schoolteachers in northern Shan State in early 2015, blamed on Burma Army soldiers. He called for an end to such impunity: "we need to make sure that no one is above the law." Lawmakers also recommended that the commission include more people who "understand human rights" and "stand with the people"—an expression of distrust with the current membership, comprised largely of former government servants. During the parliamentary session, commission chairman Win Mra vowed to take the lawmakers' suggestions seriously and present a more comprehensive report next year at the Union Parliament. The chairman also stressed the limitations of their current mandate, to account for the spotty compliance of government ministries with their recommendations. "The government prescribes laws related to human rights protection and implements them," he said, saying the commission's role was only "consultative." "When we receive complaints, we investigate and present [our findings] to relevant government departments. We pressure them if they don't respond within 30 days, although we didn't mention this in the report," the chairman said. He admitted that cooperation from ministries had been weak, citing that only 23 percent of their recommendations had received responses within 30 days. Of the remainder, 32 percent had received responses within 90 days. More than 100 letters had received no response at all. The chairman expressed his gladness at the discussion in parliament, despite the strong criticism, stating that it would help "strengthen our commission for the future." Upper House lawmaker Khin Maung Myint from Kachin State urged the commission to investigate recent cases in Kachin State and hold the perpetrators accountable. This included the gunning down by three men of Nandar Hlaing, a village tract administrator in Hpakant Township's Sai Taung Village, in May; the fatal shooting by a Burma Army soldier of ethnic Kachin student Gum Seng Awng in the state capital Myitkyina in June; and the killing of dozens of small-scale minors and local residents in landslides in the jade mines of Hpakant. The post National Human Rights Commission Strongly Criticized by Lawmakers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Stakeholders Discuss Refugee Repatriation on Thai-Burma Border Posted: 29 Jul 2016 02:29 AM PDT Refugees who fled Burma walk at the Mae La refugee camp, near the Burma border in Thailand's Mae Sot District, Tak Province, July 2014. (Photo: Reuters) CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Stakeholders including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and community-based organizations (CBOs) discussed preparations for refugee repatriation in the Mae La camp on the Thai-Burma border. Concerned parties deliberated how best to provide assistance and ensure the safety of refugees who wanted to return to Burma. Iain Hall, UNHCR senior field coordinator, told The Irrawaddy that the meeting was one of a series in which non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provided updates on health, education, livelihood, food and nutrition activities held to prepare refugees for their return. During Wednesday's meeting, the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC) and the Karenni Refugee Committee (KnRC) outlined their current operational guidelines for voluntary repatriation. The UNHCR also briefed groups about its meetings, workshops and consultations with the Burmese and Thai governments, NGOs and CBOs. Iain Hall said that the UNHCR was not promoting return but was prepared to support and facilitate any individual return once it was assured of its voluntary nature, safety and dignity. "We discussed the type of support we could provide—like cash and transportation. There is no start date to any return plan or movement. That is decided by individual refugees," Hall told The Irrawaddy. NGOs also reiterated a recent statement made in Thailand by Burma's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in which she said the government would welcome refugees who chose to return. "We are not knocking on doors and asking people to go home. But refugees can come to the UNHCR and and can assist them. We have been approached by refugees in several camps expressing their desire to return," said Hall. He added that both governments want the voluntary returns to be sustainable and have strongly advocated compliance with international standards. There are over 120,000 registered Burmese refugees living in nine refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. The majority are ethnic Karen who fled during conflicts between the Burma Army and ethnic armed organizations. The Thai government raised the issue of repatriation under the previous administration, after ethnic armed groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU), signed a ceasefire agreement in 2012. Preparations have been ongoing since then. However, many refugees still do not feel safe returning to their homes. The Burma Army still occupies territory near Karen villages and there is no concrete plan for demining areas littered with landmines placed by both sides in the conflict. The post Stakeholders Discuss Refugee Repatriation on Thai-Burma Border appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Govt confirms Daw Suu Kyi's Washington visit
• Sagaing residents displaced as Chindwin, Ayeyarwady swell
• Mai Ja Yang summit extended as ethnic armed groups discuss defence, security
• MPs and human rights commission spar
• Wa, Mongla groups to meet with commander-in-chief
• District court rejects activists’ appeal
• Law behind ‘midnight inspections’ reviewed
• Unusable state-confiscated vehicles to be melted down
• Ma Ba Tha releases video from Sangha conference
• Taunggyi University launches tourism BA

