Tuesday, November 14, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Graft Fight Holds Key to Development, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Tells ASEAN Summit

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:22 AM PST

YANGON — State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi emphasized combating corruption and the development of human capital as key to achieving sustainable economic growth in Myanmar during a speech at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, while also stressing the important role of women in the economic sphere.

During her keynote speech at the meeting in Manila on Nov. 12, the state counselor told the delegates that "we depend for economic development on the enhancement of integrity … a better way of saying getting rid of corruption.

"I couldn't help mentioning the fact that some of those who had been engaging in business in Myanmar previously said that it was much easier then because then you knew who you had to bribe. It is a lot more difficult now, because now you have to know how to do business in the right way," she said, prompting applause.

In the early months of the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led civilian government, some business sources made a similar point, but they also noted the lack of direction from the new administration as detailed economic policies weren't announced until October 2016, seven months after it took office.

Combating the country's deep-rooted corruption has been one of the National League for Democracy's (NLD's) stated priorities since assuming power. The NLD's civil service reform strategic action plan (2017-2020) is also focused on tackling corruption.

Despite some improvements, critics fault the slow pace of progress in the graft fight, with corruption reportedly still rampant in the lower levels of government.

During the summit, Myanmar's de-facto leader said Myanmar had been growing rapidly as it rolled out rigorous reforms and structural changes in every sector, while reminding the audience that the country had only recently emerged from decades of economic and political isolation and still faced many challenges.

The most notable reforms have been in the investment sector with visible progress being made to ensure a level playing field to strengthen competition and to create a favorable, predictable and friendly investment climate, including reducing bureaucratic red-tape, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said.

A former long-time political prisoner as well as pro-democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said "Myanmar, as a young democracy, started with many, many challenges and has become fully aware of the need for development of people as human beings not just economic powerhouses."

She said human capital development is central to achieving sustainable economic growth and development and thus empowering women is also a form of human capital development as women are an important part of human capital.

"I would like us to think more about what we mean by power and what we mean by capital. Are we thinking only in material terms — that power is economic power? And that capital is economic capital? The material capital that will give us clout?"

"This may seem old-fashioned these days to think of developing ourselves as better human beings rather than as materially more powerful countries. But perhaps it is about time we think about these things," Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said.

The post Graft Fight Holds Key to Development, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Tells ASEAN Summit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Army Replaces Rakhine Commander

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 03:38 AM PST

NAYPYITAW — Myanmar's military on Friday replaced Maj-Gen Maung Soe, the head of the Western Command responsible for Rakhine and Chin states, with Supply and Transport Directorate chief Brig-Gen Soe Tint Naing.

The major-general, a graduate of the 27th Intake of the Defense Services Academy, was transferred to the Defense Ministry. He was not given a new assignment, but has been placed on a reserve list.

The Tatmadaw gave no reason for the transfer, but it coincides with the disclosure of US plans to impose targeted sanctions on Myanmar's military leadership. It is also believed to be partly in response to ongoing clashes with the Arakan Army (AA) in Paletwa in southern Chin State.

A Tatmadaw investigation team said in a statement released on Monday evening that it would continue "to take action against those who show weakness in administration and the collecting of information necessary for maintaining security in the region."

"I heard that it was because of the Paletwa case. Before that, there were also problems related to the Rakhine issue. These are the causes," according to a retired military officer who is now a Lower House lawmaker, and who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Tatmadaw has not released an official statement about military casualties sustained in an ambush by AA troops on a vessel carrying troops in Chin State's Paletwa Township on Nov. 8, but according to unconfirmed sources, 11 Myanmar Army personnel — two officers and nine other ranks — were killed.

The Tatmadaw also replaced Maj-Gen Min Zaw, the director-general of the Directorate of Supply and Transport, with Brig-Gen Zaw Lwin Oo. Maj-Gen Min Zaw was also put on the reserve list.

On Oct. 23, the US State Department announced sanctions against senior figures in the Myanmar Army, citing alleged human rights violations in military operations in Rakhine State that followed militant attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Maungdaw on Aug. 25.

A spokeswoman for the US State Department, Katina Adams, said the United States was aware of reports of the Rakhine State commander's replacement, Reuters reported.

"We remain gravely concerned by continuing reports of violence and human rights abuses committed by Burmese security forces and vigilantes. Those responsible for abuses must be held accountable," Adams said.

The Myanmar Army denies the atrocities and use of excessive force against Rohingya Muslims during clearance operations that sent more than 600,000 fleeing to Bangladesh.

In its report, the Tatmadaw investigation team, led by Inspector-General of Defense Services Lt-Gen Aye Win, said that "all security personnel abided by the orders and directives of superior bodies, especially the rules of engagement — ROE — in connection with the rights of self-defense and in discharging duties during the armed conflicts and anti-terrorist operations."

The post Myanmar Army Replaces Rakhine Commander appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nationalist Monk Denied Bail Over 2016 US Embassy Protest

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 03:07 AM PST

YANGON — Kamayut Township court in Yangon on Tuesday denied bail to U Parmoukkha, a Buddhist monk who was disrobed and detained on Sunday for staging a protest without permission last year.

U Parmoukkha was one of three Buddhist monks who were charged alongside four nationalists in August last year under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law for staging a protest in front of the US Embassy over the embassy's use of the term "Rohingya."

The nationalists, and many in Burma's government, refer to the Rohingya as "Bengali," implying they are migrants from Bangladesh.

The court granted U Parmoukkha bail of 2 million kyats for the charge under Section 19 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law, but refused it for a related charge under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.

Violations of Section 505(b) are punishable by a maximum of two years in prison, a fine, or both, while Article 19 carries a maximum sentence of three months' imprisonment.

"We'll appeal to the district court to get bail," said U Aung Myaing, a lawyer acting for U Parmoukkha.

