Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


‘Lack of Awareness’ Hinders Fight Against Workplace Discrimination

Posted: 07 Sep 2017 08:20 AM PDT

YANGON – The Myanmar Center for Responsible Business (MCRB) launched its research on combating discrimination in the Myanmar workplace on Thursday at the Rose Garden Hotel, Yangon.

Lack of awareness, director Vicky Bowman said, is the biggest obstacle in this regard.

"Awareness is not coming through education, not coming through leadership, not coming through law and government," she explained, adding that students in Myanmar schools are "not taught about diversity and inclusion," which then continues into the workplace.

"We would like to see all companies combat discrimination and make a commitment to having inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunity as core business values," Ms. Bowman said.

The briefing paper presented at the event aimed to help companies address discrimination in hiring practices, and provides practical recommendations to companies to address challenges, including forging a policy commitment, implementation, and grievance mechanisms.

It was highlighted that within Myanmar, groups vulnerable to discrimination by authorities, society, and legal mechanisms include women, ethnic and religious minorities, the LGBT community, people living with HIV, and those with disabilities.

Program director of the Myanmar Deaf Community Development Association, U Kyaw Kyaw said he has experienced this first-hand.

"I have faced numerous types of discrimination in society and the workplace. It become my strength; it pushed me to be a rights defender for disabled people," he explained, calling on all people to collaborate to build a community based on equality.

Vicky Bowman acknowledged that people with disabilities have more barriers to confront and face discrimination in education, infrastructure, and in the needs that go unmet in the workplace and through cultural practices.

The paper stated that out of 17.2 million children in Myanmar, 1.35 percent—or more than 232,000 are living with disabilities. According to the 2014 census, of these, 65 percent are not enrolled in formal education. The lack of education opportunities clearly has a significant negative impact in later life of the children with disabilities.

In June 2017, MCRB held a consultation meeting in order to air concerns on discrimination, and formed recommendations to businesses in the briefing paper

Executive director of Colors Rainbow, Daw Khin Ma Ma Aye, stated at Thursday's launch that it is common for LGBT people to experience discrimination in the hiring process, as they deal with problems with ID cards and self-stigmas.

"It's important to have awareness and understanding of diversity of gender in the workplace from an HR session," she said.

Some individuals face discrimination for multiple parts of their identities, for example women who are members of ethnic minorities, or women with disabilities.

The paper is a part of a series published by MCRB. Other papers include "Indigenous People's Rights and Business in Myanmar," and "Land," and "Children's Rights and Business."

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India Supports Myanmar in Tackling Terrorism

Posted: 07 Sep 2017 06:39 AM PDT

YANGON — Myanmar and India discussed incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goodwill visit to Myanmar this week, according to a joint statement released Wednesday.

Modi expressed his country's support for the Myanmar government regarding the ongoing violence in northern Rakhine State, spokesperson of the Myanmar President's Office U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy.

"His visit has long been planned, but coincides with [violence in Rakhine State]. India itself is countering terrorism, and he showed support for Myanmar. This will help Myanmar in the international community," said U Zaw Htay on Wednesday.

The two countries agreed that terrorism violates human rights and there should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs, encouraged the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism and urged the finalization and adoption of a comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN General Assembly, according to the statement.

It is the policy of the government to prevent terrorism from taking root on Myanmar's soil and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi highlighted this stance in her talks with Modi, said U Zaw Htay.

Myanmar is also cooperating with India regarding the situation of the Naga people on the border of Myanmar and India.

"Bilateral relations between India and Myanmar began before independence. There is a great deal of cooperation between two countries, and we will continue cooperating. The two countries need to accelerate their cooperation in line with bilateral agreements," he said.

U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy that Myanmar and India had agreed to greater cooperation in tackling terrorism after Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri declared in a 2014 video message that the group had a new branch targeting India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

"India has its own security agencies and we have our own," Myanmar National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun told reporters in Naypyitaw on Wednesday. "So we maintain frequent contact. India also has a national security advisor. We attend meetings together and have cooperation."