Govt confirms Daw Suu Kyi's Washington visit Posted: 29 Jul 2016 02:30 AM PDT State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will visit Washington, D.C. this coming September to conicide withthe 71st UN General Assembly session, spokesperson U Zaw Htay told The Myanmar Times

Sagaing residents displaced as Chindwin, Ayeyarwady swell Posted: 28 Jul 2016 11:58 PM PDT More than 17,000 people have been impacted by rising Chindwin River waters across five townships in Sagaing Region, with floodwaters in Hkamti township forcing 748 households to evacuate this week.

Mai Ja Yang summit extended as ethnic armed groups discuss defence, security Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Ethnic armed groups attending a summit in Kachin State's Mai Ja Yang will extend their talks by one day, it was announced yesterday, as participants discussed issues of security and defence.

MPs and human rights commission spar Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Parliamentarians criticised the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) yesterday, while discussing a report, about the commission's work over the last year.

Wa, Mongla groups to meet with commander-in-chief Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Two powerful ethnic armed groups, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS), will meet with Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing today in Nay Pyi Taw.

District court rejects activists’ appeal Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT A Sagaing Region district court rejected the appeal of three activists yesterday, upholding a conviction and the sentencing to 52 days in prison and K5000 each in fines.

Law behind ‘midnight inspections’ reviewed Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT In what is shaping up as a showdown between human rights and security, parliament yesterday debated whether or not to modify or remove the regulation requiring people to report overnight guests to the local authorities.

Unusable state-confiscated vehicles to be melted down Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Motor vehicles that have been seized by the government but cannot be repaired to working order will be melted down for their metal, said Deputy Planning and Finance Minister U Kyaw Myo at the Amyotha Hluttaw on July 27.

Ma Ba Tha releases video from Sangha conference Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Reeling from a series of blows that have seriously undermined its status and authority, the Committee for the Protection of Nationality and Religion appears to be trying to rehabilitate itself by claiming support from the last government.

Taunggyi University launches tourism BA Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT In a bid to strengthen its tourism market, the Shan State government is offering students the chance to get a degree in tourism and hospitality management from Taunggyi University.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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Cartoon Posted: 29 Jul 2016 05:36 AM PDT Cartoon

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Chief Minister Proposes Youth Committee to Address Rangoon’s Challenges
• Border Guard Police Under Investigation for Keeping Methamphetamines
• Lawmakers Press Govt on Tax Reform
• ‘No Project Enjoys Special Privileges’: Deputy Minister of National Planning and Finance
• Burma Removes Hundreds of Names from Blacklist
• Hospital Upgrades Planned
• New Food Delivery System for Refugee Camps on Thai Border