As of last week, U Parmoukkha and two other monks — U Pyinnya Wuntha and U Thuseitta of the Patriotic Monks Union — had still not been arrested for their role in the protest even though four nationalists who participated in the protest were sentenced to six months in prison under the same two charges in September by the same court.

U Parmoukkha was finally detained on Sunday when he went to North Dagon police station to seek permission to stage a protest over the alleged confiscation and sale of a land plot by Yangon municipality to a third party.

"Before this, Sayadaw [U Parmoukkha] had appeared at many events including the court before the very eyes of the police, but they didn't arrest him," said Ko Sithu Mayint, a disciple of U Parmaukkha.

"Sayadaw was not hiding. Police have only just arrested him, and I think it is because authorities were concerned that their [alleged] wrongdoing in issuing the land permits would be revealed," he said.

As of yesterday, it was not clear whether the police would arrest the other two monks. The court hearing for U Parmoukkha was set for Nov. 21.

After the arrest, police brought U Parmoukkha to the Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, the regional Buddhist authority in Yangon, and asked him to leave the monkhood, which he refused to do.

The post Nationalist Monk Denied Bail Over 2016 US Embassy Protest appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

USDP-led Coalition Accuses NLD of Abusing Religion For Political Purposes

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 02:15 AM PST

YANGON — A coalition of 27 political parties headed by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) accused the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) of abusing religion for political purposes by organizing interfaith rallies around the country.

The coalition is led by main opposition party the USDP—the previous ruling and current military proxy party started by former generals—and comprises 26 other parties, the majority of which are currently unrepresented in Parliament, including the Democratic Party Myanmar, National Democratic Force, the National Development Party, and some small ethnic parties.

The coalition issued a joint statement on Monday stressing that the usage of pictures of NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the party's flag and logo at interfaith rallies organized in different cities across the country last month violated the military-drafted 2008 Constitution and the Political Parties Registration Law and called for action to be taken against the NLD.

"Interfaith rallies organized by the NLD can be considered as gatherings that showed support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and political assemblies that would only promote image of the party's leader," the joint statement read.

"We strongly oppose the act of involving political deception in the interfaith rallies organized by the NLD," it continued.

Interfaith rallies were organized in the wake of communal divisions after August attacks and subsequent clearance operations in Rakhine State. Thousands of people including NLD-appointed chief ministers of Yangon, Mandalay and Irrawaddy divisions and regional parliamentary speakers attended the rallies.

Article 364 of the 2008 Constitution forbids the abuse of religion for political purposes. Any political party shall be forced to dismiss if there is such act of abuse according to the Political Parties Registration Law.

The USDP and several other small political parties issued multiple joint statements in recent months, expressing criticism of the government's action surrounding the Rohingya crisis and the need for the government to hold a National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meeting in order to lay down a security policy for Rakhine State.

U Nyan Win, a member of NLD secretariat, told The Irrawaddy that interfaith events were organized with an intention for harmony and cannot be considered as abuse of religion.

"We have a different concept from them—organizing interfaith events is not an abuse of religion," he said. "It's also up to us whether we use pictures of our [party's] leader at the events or not."

The statement also mentioned that the coalition would try to submit parliamentary proposals and discussions concerning the issue in the near future.

The post USDP-led Coalition Accuses NLD of Abusing Religion For Political Purposes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

AA Disputes Tatmadaw’s Account of Deadly Chin State Ambush

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 01:44 AM PST

In an interview with The Irrawaddy, a spokesman for the Arakan Army (AA) has claimed the group was defending its territory during an attack on a vessel that killed at least 11 Myanmar Army troops in Chin State last week. The army has described the attack as an ambush.

At least 11 Myanmar Army troops were killed and 14 wounded during a clash with the AA in the western township of Paletwa in Chin State.

The troops of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's military, were ambushed while traveling by boat along the Kaladan River, which flows into Myanmar from eastern India and runs through Chin and Rakhine states. A university student on board the vessel was killed in the attack and three women traveling with the group were injured, according to local sources.

Paletwa is an ethnic Chin township that borders Rakhine State. The AA uses the area as a base, crossing the Kaladan River to enter Rakhine.

Fighting between the two sides has escalated since the first week of November, forcing over 300 villagers from their homes. The AA said in a statement on Nov. 5 that the Tatmadaw had stepped up its offensive activities in the area and warned people to avoid unnecessary travel.

The AA is a member of the Wa-led Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC), which has called for political negotiations with the government outside the NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) framework.

The Tatmadaw, however, considers the AA an insurgent organization threatening the country's sovereignty, and has refused to hold talks with it.

U Khaing Thu Kha, an information officer for the AA, recently talked to The Irrawaddy's senior reporter Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint about the clashes in Paletwa.

What is the latest information you have regarding the clashes in Paletwa?

The most recent clashes occurred from Nov. 1 to Nov. 10 in the upstream areas of the Kaladan River. There were fierce clashes on Nov. 7 and 8. The Myanmar military has been launching large-scale attacks in the areas we control. The clashes erupted when they attempted to penetrate our strongholds.

How many locations have seen fighting so far?

Three or four. In the Maung Bu and Saman Talan mountain ranges, the military hit us with heavy guns day and night. They also brought in reinforcements around the mouth of Kalet Creek, which led to fighting. There were also clashes near Nom Bu village. On Nov. 8 near Nom Bu, hundreds of Tatmadaw troops arrived in three vessels, and our special combat forces intercepted them. During the attack, the Tatmadaw suffered heavy casualties and many wounded.

Which AA battalion fought with the Tatmadaw?

The clashes broke out when they advanced into an area controlled by our Brigade No. 3.

The Tatmadaw says its troops were ambushed, but the AA says the fighting started when Tatmadaw troops entered an AA-controlled area. What is your response?

The answer is simple. We're not attacking their military bases; we have been defending ourselves against large-scale attacks on our bases. With peace being discussed, the Tatmadaw should not be launching serious attacks against armed ethnic groups. The government should seek to negotiate from an honorable position. Military destruction [of the groups] is not the right course.