During Modi's visit, Myanmar and India signed 11 agreements—including three agreements with the defense ministry and one with the home affairs ministry—in the capital Naypyitaw on Wednesday.

The two countries signed agreements covering cooperation in marine security, education, culture, health, the development of Rakhine State, and the establishment of an international-standard hospital in Naypyitaw.

"We are friendly neighbors and cooperating in various sectors. The two countries are discussing to cooperate in defense, science and technology and health, and have signed agreements in the pharmaceutical and trade sectors. We also discussed India's purchase of beans and pulses from our country," said U Thaung Tun.

The two governments signed an agreement for a cultural exchange program under which India will provide assistance to renovate whitewashed murals at Ananda Temple in Bagan at a cost of US$4 million.

Another agreement for further assistance in maintaining ancient religious structures in Bagan is likely to be signed soon, said Union minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, who added that India's diplomatic support for Myanmar was "invaluable."

"While international community is misled by one-sided allegations about the western side of Myanmar, [Modi's] trip will bring great diplomatic support for the righteousness of Myanmar," said Thura U Aung Ko.

The Myanmar government and members of the public have accused international figures and media of being biased on reporting on violence in Rakhine State.

After several meetings in Naypyitaw, Modi met with the Hindu community in Yangon on Wednesday evening.

Secretary Dr Hla Tun of the Thanantara Dhammapalaka (HinduAssociation who attended the meeting told The Irrawaddy over the phone on Thursday morning that about 7,000 Hindus joined the event at Thuwana football stadium.

The Indian Prime Minister addressed the crowd for around 50 minutes and highlighted the historical background of India and bilateral relations between Myanmar and India.

Before his official visit to Myanmar, Mr. Modi said that his country would deport from India nearly 40,000 self-identifying Rohingya refugees.

On October 25, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked 30 border outposts in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathaedaung townships, displacing 20,000 non-Muslims

Dozens of Hindus were reportedly killed by Muslim militants.

The Hindu Association condemned the violent attacks by militants and urged the government to investigate.

Dr. Hla Tun speculated that "the attacks on Hindus were likely in response to Modi as he mentioned Rohingya deportation before the visit."

The post India Supports Myanmar in Tackling Terrorism appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Abstract Animals: Modernist Painter Soe Naing’s New Exhibition

Posted: 07 Sep 2017 03:29 AM PDT

YANGON — Myanmar modernist painter Soe Naing is known for his skilful manipulations of lines. His depictions of humans, dogs, cats, and horses astound art pundits for their vigorous, yet dexterous, brushstrokes.

Soe Naing's exhibition 'Dancing Soe Naing' is at OK Gallery at Aung San Stadium (North Wing) from Sept. 9 to 13.

For his latest solo exhibition—titled 'Dancing Soe Naing' and at OK Gallery at Aung San Stadium (North Wing) from Sept. 9 to 13—Soe Naing showcases dancing creatures with his trademark colorful and energetic style which he describes as "freedom of movement of lines."

Some dancing figures hold swords and others a four-edged dagger—the royal regalia of Myanmar monarchs. And, all of them seem carefree.

Soe Naing does not like drawing portraits from life, so he creates according to his own imagination.

Soe Naing's exhibition 'Dancing Soe Naing' is at OK Gallery at Aung San Stadium (North Wing) from Sept. 9 to 13.

"If I am to draw a dog, I feel like it is freer to draw it as I remember, rather than watching and copying it. And I think it is more alive. Typically, I draw dogs, cats and humans," Soe Naing told The Irrawaddy.

The exhibition will display 50 paintings prices between US$400 and $800.

Soe Naing's exhibition 'Dancing Soe Naing' is at OK Gallery at Aung San Stadium (North Wing) from Sept. 9 to 13.

Soe Naing has presented his paintings at over 20 solo exhibitions internationally and art collectors world wide—including the Singapore Art Museum—have purchased his paintings.