Chief Minister Proposes Youth Committee to Address Rangoon’s Challenges Posted: 28 Jul 2016 06:19 AM PDT Students ask questions during a Q and A segment of a talk by Rangoon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein at the National Management Degree College on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Photo: Moe Myint) RANGOON — To solve current challenges in the commercial capital, the Rangoon divisional government will form a coordination committee with young entrepreneurs, said Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein. Phyo Min Thein visited his alma mater, the National Management Degree College, on Wednesday afternoon and convened a two-hour meeting with students. He said that the first meeting with young businesspeople will take place on August 14, but did not mention a location for the event. Once the committee is successfully formed, the Rangoon divisional government will supervise it. Committee members, Phyo Min Thein said, should have practical experience in the business sector and extensive knowledge of economics. The chief minister admitted that the regional government is unable to solve every problem in Rangoon, identifying some of the most pressing issues as traffic congestion, growing squatter communities and poor rail transport. "The Rangoon divisional government is formed of nine ministers, but to solve all these problems with just nine people is not possible," said Phyo Min Thein "We will share these duties with the younger generation, especially those who have practical business experience and knowledge. We will invite them to take on duties [depending on] how they can serve." He continued, describing Rangoon as an attractive place for foreign business prospects, pointing out that while investors are interested in pursuing projects in the city, many complain of delayed trade flow and high daily expenses due to a lack of road infrastructure. Students are pictured during a talk by Rangoon Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein at the National Management Degree College on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Photo: Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy) "The logistical cost is about 30 percent of the goods' value," he said of the high price of road transport. Originally, the Rangoon divisional government decided to construct a new highway on the outskirts of the city, connecting the Hanthawaddy International Airport in Pegu Division—currently under construction—with Rangoon's Thilawa Special Economic Zone. Now, the new government is also looking to upgrade water transport and rail options. Phyo Min Thein said that better utilizing inland water transport could serve as a cheaper alternative to roads. To accelerate the country's economy, the chief minister said that special economic zones could play an important role, even though the private industrial projects are accompanied by several challenges, including hosting a growing number of squatters who migrate to Rangoon seeking work. With comparably more infrastructure than many other states and divisions in Burma, job opportunities are perceived as more plentiful in the commercial capital. Yet housing in Rangoon is limited and can be expensive, leading many workers to set up makeshift shelters near factories where they work. "This is the right time to change current situation," Phyo Min Thein said. "To relocate these people systematically, we will coordinate with the youth to solve this," he continued, referring again to the young entrepreneurs' committee, adding that he hoped their coordinated action would make it possible for those now living as squatters to "become valuable human beings." The post Chief Minister Proposes Youth Committee to Address Rangoon's Challenges appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Border Guard Police Under Investigation for Keeping Methamphetamines Posted: 28 Jul 2016 06:08 AM PDT The entrance sign to Maungdaw Township. (Photo: Narinjara) Seven border guard policemen from a post on the Burma-Bangladesh border in Arakan State's Maungdaw Township are under investigation for not turning over nearly 300,000 yaba pills, or methamphetamines. Among the seven detainees is the head of the border police post. Acting on a tip, a team of police led by Lt Col Tint Zaw Oo, head of the Maungdaw Township Border Guard Police Force No. 2, made the arrest on Tuesday, according to a local police officer. The officer confirmed the drug seizure and the detention of seven border guard policemen who are currently under investigation. According to the officer, the methamphetamines were buried under the police post's mess hall. Almost 300,000 pink-colored pills were seized, worth an estimated US$500,000. The officer added that during the investigation, Lance Corporal Maung Maung Lay, head of the local border police post, said that he and two of his subordinates brought a bag stuffed with pills back to their post after finding it on the nearby Maungdaw-Angu Maw highway. It remains unclear why the drugs were found buried under the mess hall. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Border Guard Police Under Investigation for Keeping Methamphetamines appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmakers Press Govt on Tax Reform Posted: 28 Jul 2016 05:27 AM PDT Stacks of Burmese kyat await counting in Rangoon. (Photo: Jpaing / The Irrawaddy) NAYPYIDAW — Lawmakers at the Union Parliament have pushed the government to reform the tax system, so as to plug shortfalls—in income, commercial, customs, telecoms, and oil and gas tax revenue—and allocate the tax burden more fairly. There were calls from several lawmakers to initiate a more progressive tax system, both at an individual level—with significantly higher rates for higher earners—and at a geographic level—with poorer states and regions given tax breaks and allowances. At a parliamentary session on Thursday, which included both houses, Lower House lawmaker Thet Thet Khine of Rangoon's Dagon Township mentioned that Burma had the lowest tax base among Asean countries. She suggested that the government "consider collecting more tax from higher income people" and enforce greater compliance. Thet Thet Khine also encouraged the government to consider implementing