How many casualties did the AA suffer in the Paletwa clash? 

A few fighters were wounded; we have not sustained heavy casualties so far.

In its Nov. 5 statement, the AA urged local people to resist human rights violations by the Tatmadaw. But Paletwa locals told me they disliked AA because it had planted land mines, forced them to work and seized their cattle since entering the area. How do you explain this contradiction?

We've told locals that if our troops kill their livestock without paying them, we will compensate them twice the value of the cattle. On a previous occasion when clashes occurred, we did have to slaughter villagers' cattle because we were short of food. But we paid them double compensation.

In some cases, Myanmar troops pretend to be AA fighters and seize cattle. This is common practice for the Tatmadaw. We never do things that burden local people. But the Myanmar Army does, and has been forcing villagers in and around Nom Bu to do physical labor.

Do the recent clashes pose a threat to the peace talks between the two sides?

We always keep the door open for peace. The fate of the peace talks rests entirely with the Myanmar Army. They are using force to fight their compatriots while chanting "annihilation." But we always seek to solve political problems though political negotiations.

Regarding the allegations on social media that AA is killing civilians, this is just Tatmadaw propaganda.

A student was killed and three women injured in our attack on the Tatmadaw's Light Infantry Battalion 563 near Nom Bu on Nov. 8 because they were on board a military vessel carrying food supplies.

The owner of the vessel, Aye Shwe, is married to a lieutenant in the Myanmar Army. That vessel is owned by them, and it is a military vessel. But some people said a civilian vessel had been attacked.

We issued a notice on Nov. 5 warning civilians to avoid traveling along the Kaladan River and the Kaletchaung and Pe creeks. It was not a civilian vessel, but a military vessel; they were on board and we attacked.

The post AA Disputes Tatmadaw's Account of Deadly Chin State Ambush appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Yangon This Week

Posted: 13 Nov 2017 10:57 PM PST

Back to Millennium | Nov. 18

Famous hip-hop bands from the 2000s including Acid, Theory, Examplez, Too Big, and Teens will perform at this event.

Nov. 18, 6 pm. Thuwunnabhumi Event Park, Tickets between 10,000 and 70,000 kyats at 09-250064667 and 09-455573442.

 

Lethwei Nation Fight | Nov. 19

Myanmar, Thai and Laotian fighters will compete in this event.

Nov. 19, 1 pm to 5 pm. Theinbyu Stadium, Tickets between 5,000 and 50,000 kyats at 09-964400215, 09-43164850.

 

Musical Concert | Nov. 18

A concert to mark the 97th anniversary of the University of Yangon will feature dozens of singers.

Nov. 18, 7 pm. National Theater, Tickets between 10,000 and 50,000 kyats at City Mart shopping malls and Tony Tun Tun beauty parlors.

Sunset Boat Party | Nov. 18

A number of Yangon DJs spin the latest music while the sun sets over the Yangon River.

Nov. 18, departure time: 5:30 pm. Botahtaung Jetty. Tickets at Union Bar and Grill on Strand Road.

 

Pieces of Mind – A Puppet Theater Performance | Nov. 18

Pieces of Mind is a kind of figure theatre developed by Myanmar and German puppet artists, which features a scenic kaleidoscope, where materials are shaped into figures and moments, which mirror human consciousness and feelings.

Nov. 18, 7 pm to 9 pm. Chin Chaung Palace, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Booking here.

 

Music for Myanmar Charity Concert | Nov. 18

Lisa Lambe and Simon Morgan, two of Ireland's accomplished singers, make their Myanmar debut to raise funds for deaf, orphaned and underprivileged children.

Nov. 18, 6:30 pm. Chatrium Hotel, Ticket price US$50 available here or 01-544500.

 

Japanese Movie Night: A Tale of Samurai Cooking | Nov. 17

This movie is about a housewife who married a Samurai cook.

Nov. 17, 6 pm to 8 pm. Japan Culture House, Room 322B, 2nd Floor, Building C, Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road. Free Admission.

 

Documentary Film and Photos | Nov. 17-21

This event will feature documentary films and photos on the landscapes and cultures of ethnic people across the country.

Nov. 17-21. Gallery 65, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Tsp. Free Admission.

Kin Maung Yin Remembrance | Nov. 11-17

An art exhibition in remembrance of late artist Kin Maung Yin will showcase more than 50 of his modernist works.

Nov. 11-17, Moon Art Gallery, 35th Street, Kyauktada Tsp.

 

U Thu Kha Commemoration | Nov. 11-18

Hundreds of paintings will be showcased at this exhibition held in commemoration of late artist U Thu Kha.

Nov. 11-18. No. 84A, Thanlwin Road, Golden Hill Avenue, Golden Valley, Bahan Tsp.

The post Ten Things to Do in Yangon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Army Denies Abuses Against Rohingya After Investigation

Posted: 13 Nov 2017 10:33 PM PST

YANGON — The Myanmar Army denied atrocities and use of excessive force against Rohingya Muslims during clearance operations that sent more than 600,000 fleeing to Bangladesh.

The international community has condemned the army for arbitrary killing, rape, torture and the torching of Rohingya homes during the counter operations in northern Rakhine State in response to Muslim militant attacks on 30 police outposts in the area. The US and EU have reimposed sanctions against army leadership while the UN Security Council called for the army to stop all violence against the minority group.

The report came before the visit of the US Secretary of the State Rex Tillerson, who will arrive in Myanmar on Wednesday.

The report on an internal investigation led by Inspector-General of Defense Services Lt-Gen Aye Win was released on Monday evening, stating that a team spent nearly a month on the ground gathering information and interviewing nearly 3,000 people, including Rakhine, Hindu and 'Bengali' [the term used for the Rohingya in the report and many others in the country implying they are interlopers from Bangladesh].

The findings of the investigation state "all security members abided by the orders and directives of superior bodies, especially the rules of engagement-ROE in connection with the rights of self-defense and in discharging duties during the armed conflicts and anti-terrorist operations."