"I love lines. I like drawing small creatures because this allows me to draw many curved lines. I'm happy with those lines," said Soe Naing.

Soe Naing's exhibition 'Dancing Soe Naing' is at OK Gallery at Aung San Stadium (North Wing) from Sept. 9 to 13.

The post Abstract Animals: Modernist Painter Soe Naing's New Exhibition appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mon State Police Put on High Alert

Posted: 07 Sep 2017 01:20 AM PDT

MAWLAMYINE, Mon State — Police in Mon State capital Mawlamyine have been put on high alert in response to government and military statements alleging that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) plans to attack the city, Mon State chief minister Dr. Aye Zan said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the government and Myanmar Army said in separate statements that administrative capital Naypyitaw and commercial hubs Yangon, Mandalay and Mawlamyine could be potentially targeted by ARSA—declared a terrorist organization by the government following attacks in Rakhine State's Maungdaw Township on Aug. 25.

"We've put the police force on alert and we are also planning to reinforce them with extra police" Dr. Zye Zan told The Irrawaddy, adding that he could not provide more details.

Tuesday's army statement speculated that ARSA had foreign ties and alleged that members had received training abroad as migrants, though did not elaborate.

The attacks could be planned to coincide with the 72nd regular session of the UN General Assembly which will start on Sept. 12, speculated the statement, to win international attention about the conflict in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in Rakhine State.

It also speculated that ARSA conducted terrorism training to some Myanmar migrant workers in a foreign country some fours ago, and said the trainees are expert at making mines with locally available materials.

According to Mawlamyine's Mupon Police Station, local police stations have increased patrols around the town both day and night.

"Previously, we only conducted bicycle patrols at night, but we are conducting them during the daytime now," said Police Sub Lieutenant Yu Mon Saw of Mupon Police Station.

"We also run motorbike and car patrols and sentries. We've also increased security in Mawlamyine University

Dr. Aye Zan labelled the attacks in Rakhine State a threat to national sovereignty.

On Aug. 30, Mon State security and border affairs minister Col. Win Naing Oo met Muslim leaders in Mawlamyine and urged them not to accept strangers without national IDs at mosques as a security measure, said U Ohn Thaung, vice-chair of the Islamic Religious Affairs Council.

"There was no violence in Mawlamyine except throwing of stones between Buddhists and Muslims in what can be called as a religious riot around 1983. Since then, there has been no violence," said U Ohn Thaung.

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South Korea Deploys Anti-Missile System as US Seeks Tough North Korea Sanctions

Posted: 06 Sep 2017 09:58 PM PDT

SEOUL, South Korea — Protesters clashed with thousands of police at a South Korean village on Thursday as components of a controversial system to guard against North Korean missiles were deployed, while China and the United States discussed options to deal with Pyongyang.

The United States wants the United Nations Security Council to impose an oil embargo on North Korea, ban its exports of textiles and the hiring of North Korean laborers abroad, and subject leader Kim Jong Un to an asset freeze and travel ban, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

Pressure from Washington has ratcheted up since North Korea conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test on Sunday. That test, along with a series of missile launches, showed Pyongyang was close to achieving its goal of developing a powerful nuclear weapon that could reach the United States.

Amid the rising tensions, Seoul installed the four remaining launchers of the U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on a former golf course in the south early on Thursday. Two launchers had already been deployed.

More than 30 people were injured when around 8,000 South Korean police broke up a blockade of about 300 villagers and civic groups opposed to the THAAD system deployment, fire officials said.

The decision to deploy the THAAD system has drawn strong objections from China, which believes its radar could be used to look deeply into its territory and will upset the regional security balance.

"See What Happens"

US President Donald Trump has urged China, North Korea's biggest ally and trading partner, to do more to rein in its neighbor.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said he has an executive order ready for Trump to sign that would impose sanctions on any country that trades with Pyongyang if the United Nations does not put additional sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear tests.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping committed on a phone call on Wednesday to "take further action with the goal of achieving the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula", the White House said.