different tax rates in different states and divisions of Burma, considering that some, such as Chin State, are considerably underdeveloped compared to others, such as Rangoon Division. Upper House lawmaker Myat Nyar Na Soe said that, although the government had hit their overall tax collection target over the last fiscal year, ending in April, it was more important to increase tax revenue as a ratio of the country's wealth. He recommended a recalibration of commercial tax rates: products harmful to public health such as tobacco and alcohol should be taxed more—as well as "natural resource-based" products such as oil, gas, gems and jade—while "locally manufactured goods" should be taxed less with an eye to increasing exports. Myat Nyar Na Soe added that taking the lead of other countries with more transparent tax systems, the government should clearly outline the rates for different taxpayers at least a year before any tax is due, and aim to keep these rates stable, allowing individuals and businesses to plan accordingly. According to the government's latest tax report, targets for income, commercial, customs, telecoms, and oil and gas tax revenue were not reached in the 2015-16 fiscal year. Lower House Lawmaker Khin San Hlaing, representing Pale Township in Sagaing Division, said the government should clearly explain why. She added that the government should move away from a reliance on tax revenue derived from natural resource extraction and significantly expand the tax base, because these natural resources would be "gone one day." In recent years, as a means of encouraging tax compliance among the population, the Ministry of National Planning and Finance has been publishing instructions on paying tax in state-run newspapers, as well as lists of "top taxpayers." Maung Maung Win, deputy minister of National Planning and Finance, said in the parliamentary session that revenue targets for 11 tax categories had been reached during the 2015-16 fiscal year, while targets for seven other tax categories had been missed. He said, "Although income tax revenue for the first six months was higher than in the last six months of last [fiscal] year, total income tax revenue fell below the target by a small amount"—netting 2.327 trillion kyats (US$1.97 billion) against a target of 2.335 billion kyats ($1.976 billion). He attributed the failure to meet the income tax target to a tax exemption scheme on property sales approved in 2014—property tax being included in Burma under "income tax," among six other categories. Tax revenue from the oil and gas sector netted 259.2 billion kyats ($219 million) during the 2015-16 fiscal year, significantly less than the 495.3 billion kyats ($419 million) netted during the 2014-15 fiscal year. The dip was attributed to the dramatic global drop in oil prices as well as new regulations from the Myanmar Investment Commission. The post Lawmakers Press Govt on Tax Reform appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘No Project Enjoys Special Privileges’: Deputy Minister of National Planning and Finance Posted: 28 Jul 2016 05:05 AM PDT Deputy Minister Maung Maung Win pictured during an interview with The Irrawaddy on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (Photo: Kyaw Hsu Mon / The Irrawaddy) Recently, there has been a lot of criticism over the failures of the new government to make considerable changes in the economic sector, as well as the stagnation of businesses during the first three months of its term. Amidst such criticisms, what has the ministry done successfully? It is difficult for a ministry to adopt new policies and make progress quickly. However, some tasks were completed during the first 100 days, and there are also some tasks to be continued after these 100 days. Tasks to be carried out within the period were announced in newspapers and they were implemented accordingly. As two ministries were merged, the number of departments has increased. Many of them are departments that have to deal with the public, and we will continue working to fulfill the public's needs. Are there problems caused by the merging the two ministries and their staff members? The main problem is the lack of time available. There is only one minister for the two ministries. It is very difficult to manage time as there are daily reports, and reports from other departments and meetings. The minister also has to deal with foreign guests and travel abroad, as this is important. As other functions are run by respective departments, there is no problem there. Has recent budget allocation caused any headache for the ministry? There are complaints over budgets in Burma's states and regions. How is the ministry handling these complaints? Budgets are allocated in line with the [2008] Constitution. States and regions are allowed to collect some taxes according to the law and add the tax money into its fund and spend it. Similarly, the Union government will also do the same with taxes it is allowed to collect by law. Although there was only one budget in the past, at present, we have the Union budget as well as state and regional budgets. So there are Union funds and state and regional funds. Under Section 230 [of the Constitution], the Union budget has to provide funds if states and regions do not have enough. Moreover, the Union government can also provide funds for special projects or issue low-interest loans to state and regional governments. This means that the Union government is responsible for providing funds when they need it and determines how much will be provided to each state or region. We study how other countries are handling such issues. Everything has to be taken into consideration so that the budget is allocated without bias and in a fair manner.  