"……the security forces opened fire with the use of small arms only without totally using heavy weapons, launchers and grenades. As such, the security forces abided by laws related to the wars in conducting area clearance operations. So, it is found that those security forces did not perform the use of excessive force," it read.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday that the army's claim is contrary to a growing body of evidence to the contrary, calling again for a UN fact-finding mission to be permitted in the region.

"The Burmese military's absurd effort to absolve itself of mass atrocities underscores why an independent international investigation is needed to establish the facts and identify those responsible," said HRW Asia Director Brad Adams. "The Burmese authorities have once again shown that they can't and won't credibly investigate themselves."

The report states that 114 people have been arrested related to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Muslim militant group that claimed responsibility for the August attacks and was later denounced as a terrorist group by the government.

"Members of security forces did not commit persecution against those persons in arresting. It was found that those Bengalis were exposed and arrested under provisions of the Geneva Convention and the law of wars," the army statement said, while claiming denial of the arbitrary killings, rapes and arson based on interviews with the Rohingya. The statement continued with the spurious claim that members of the ARSA torched Rohingya homes before fleeing to Bangladesh.

Regarding the exodus, the investigation claimed that villagers were lured to Bangladesh by ARSA promises of aid and resettlement or fear of being labeled traitors if they chose not to flee.

The statement concluded that security forces would continue to seek information regarding the ARSA attacks and take action.

On Friday, Maj-Gen Maung Maung Soe, the head of Western Command in Rakhine State, was replaced by Brig-Gen Soe Tint Naing, formerly a director in logistics. But the army hasn't provided any reason for the replacement yet.

The post Myanmar Army Denies Abuses Against Rohingya After Investigation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bob Geldof Calls Daw Aung San Suu Kyi ‘Handmaiden to Genocide’

Posted: 13 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PST

DUBLIN — Irish musician and activist Bob Geldof called Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi “a handmaiden to genocide” on Monday as he returned his Freedom of the City of Dublin award in protest over his fellow recipient's response to the repression of Rohingya Muslims.

"I don’t want to be on a very select roll of wonderful people with a killer," Geldof told state broadcaster RTE. "Someone who is at best a handmaiden to genocide and an accomplice to murder."

More than 600,000 Muslims from Myanmar's Rakhine State have fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh after military operations described by the United Nations as ethnic cleansing.

Their plight has drawn outrage around the world. But Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, long seen as a champion of human rights, has been criticized for failing to speak out against violence. There have been calls for her to be stripped of the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was given the Freedom of Dublin in 1999 while she was held under house arrest by Myanmar's then military government. She received her award at a reception in Ireland in 2012, two years after her release.

"Her association with our city shames us all and we should have no truck with it, even by default. We honored her, now she appalls and shames us," Geldof said in a statement.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Micheal Mac Donncha, said the city council had discussed taking away the honor and the matter was still under review. Last month she was stripped of a similar honor by the British university city of Oxford, where she was an undergraduate.

But Mac Donncha, a councillor for the Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party, also criticized Geldof’s gesture, saying it was ironic as Geldof held a British knighthood despite "the shameful record of British imperialism across the globe."

The former Boomtown Rats singer was given an honorary knighted in 1986 in recognition of his charity work, including organizing the 1985 Live Aid concert to help those suffering from starvation and disease in Ethiopia.

Other foreign recipients of the Freedom of Dublin include John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Irish rockers U2, who had campaigned for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release while she was a political prisoner, also voiced disappointment and said her silence was "starting to look a lot like assent."

"Who could have predicted that if more than 600,000 people were fleeing from a brutal army for fear of their lives, the woman who many of us believed would have the clearest and loudest voice on the crisis would go quiet," the band said in a statement.

"For these atrocities against the Rohingya people to be happening on her watch blows our minds and breaks our hearts."
The Myanmar military says it launched the crackdown in response to attacks by Rohingya militants.

The post Bob Geldof Calls Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 'Handmaiden to Genocide' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘They Beat Him With Sticks,’ Says Villager of Killing of Myanmar Land Rights Defender

Posted: 13 Nov 2017 07:55 PM PST

MUMBAI — Campaigners demanding the return of land to villagers in northern Myanmar said their fight would go on, days after an activist was beaten to death by a mob while visiting the disputed territory on the invitation of local officials.

Htay Aung was attacked by a mob of more than 20 people in northern Shan state. He died of his injuries on Nov. 1.
A police investigation is ongoing.

"We were waiting for the officials, when about 20 villagers [of the disputed village] approached and started shouting and swearing at Htay Aung," said a man who was with him on the day.

"They beat him with bamboo sticks and sugarcane stems. We shouted at them to stop, but it was too late," said the man who asked not to be identified because he fears for his safety.

Local officials took Htay Aung to a local hospital, from where he was moved to Mandalay Hospital, where he died, the man told the Thomson Reuters Foundation through a translator.

Calls and messages to the police and government officials seeking comment were not returned.

About 70 percent of Myanmar's population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for a living. Few have formal titles for their land.

Disputes over land have increased significantly since Myanmar eased political and economic restrictions after 2011, which led to a rush of foreign investments and greater demand for land for industrial use.

Government officials say these projects, including mining, hydropower and large-scale agriculture, are essential for development in one of the world's poorest countries.

In 2012, Myanmar introduced new laws that permitted farmers to obtain land-use certificates aimed at according them greater security. Four years later, the country adopted a national land-use policy and introduced dispute resolution mechanisms.

Still, land deals are often marred by a lack of consultation, inadequate compensation, the absence of a resettlement policy and a lack of judicial remedies.

Alongside, arrests and prosecution of protesters and land activists have risen.

"The laws don’t protect the small farmer, and they don't adhere to international human rights guidelines," said Jennifer Horan, a researcher with Amsterdam-based advocacy group Transnational Institute that focuses on land issues.

Campaigners said government officials have said they are considering amendments to one of the laws.