"President Xi would like to do something. We'll see whether or not he can do it. But we will not be putting up with what's happening in North Korea," Trump told reporters, although he offered no specifics.

"I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent," he said.

Asked whether he was considering a military response to North Korea, Trump said: "Certainly, that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens."

Xi told the US president during their 45-minute call that the North Korean issue must be resolved through "dialogue and consultation".

The United States had set aside for now consideration of terminating a U.S. trade agreement with South Korea, a senior administration official said on Wednesday. The trade issue is unrelated to North Korea but has been a source of tension between the two allies.

Moon, Abe Meet

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke at a regional meeting in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok and agreed to persuade China and Russia to cut off oil to North Korea as much as possible, according to South Korean officials.

Abe also invited Moon to a trilateral meeting between China, Japan and South Korea in Tokyo and Moon said he would be happy to attend if such a summit happened.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that Abe and Moon would seek Russian and Chinese support for new sanctions against the North.

However, sanctions have so far done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with Trump.

China and Russia have advocated a "freeze for freeze" plan, where the United States and South Korea would stop major military exercises in exchange for North Korea halting its weapons programmes, but neither side is willing to budge.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

The post South Korea Deploys Anti-Missile System as US Seeks Tough North Korea Sanctions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNFC: On the NCA Path

Posted: 06 Sep 2017 07:20 PM PDT

On August 15, the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) hosted Myanmar's other major ethnic bloc, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), led by Nai Hong Sar, in Pangsang, headquarters of the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

According to Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) sources, the blocs discussed potentially collaborating in order to expedite talks with the government and focused on a common vision for establishing a federal democratic Myanmar.

But FPNCC attempts at persuading UNFC to abandon the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA)—with an emphasis on the military's rejection thus far of the UNFC's entire nine-point proposal—ultimately failed, as, according to UNFC spokesperson Twan Zaw, the UNFC decided to stay on the NCA path.

The question of why the UNFC persists with the NCA path, despite all of the agreement's perceived flaws, is best answered in the bloc's background, current military situation, and internal politic dynamics. For the UNFC, the NCA is the preferable, but not necessarily plausible, option.

History of the UNFC

Expectations were high for the UNFC when it formed in November 2010. Comprised then of 12 ethnic armed organizations, many, particularly ethnic minorities, believed the bloc could strike a deal with the government and military in order to end Myanmar's perennial civil wars.

In 2014, however, the Karen National Union (KNU) suddenly withdrew its membership. One year later, in October 2015, two other members—the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) and the Chin National Front (CNF)—were suspended from the council after signing the NCA, which other members had rejected because it was not all-inclusive of the country's many armed groups.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) resigned from the bloc in 2016, followed by the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Wa National Organization (WNO) in 2017. Now the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is the latest withdrawal from the UNFC. The SSPP submitted a letter of resignation to the UNFC on August 12.

Only four of the original UNFC members remain: the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP); New Mon State Party (NMSP); Arakan National Council (ANC); and Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

Rather than achieving its lofty aims of building ethnic unity, establishing a genuine multi-party system, and introducing a peaceful federal Union, the UNFC instead has fragmented. The majority of its members, including the strongest, have pulled out. It has reached a critical juncture, a time of survival.

Why the NCA path?

UNFC members have shown interest in signing the NCA before the third round of the Union Peace Conference. Tellingly, the NMSP told Aung San Suu Kyi during a recent meeting that the bloc could sign the NCA.

Three main reasons can be drawn for the UNFC's willingness to sign the NCA. The first is to deter possible attacks from the Tatmadaw, though clashes have occurred between it and NCA signatory Shan State Army-South and its armed wing the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA-S).

According to a member of the UNFC, they are concerned joining the FPNCC might result in Tatmadaw attacks, which would lead to the displacement of hundreds or thousands. Kachin and Ta'ang people currently surviving in internally displaced people's (IDP) camps exemplify this.