How do you know how much to give to each state or region? No matter how much they ask for, we provide them with what they should receive. It seems that Yangon [Division] receives only a small budget but it has collected a large sum from taxes, which the regional government can spend. The Union government also provides funds to the region. Chin State also receives a small budget. The Union government provides them with what it should receive. They can work for development. States and regions that are underdeveloped have to try to make progress like the others. Developed ones can do more. The Union government wants to provide more funds to them. It has been trying to allocate budgets in a fair manner, as well as it can. The Rangoon Chief Minister said that he found it difficult to do what he wanted for the region due to an insufficient budget. How would you respond to that? As I have just said, the Union government does not consider the region alone. It has to take all 14 states and regions into consideration. Others also have things they want to do for their states or regions. They also need development as much as Yangon [Division] does. As Yangon receives more money from taxes, it is necessary for the regional government to decide which projects should be prioritized based on its earnings. Although the Union government wants to provide more funds to everyone, it cannot afford to do that. First priority is given to what is most important, and second priorities are something that cannot be done because there are just not enough funds. It was said during a parliamentary session that there are differences in tax collection. How does the ministry manage this? Tax collection varies year by year. In budgets, there are 18 types of tax with their own targets. The targets depend on the amount collected in the previous year. It is also necessary to estimate the amount for the upcoming year. According to the upcoming year's tax law, tax rates and exemptions are set. Based on these, the relevant departments estimate the targets. Some targets are met while others are not; this is a phenomenon that occurs every year. Therefore, 11 tax items went beyond their targets while seven failed to meet their targets during the 2015-16 fiscal year. During the term of the previous government, special projects required approval by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. There were accusations that those who were close to the government got approvals easily. How will the current government grant approvals without bias? How is the ministry handling this issue? This will be done in accordance with the planning law. There are planning laws for each year. The Union government as well as state and regional governments have their own responsibilities, known as the sectoral and the regional plans. Sectoral plans are implemented by the Union government, while regional plans are materialized by state or regional governments. There are also township plans. There is no project that enjoys special privileges. These are the issues that should be settled at the planning commission. The post 'No Project Enjoys Special Privileges': Deputy Minister of National Planning and Finance appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Removes Hundreds of Names from Blacklist Posted: 28 Jul 2016 03:43 AM PDT Myanmar nationals hold up their passports outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Singapore in 2008 as they waited for their turn to vote in the country’s constitutional referendum. (Photo: Vivek Prakash / REUTERS) RANGOON — The names of some 600 foreign and Burmese nationals were removed from Burma's blacklist, the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population told The Irrawaddy on Thursday. A move that was pledged by Union minister Thein Swe as part of his ministry's 100-day plan, led to the removal of 607 names—more than 200 Burmese and 300 foreigners—from the blacklist, according to the ministry. The recent list of names constitutes only about 7.5 percent of a previously existing blacklist of more than 8,000, and according to local newspaper 7Day Daily's report on Monday, the recent list excluded those who were wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). The ministry's department of immigration and population told The Irrawaddy that the ministry has handed the list over to other concerned ministries, such as home affairs and foreign affairs, and it would continue to remove the names of those who "serve for the good merit of the country." The department refused to provide further details regarding the list of removals. Burma's then-ruling military junta and quasi-civilian government previously blacklisted people who were deemed political threats to the country's stability and national security. Former President Thein Sein's administration removed more than 2,000 names from a blacklist of more than 6,000 in 2012—a year into his quasi-civilian rule. The names included many exiled pro-democracy activists, foreign journalists and political critics. Actress Michelle Yeoh, who played the role of Burma's then opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the film The Lady; Suu Kyi's two sons; and Benedict Rogers, author of the book "Unmasking Burma's Tyrant"—the biography of military dictator Than Shwe, were also removed. Dr. Sein Win, former chairman of Burma's "government in exile"; Aung Din of the US Campaign for Burma; Zipporah Sein, secretary of the Karen National Union; Dr. Cynthia Maung, founder and director of the Mae Tao Clinic; Bo Kyi, Tate Naing and other members of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP); Aung Moe Zaw of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS); and Moe Thee Zun and Dr. Naing Aung, former leaders of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), an armed group formed in the wake of the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 1988, were also removed from the list during Thein Sein's administration. Despite the reforms, some names were added again to the blacklist by the former government, according to Aung Moe Zaw of the DPNS. Although he is optimistic about the moves undertaken by the current government—led by the President Htin Kyaw and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi—he said the government should welcome all exiled activists back during this critical period, when they can contribute to the country's democratic transition. "The government should remove all names of those who were put on the blacklist due to their political or dissident beliefs, unconditionally," he told The Irrawaddy. Nearly 60 representatives from some 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) based on Burma's borders sent an open letter to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday, requesting