But activists say the proposed amendments will further undermine the rights of ethnic communities and women, and make it harder to resolve disputes.

Htay Aung's fight will go on, despite his death, said the villager. "We will keep demanding our land back," he said.

The post ‘They Beat Him With Sticks,' Says Villager of Killing of Myanmar Land Rights Defender appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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Monday, November 13, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Local Marketing Agency Combats Discrimination and Stereotypes

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 07:54 PM PST

In Myanmar, a typical vacancy announcement would specifically mention that the employer prefers someone who is between 18 and 25 years old and has a university degree. Sometimes, it even includes "not married" for marital status. Amara, a local digital marketing company breaks these stereotypes and more.

Vacancy announcements at the digital marketing agency state that "there will no discrimination based on age, sexual orientation, skin color, religion, race, appearance, physical disability and marital status." Amara's founder Chan Myae Khine told the Irrawaddy recently that homophobia and racial discrimination are common in the workplace and she wanted an announcement that would give the sense of a safe and non-discriminatory work environment.

When asked why vacancy announcements at Amara don't demand certification of university degrees like many employers do, she said, "I only care about dedication to work and a positive attitude."

The Irrawaddy sat down with Chan Myae Khine last week to talk about her struggle with digital marketing in a country where the majority of Internet users are limited to Facebook and the Internet speed is still worse than neighboring countries. She also discussed digital rights and feminism, as the 28-year-old entrepreneur is known for not tolerating any form of sexism or gender discrimination, either on social media or in her work.

How do you run a digital marketing business in this landscape?

In the beginning, we had to provide services for our clients through Facebook because it is the most influential digital platform here. We mostly do marketing for our clients on Facebook but not every product is suitable to be marketed through Facebook, such as business-to-business ones. Nonetheless, we are in a situation where we can't ignore Facebook because the majority of our country's Internet users are on it.

Some blame people for thinking of Facebook as the Internet, but really, there is not content for them to read once they get off Facebook. Myanmar has a huge problem regarding fonts and because of that, there is not much content [written] in Myanmar language. That's one of the reasons they get stuck there.

How can Myanmar overcome these challenges?

Most people in Myanmar can only afford mobile Internet that is provided by telecom companies. This is not normal. We need to have affordable Internet service for homes, costing around 30,000 or 40,000 kyats per month for an unlimited plan. The government should encourage Internet service companies to provide these plans, creating a situation where everybody can use unlimited Internet. Now, people are concerned about the time spent loading websites and that the data will be expensive. This hinders people from getting off of Facebook and surfing the Internet. Myanmar needs cheaper, faster options for Internet and more home service providers.

What role can digital [platforms] play in promoting peace when there is so much hate speech online?

It's difficult to say because digital platforms belong to no one. Facebook has its owner and it scrutinizes posts on its platform based on its policies. But when it comes to an individual country and acting according to one country's context, everyone is responsible. When we talk about people online, we can't see what kind of people we are talking about. We dare to talk about people because we can't see them. People say things they would never say to someone's face.

Also, racial and religious discrimination won't just disappear even if they are taken offline. Digital platforms reflect what is happening in public. We need to tackle the root causes. If we only censor, ban or arrest people who express discrimination online, this will not fix the problem. But this will take time. It can't be tackled overnight.

Doesn't online hate speech worsen the same problem offline?

It could, as we all know what is happening in Myanmar currently. An individual may express opinions online without much impact. But if a group inflames racial discrimination through fake accounts, this could become dangerous offline. Most Internet users in Myanmar can't discern between real and fake news; they take what is on Facebook seriously. It is important that the government and media release accurate, unbiased news quickly.

Do you think the government should impose some kind of policy to control speech on social media?

I personally don't like restricting and controlling people's expressions online. But in the case of a fake account or laws being broken, then it should be dealt with according to the law, even in the case of government officials. The real problem is a double standard in addressing this problem. Everyone should be held accountable equally according to the law, which is a difficulty in Myanmar.

What is the potential of digital marketing in Myanmar in the near future?

Now, some clients and agencies still think that Facebook is the way to advertise and digital marketing has become a popular job among young people. Trends will change as people branch out from Facebook. We have to make creative content that gets noticed and think about how to promote our brand outside of Facebook. I hope agencies also start thinking about how to connect online and offline marketing platforms.

How can you raise awareness about everyday sexism through your platform?

We do what we can. For example, in a commercial, we put the actress's name before the actor's name in order to see how the public would respond. Normally, the actors' names appear first even if actresses are more successful or have bigger roles. When we reversed this, people responded negatively, as we predicted. Men asked online why we did this. We try to be rebellious and break stereotypes gently by challenging people's habits in small ways.

We can also try raising awareness on digital platforms related to the harassment of women in public. Some Myanmar men don't think they act inappropriately or do anything wrong. But these issues need to be confronted and taken seriously.

Are you a feminist? What does feminism mean to you?

Many people know that I am one. But the problem here—actually not only here but in every part of the country—is that there are many feminism extremists who are doing stuff not related to gender rights and gender parity, which I believe created a situation where many women don't want to label themselves as feminists or associate with feminism anymore. For me, being a feminist means believing in equal rights no matter what your gender is rather than women demanding the same opportunities as men.

You have spoken a lot online about the contentious Myanmar term "a good woman." Can you discuss this?

Rather than defining "a good woman," I think we should define "a good human being." If we define a good woman, we also have to define a good man. In doing so, different standards and ideals will be involved and this will lead to discrimination again. To me, a good person tries for success without mistreating anyone along the way and contributes to the community and society.

Can you discuss gender disparity problems in Myanmar?

Gender discrimination in the workplace, such as women not receiving managerial positions or the like, is rare in my opinion. But gender issues are obvious in job choice based on societal and familial support. There is a stereotype that programming is not suitable for women because the profession is male-dominated and they would have to work late nights together.