The Tatmadaw also has stronger military capabilities than each member. According to "Deciphering Myanmar's Peace Process: A Reference Guide 2016," the active military personnel of the NMSP is about 1,000, the KNPP is more than 600, the LDU is about 150 and ANC is about 100. Some observers say signing the NCA is the only way the UNFC can avert conflict.

The second reason is international pressure, especially from Thailand. Myanmar Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand in May 2016, meeting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and military top brass, and visited again in August for a Thailand-Myanmar High-Level Committee meeting.

According to the Myawady Daily, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said bilateral relations between the two armed forces and two countries were strong. He may have asked Thailand to encourage the UNFC, which has its headquarters in northern Thai province, Chiang Mai, to sign the NCA.

Thailand has received tens of thousands of refugees because of conflicts between the Tatmadaw and KNU. Undoubtedly it would want its neighbor to avoid imploding into another civil war.

And the third: geography, as the UNFC and FPNCC would find it difficult to ally with their territories buffered by Tatmadaw-controlled land.

Aside from these reasons, the UNFC would not have received assurance that the FPNCC would offer protection if one of its members came under attack.

Five of the seven FPNCC members have been targets of Tatmadaw offensives, with only the UWSA and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) not engaging in clashes. The FPNCC does not have a policy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder in order to protect each other and is more of a political alliance.

But the NCA quagmire is prolonging Myanmar's journey to peace. UNFC general secretary and leader of the Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), Khu Oo Reh, told the government Peace Commission in August that after 14 months of talks, the level of trust was "at zero."

Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) member Sai Kyaw Nyunt also complained the process of the NCA had become more complex after two years.

RCSS/SSA Gen Yawd Serk accused the Myanmar Army of not abiding by NCA terms after the Myanmar military attaché in Bangkok banned a July meeting of the Committee for Shan State Unity in Chiang Mai.

The Myanmar Army has also collided with NCA signatories. For instance, a central committee member of signatory All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) was arrested in Kachin State for unlawful association last December and was only recently released.

The Tatmadaw and NCA signatory RCSS clashed in July 2017; apparently ignoring terms such as informing the other prior to crossing the other's controlled areas.

Still, the UNFC pursues the NCA as a means of achieving peace in Myanmar.

The government and the bloc have so far agreed on half of the bloc's nine-point proposal, but the Tatmadaw has not agreed on UNFC concerns regarding ceasefire monitoring, a military code of conduct, demarcation, and troop relocation.

The Tatmadaw may do well accepting the points as a token of appreciation of the UNFC's commitment. The success of the NCA hinges on the parties—particularly the Tatmadaw, a major driver for the peace process—and whether they genuinely commit with an unwavering political will.

UNFC's willingness to sign the NCA is welcomed and its members may boost the stalled peace process. Hopefully, the government and Tatmadaw will show the courage and magnanimity to accept ethnic demands and respond suitably, for the sake of the future of this country.

Joe Kumbun is the pseudonym of a Kachin State-based analyst.

The post UNFC: On the NCA Path appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News


Will Myanmar lead drug policy reform in Southeast Asia?

Posted: 07 Sep 2017 08:01 AM PDT

Myanmar is better known for its serious drug problems - including large-scale illicit drugs production and trafficking and high rates of heroin use - than for implementing progressive drug policies that prioritise the health of its population. However, this could change in the near future.