the disclosure of the names of activists who remain on the blacklist and that necessary guidelines be set to restore their original citizenship and allow them to take part in the country's transition process. Thwel Zin Toe, a steering committee member of the Women's League of Burma, one of the signatory CSOs, said in the letter that the activists could support and strengthen the national reconciliation process, peace building and the transition to democracy. The department of immigration and population said that those who want to restore their original citizenship must abandon any other current citizenship first because Burma doesn't allow dual-citizenship. The post Burma Removes Hundreds of Names from Blacklist appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Hospital Upgrades Planned Posted: 28 Jul 2016 02:17 AM PDT A 550-bed children's hospital in Mandalay. (Photo: Poe Sanchaung / The Irrawaddy) NAYPYIDAW — Burma's new five-year plan for the health sector includes upgrading all 25-bed hospitals across the country into 50-bed ones, according to Dr. Myint Htwe, minister of health. The minister announced the plan in response to lawmakers' questions in Parliament's Lower House on Tuesday about hospital upgrades, rural dispensaries and insufficient medical staff. "We plan to upgrade all 25-bed hospitals into 50-bed facilities and employ 2,000 new doctors within two months," he told Parliament. However, the minister did not specify a timeline for the upgrades. Lawmakers stated that even the 25-bed hospitals currently lack sufficient beds and staff. "In my township, the '25-bed' hospital is supposed to have four doctors according to the standard organizational structure. But, it only has 16 beds and two doctors. Employees are overstretched. Most locals are 'grassroots people' and can't afford to go to special clinics," said Aye Naing, a Lower House lawmaker representing Rangoon's South Dagon Township, who also proposed building a 100-bed hospital in his constituency. According to the health minister, the previous government had monitored the rate of hospitalization at government-run hospitals and found it to have gradually increased between 2011 and 2015. The proposed bed upgrades will also mean a workforce increase from 55 to 156 employees at each facility. Myint Htwe explained that the ministry will not go further and upgrade the 25-bed hospitals into 100-bed ones because the smaller hospitals receive only about 13 inpatients and 49 outpatients each day on average. He added that the public does not often complain about the lack of beds, but more often about a shortage of doctors. The minister said the 50-bed hospitals will include pathology, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatric, osteoporosis, emergency, dental and anesthetic units and his ministry will ensure they are accessible to all. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 lawmakers seconded the proposal submitted in the Lower House by Dr. A Zin Latt, which urged the health ministry to expand the public health department. The minister noted the discussion and Parliament decided to monitor department works. According to the Ministry of Health, there are a total of 1,190 hospitals in Burma as of February 2016. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Hospital Upgrades Planned appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New Food Delivery System for Refugee Camps on Thai Border Posted: 28 Jul 2016 01:44 AM PDT Ethnic Karen refugees in Tham Hin camp, Ratchaburi province in 2006. (Photo: Reuters) CHIANG MAI, Thailand — A collective of humanitarian agencies, The Border Consortium (TBC), will introduce a new system of food provision, using electronic cards, at the end of this month for Burmese refugees living on Thai-Burma border. While it is currently common for refugees to queue for hours to receive food rations at designated stores at certain times, the new scheme envisages refugees being able to shop for food at their own chosen time, using cards pre-loaded with credit. With one card to be issued per household, the amount of credit will vary according to household size. Small shops selling a range of goods can already be found within and nearby the refugee camps along the border. Under the scheme, shopkeepers would be given electronic devices, allowing them to receive credit from the new cards. Saw Tu Tu, a spokesperson for the Karen Refugee Committee's branch office in Mae Sariang, northern Thailand spoke to The Irrawaddy, commending the new system for providing for greater convenience for refugees. "They can buy meat, fish, eggs, vegetables or whatever they want within the credit limit. It is an improvement because people won't need to queue for a long time to receive food rations," said Saw Tu Tu. He said the card system would first be implemented in two refugee camps—Nu Po in Tak Province and Tham Hin in Ratchaburi Province—from the end of this month, before being rolled out to the other refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border in 2017. Both shoppers and sellers will be trained in using the cards. The cards, which will be disbursed to all heads of household, will be red in color and feature the logos of TBC, the Karen Refugee Committee and the Karenni Refugee Committee, who are all involved in the provision of basic needs to refugees along the Thai-Burma border. Saw Tuu Tu also believed that the card system would save the annual cost of transporting stockpiles of food and other supply rations and preserving them in stores within the camps over long periods. There are currently nine camps along Thai-Burma border hosting over 120,000 refugees from Burma. Refugees have formally received rations of rice, cooking oil, salt, beans and fish paste at certain scheduled times. Under the new card system, some basic supplies, including charcoal, would be still delivered via the old system. TBC comprises 10 international non-governmental organizations from eight, mostly European, countries, and has been providing food, shelter and other services for refugees escaping conflict in Burma since 1984. The post New Food Delivery System for Refugee Camps on Thai Border appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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