I notice sometimes that the men take on higher job titles than the women despite equal intellect and education when spouses or couples partner in founding a business. I don't know why this happens, whether the male partners are more capable or the women defer. I generally see men holding higher positions in male-female partnerships and I wonder why this is.

Also, people sometimes behave differently toward men and women, which I have experienced infrequently. One of my clients introduced me to a foreigner who recently joined his company. Out of nowhere, he told me I was beautiful in a detestable way and asked if everyone in Myanmar was so beautiful. He would never have said something like that to a man.

The real struggle is selecting a university after high school graduation. Parents place pressure on women in regard to which institutions and careers are appropriate.

Myanmar women are vulnerable to online harassment and cyber bullying these days. Why do you think this is?

Frankly speaking, there is not much entertainment for normal people. Facebook has become more than a communication platform—it has become an entertainment platform. They read news, watch comedy, mock things and share them. That is where the problem starts. People on Facebook don't think long term or about the damage they could cause.

Now, even police are starting to take action against online harassment and cyber bullying against women. How can police handle such cases effectively?

As far as I've seen, these cases usually stop when the police say they can't identify the Facebook account user who committed the crimes. But police or courts could contact Facebook for this information. Even setting an example by prosecuting a few cases would lessen online harassment.

 This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.

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Saturday, November 11, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Dateline Irrawaddy: When Religiosity Leads to Sexual Exploitation

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 08:25 PM PST

May Sitt Paing: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy. This week, we'll discuss sexual exploitation of girls in Alantaya in Mon State's Thaton Township by a man called Khun Tan, also known as Zat Lite, which was reported last month. It came under the spotlight on social media and also attracted the attention of authorities after the father of one of the victims filed a complaint. According to locals and authorities, Khun Tan sexually exploited at least six girls between 2014 and 2016 in Alantaya. However, such cases happen not only in Alantaya, but across the country. Director of Rainfall Gender Studies Organization Ma Pyo Latt Han and The Irrawaddy's senior reporter Ko Kyaw Kha will join me to discuss this. I'm May Sitt Paing of The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: အမ်ိဳးသမီးအေပၚ လိင္အျမတ္ထုတ္ခံေနရမႈ ဘယ္လိ…

Dateline Irrawaddy: အမ်ိဳးသမီးအေပၚ လိင္အျမတ္ထုတ္ခံေနရမႈ ဘယ္လိုကာကြယ္ေပးမလဲဒီတပတ္ ဒိတ္လိုုင္းအစီအစဥ္ကေတာ့ အမ်ိဳးသမီးအေပၚ လိင္အျမတ္ထုတ္ခံေနရမႈ ဘယ္လိုကာကြယ္ေပးမလဲ ဆိုုတာနဲ႔ပတ္သက္ၿပီး ဧရာဝတီ ျမန္မာပိုုင္း သတင္းေထာက္ မေမစစ္ပိုင္၊ ကိုေက်ာ္ခနဲ႔ Rainfall Gender Study Organization ရဲ႕ Board of Director မပ်ိဳးလက္ဟန္တိုု႔က ေဆြးေႏြးထားၾကတာပါ။

Posted by The Irrawaddy – Burmese Edition on Friday, November 10, 2017

Regarding the Alantaya case, there were reports of sexual exploitation of girls by Khun Tan who took advantage of their religiosity. Ko Kyaw Kha, to what extent do you think such cases may exist across the country besides Alantaya?

Kyaw Kha: I have contacted women organizations and inquired about the incidence of such cases in order to collect reports. Khun Tan's case came under the spotlight only because it drew widespread attention. But there are many other cases that have gone unreported. Apparently, such cases exist in communities of all religions in the country as a result of religiosity being exploited by religious leaders. In some cases, families of the victim try to hide their pregnancy by sending them away. There are many cases of sexual exploitation in connection with religiosity that happen both in areas of Central Myanmar and ethnic regions, not only in Alantaya.

MSP: In those cases, women are sexually exploited due to their religiosity. But some of them are not aware that they are being exploited and they continue to follow their exploiter. And some continue to cling to [the exploiter] despite the knowledge that they are being exploited. What do you think should be done to educate them?

Pyo Latt Han: Before talking about educating, I'd like to mention the number of rape cases in 2016. According to official sources, there were 1,100 rape cases nationwide and 671 of them were child rape cases. So, considering this national figure, the security of women and children is a subject for concern. Again, speaking of religiosity-related abuses, in fact some cases are not related with religiosity. Especially, regarding culture, we usually view it as a fixed set of principles. But it fact, it is a man-made thing. And we have come to notice cases of sexual exploitation only after the case of Khun Tan came under the spotlight. In fact, women in society are exploited daily in different ways. For example, there is a notion of 'women' being viewed as the 'object' and 'men' being the 'subject.' Such notion makes both sexes believe that women are submissive. Women themselves willingly accept that notion. First of all, we need to address the circumstances that make women accept that notion. This is also a problem of misguided belief. For example, that women willingly accept that they are inferior to the male sex is a form of misguided belief. So we need to question all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in our daily lives. And speaking of educating, many people think that the educator is superior and the receiver of the education is inferior. In fact, we need to work together to find answers to those problems in question. The way such cases happen differs from one place to another and the problems and difficulties facing women are different from place to place. Problems facing women in urban areas are different from those facing their counterparts in rural areas. We need to take different conditions into account. Speaking of sexual exploitation, some usually do blame the victim, saying that they deserve it because they are naïve. But why don't they question the norms that make them willingly accept the notion they are submissive? So rather than differentiating the roles of educator and receiver in educating, we should take time and make questions and find answers together. Then, we will be able to see certain change, I think.