Change is in the air

Myanmar is better known for its serious drug problems - including large-scale illicit drugs production and trafficking and high rates of heroin use - than for implementing progressive drug policies that prioritise the health of its population. However, this could change in the near future. Last year, Police Colonel Myint Aung, head of the International Department of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC), commented in an interview that legislative changes were being considered to "make [drug use] a health issue, rather than a criminal one".[1] More recently, Major General Aung Soe, the military-appointed deputy Minister for Home Affairs, declared to a Member of the Parliament that "prevention and judicial strategies are not enough to solve drug problems," and that "the economy, social affairs, health and development must [also] be taken into consideration".[2]


This changing approach to tackling drug issues is reflected in a draft bill that was approved by the upper house of the Parliament ("Amyothar Hluttaw") on the 16th of August. The text proposes to introduce several amendments to 1993 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law and, most notably, to eliminate prison penalties for drug use. In a country where failing to register as a drug user can lead to 3 to 5 years imprisonment, and where up to 74% of all inmates are in prison for – mostly minor – drug-related offences,[3] the step is  significant. However, if Myanmar policy makers really want drug users to be seen as people who need help and support, rather than as merely criminals, it is fundamental that they also extend the exemption from prison penalties to include the possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use.

The decriminalisation of drug use has long been advocated for by numerous organisations, including several local and international NGOs and UN Agencies.[4] In February this year, the Drug Policy Advocacy Group – Myanmar (DPAG), a civil society platform, also released a briefing that recommended ending the criminalisation of drug use and increasing access to health, harm reduction and voluntary treatment for drug users, among other interventions. Indeed, extensive evidence from around the world shows that, while the fear of prison penalties is not an effective deterrent against drug use,[5] it does have a substantial negative impact on the health of drug users and the community at large.[6]

What benefits can be expected from the current drug law reform?

The elimination of prison penalties for drug use will no doubt generate a debate in Myanmar. Already numerous people, including parents and teachers, are raising an important and legitimate question: what will happen if Myanmar stops arresting and incarcerating drug users? Won't the country witness a further increase of drug use, especially among young people?

The best way to answer this question is to look at what has happened in the more than 30 countries that have already conducted similar reforms, albeit using very different models.[7] Among those, the case of Portugal is emblematic, as results have been closely monitored and speak for themselves.

In 2001, the Portuguese Government announced that it would decriminalise drug use and scale up health and social interventions for drug users. Opponents strongly criticised the Government's decision and predicted a rampant increase of drug use among the youth, or even the impending transformation of Portugal into a haven for "drug tourists". More than 15 years later, none of these predictions have materialised. Instead, Portugal's policy has been saluted as one of the most successful in the world due to overwhelmingly positive results: the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne diseases sharply decreased; the number of deaths by overdose dropped; the number of drug users entering drug dependence treatment programmes increased dramatically, while the number of drug users and problematic drug users, especially among adolescents, fell. Finally, overcrowding in the criminal justice system reduced and crimes related to drug consumption, in particular petty thefts, declined.[8]

Several countries in Latin America have also carried out legal reforms that pursued the same objective and decriminalised drug use. In Southeast Asia, neighbouring Thailand is considering introducing similar changes to reduce prison overcrowding and respond more effectively to drug use related problems.[9] Myanmar's decision to prioritise a public health and human rights approach, in line with the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, is a highly encouraging move that sharply contrasts with the intensification of the war on drugs and the increase of violence observed in the Philippines and a few other countries in the region.[10]

Of course, every context is unique, and it is always difficult to anticipate the impact of a given policy change. However, the numerous experiences around the world clearly show that the harms of criminalisation far outweigh those of decriminalisation.[11] The Myanmar government's intention to eliminate prison penalties for drug use is therefore excellent news and must be applauded.

A closer look at the proposed changes, nevertheless, reveals that the draft bill recently approved by the upper house of the Parliament still contains problematic aspects. Four of them, in particular, require special attention: the continued criminalisation of drug possession for personal use; the imposition of compulsory treatment for drug users; the heavy criminalisation of small-scale subsistence poppy farmers; and the continued possibility of using the death penalty for drug related offences.

Fortunately, it is not too late to incorporate additional amendments to the text. The following sections propose calibrated but essential changes that Members of the Parliament could consider as priorities. These would assuredly help to improve the lives of tens of thousands of people suffering from drug related problems in the country.

Full Link Story : goo.gl/mFo4aE