MSP: You've made a good point. So you argue that established norms and customs contribute to exploitation. But such attitudes are rather deep-rooted in society. What actions do you think should be done to shatter the glass-ceiling?
PLH: First of all, we should view ourselves the same rather than viewing as 'they' and 'us.' We were all oppressed under the same system. So, I think no one is better to take the role of educators. The structure of our society appears to have two levels of hierarchy. We should question this structure and, as I've said earlier, we should think together about how to solve the problem. Again rather than viewing the problem as a 'women only' issue, we must be aware that it is an issue that concerns all of us. Both men and women are subjected to exploitation by cultural norms in the name of religion. But women are more vulnerable because of the concepts that women are the inferior and weaker sex. This is a view that women have willingly accepted. We should identify the causes of this, and forget the hierarchy of educator and receiver, and all come together and think how to solve the problem, then there will be a certain change, I think.
MSP: Ko Kyaw Kha, how do you assess it?

KK: Those cases, I think, are resulted from low levels of education, lack of knowledge and religiosity. The media should expose such cases. Some women organizations have information about abuses that involve religious leaders, but are concerned about the possible impact if they reveal those cases because religion is a very sensitive subject and disclosing those cases can exacerbate the tensions. I have made many reports about women being sexually abused by religious leaders. The media should make thorough investigative reporting of such cases. Likewise, the government should take harsh actions against the perpetrators, and then we'll be able to solve it. Mostly, such cases tend to happen in places of low levels of education and religiosity. So, there is a need to disclose those cases and take tough actions.
MSP: Do you think such cases happen more in ethnic areas than urban areas? The way women in ethnic areas are exploited is different from urban areas. Women in urban areas have a certain degree of awareness, but their peers in rural areas are very honest and simple. What are the differences in patterns of exploitation between urban and rural areas?

PLH: A Karen female friend told me yesterday that she didn't like being called an honest ethnic woman, and that she felt like by honest, it was implied that she was naïve and being exploited. The way women are exploited is different [between rural and urban areas], but it is very difficult to say in which area abuse cases are more frequent. Anyway, there are more opportunities in urban areas; there are media and greater chances to read—I mean, more factors that encourage us to report abuses. I'm afraid it would be somewhat imperious, just my opinion, to say women in rural areas are exploited because of low levels of education. Taking a look at the education system of our country, one of its objectives is to establish a fairer and more just society. And we should also be aware that we have no space to question the fairness of the current situation.

As I've said, it is difficult to say in which area exploitation is more frequent. There are two forms of exploitation—one is visible, like Khun Tan, and another is invisible, for example the stereotypical description in advertisements of women as housewives who have to do household chores, and women mainly responsible to do daily chores for their children, and films and movies also promote the notion that good women make sacrifices [for their family]. This is also a form of exploitation. So, though the patterns of exploitation are different, women of both urban and rural areas are exploited. And it is difficult to say which area is more vulnerable.

MSP: These days, there are also male activists alongside female activists who demand women's rights besides the prevention of sexual abuses. To what extent do you think the measures to change widely-held perceptions have gained progress?

KK: It will depend on the degree of cooperation. For example, education campaigns will be required to prevent sexual exploitation like in the case of Khun Tan. Especially, women's organizations, non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and the government should work together to educate women against sexual exploitation in those areas. If there is cooperation of the government, it would be fine. In fact, such cases of sexual exploitation should not happen in Myanmar. Frankly speaking, the cooperation of government is not that active. NGOs and women's organizations mostly have to work on their own. The cooperation of government is essential to get rid of such exploitation. It is time education campaigns were undertaken. There are other types of abuses besides sexual abuse. For example, probably in 2015, the case of the witch doctor who killed children in Twante Township. So, there is a need to conduct effective education campaigns. The government should take an active part in cooperation with NGOs and women's organizations.

MSP: Ma Pyo Latt Han, what measures, including education and legal protection, do you think should be taken to prevent sexual exploitation of women and protect their rights?

PLH: We need to cooperate with legal experts. And it is important to understand clearly that we have to protect women not because they are weak and ignorant, but we have to protect them against things and circumstances that make them weak. Again it is critically important that the decision makers who would enact the laws are knowledgeable about women's issues and can view things from a feminist perspective. So, the scale of legal protection for women depends on their decision. And we should better prevent than cure. As I've said, the issues facing women are different from place to place across the country. So the government should take a lead role and in cooperation with women's organizations and media, and think about how to listen to the voices of women.

MSP: Thank you for your contributions!

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Friday, November 10, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Child Rights Groups Campaign Against Corporal Punishment

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 04:15 AM PST

YANGON — For the first time, child rights groups in Myanmar will conduct a campaign to raise public awareness about eliminating all corporal punishment against children from Nov. 11 to 18, ahead of Universal Children's day.

Daw Ni Ni Hla, Head of Program of Child Rights Governance of Save the Children, told The Irrawaddy that the campaign hopes to raise public awareness of positive alternative methods for the benefit of children as opposed to the physical or mental abuse sometimes inflicted.

"It seems like it's no big deal. But it could undermine self-value and self-respect of children and make them grow fearful…If they don't learn to respect themselves, they won't respect others. The physical admonition is just being used as a means to assert authority."

Hitting or beating children— in other words, corporal punishment—and verbal abuse for indiscretions are regarded as normal behavior among many adults in Myanmar society.

But with a handful of cases of harsh punishment against children going viral on social media, netizens voiced anger over the disciplinary method.

In a recent case, a teacher at a primary school in Bago Region gave two girls and three boys in her classroom the punishment of standing in front of the class half naked. In another case in 2015, a household maid repeatedly beat a naked 8-year-old girl living in the home of a military lawmaker in Bahan Township of Yangon.

The "Stop Corporal Punishment Campaign," which was organized by the NGOs Child Rights Working Group (NCRWG) will start on social media platforms, sharing campaign posts and videos on Save the Children in Myanmar page and local artists' pages, from Nov. 11 to 17.

As part of the campaign, an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 campaigners will also gather at Mahabandoola Park in Yangon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. The campaign will also be conducted in Karenni and Shan states, and Magwe Region along with Yangon.

Daw Ni Ni Hla from the Save the Children said under the draft bill of the revised 1993 Child Law, corporal punishment against children is prohibited. Physical or mental abuse against children, including beating or any kind of punishment, by anyone including parents, teachers or employees will bring a month to two years imprisonment or a fine of between 300, 000 kyats and 500, 000 kyats, or both, as penalties.

The child or the representative in respect of his or her rights can file complaint under the law.

Daw Ni Ni Hla stressed that public awareness of the law and the directive issued by the government that said corporal punishment shouldn't be used at schools needs to be raised widely.

"When the public shares incidents of child abuse, they also need to be aware that they should cover the kids' private areas and faces. But most aren't aware," she added.

She said the rights groups will consult with the parliamentary Bill Committee in the coming weeks ahead of the revised Child Law going to Parliament.

NCRWG, formed in 2009, is a working group of more than 50 child-focused INGOs and local NGOs that work together to fulfill the rights of children in Myanmar.

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Analysis: How will the Myanmar Army React to US Sanctions?

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:56 AM PST

YANGON — It has been nearly a month now since the EU and US State Department issued announcements on taking action against Myanmar's military leadership and the consideration of targeted sanctions. But the military is yet to officially respond.

Both the EU and US suspended invitations to the Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces and other senior military officers and pledged to review all practical defense cooperation due to the disproportionate use of force against Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine State.

The military leadership has remained tight-lipped on the US sanctions. The Facebook page of the military chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has been radio silent on the issue.

The page normally posts important statements as well as lengthy meeting minutes between the Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and international dignitaries in which the army chief talks about the Rakhine issue and how the army is operating on the ground.

Only the country's defence minister Lt-Gen Sein Win told the media at a sideline interview that they were not concerned about the restrictions against the military leadership on Oct 15, one day before the EU's announcement to cut ties with the Myanmar military.

"We are not much worried about what other people said [about the sanctions] as we are doing right things to defend the country," he said.

The State Counselor Office's director-general U Zaw Htay told The Irrawaddy that the US actions could hinder the government's ongoing peace process, development and democratization as a whole.

"Their actions are not compatible with where we are heading now. Ordinary people are the most vulnerable when it comes to sanctions," he said.

Analysts said the sanctions were meant to shame the Myanmar military in to pursuing the army's accountability for human rights abuses in Rakhine State.

On the other hand, it's interesting to know if the sanctions would put more strain on relations between the Myanmar military leadership and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

It has been reported that the government and the military—the most powerful and established institution in Myanmar—are not stable. When asked in an interview with Radio Free Asia, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi described relations as "normal." But other signs suggest relations are not good, the most recent example being the declaration of a state of emergency in Rakhine State.

For the recent sanctions, the military leadership would surely feel annoyed, for they have been identified in the Rakhine issue as a main culprit of the atrocities there. The military has historically been suspicious of the Lady given her proximity to the West. What if they think Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is behind the sanctions against them in an effort to divert mounting international pressure on the Rohingya issue?

If they really have that impression, the national reconciliation between the armed forces and the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led government would be rockier.

Once again, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be walking a difficult tightrope, as she can't officially defend the military against the sanctions.

Any act to stand with the army on the Rakhine issue would severely tarnish her global reputation, one that has already been tainted due to her silence on the Rohingya issue. But she is also in danger of being seen as an accomplice in the sanctions.

So far, she hasn't made any comments about the issue. The strongest statements she has made about the army operation was in her diplomatic briefing in September: "Human rights violations and all other acts that impair stability and harmony and undermine the rule of law will be addressed in accordance with strict norms of justice."

Next week will see Rex Tillerson's visit to Myanmar, where he is supposed to meet with the country's leaders, including Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. It should be taken for granted that the army chief and the secretary of state will discuss the sanctions in more detail.

Actually, they already had a conversation right after the US sanction announcement, but the outcome hasn't been publicized yet. Hopefully, next week's meetings in Naypyitaw will shed more light on the issue, and the US will learn more about how the Myanmar military really feels about the return of sanctions.

The post Analysis: How will the Myanmar Army React to US Sanctions? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Confirm Protest Ban in Downtown Yangon

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:57 AM PST

YANGON — Yangon police have confirmed that demonstrations and rallies will no longer be permitted in the city's downtown and other dense urban areas, according to an order from the Regional Home Affairs Ministry.

The 11 townships covered by the protest ban are Kyauktada, Pabedan, Latha, Lanmadaw, Botahtaung, Bahan, Sanchaung, Dagon, Ahlone, Mingalar Taung Nyunt and Pazundaung.

The areas are in critical parts of the city and have thoroughfares used by the public and VIPs. Rallies interrupt commuter traffic, cause a nuisance to the public, and raise safety concerns, the directive said.

Groups applying to hold rallies within the 11 townships will be directed to Hit Taing field in Tamwe Township. Police officials from Botahtaung and Pabedan townships confirmed to The Irrawaddy that they had received the order on Wednesday.

Yangon's City Hall is located in Kyauktada Township in the heart of downtown and is one of the most concentrated areas in the city. Most rallies and demonstrations are held outside Mahabandoola Park, which is located in front of City Hall, to draw attention from the public.

The latest gatherings to be held in front of City Hall were an interfaith peace rally organized by the Yangon chapter of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party on Oct. 31 and attended by Divisional Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, and a pro-military and nationalist rally, in which thousands of people participated.

The rallies caused severe traffic congestion and attracted complaints from commuters.

U Kyaw Zay Ya, a regional lawmaker representing Dagon Township, told The Irrawaddy that the move would inconvenience those who wanted to hold rallies.

"Prohibiting protests in specific areas where there is a school or government offices is acceptable but restricting them in a whole area [township] is not logical," he said.

Myanmar's Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law requires demonstrators to notify local authorities 48 hours in advance of staging a protest or rally in a public area.

The post Police Confirm Protest Ban in Downtown Yangon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Journalists Sentenced Under Unexpected Charge for Flying Drone Over Parliament

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:41 AM PST

YANGON — Two foreign journalists and two Myanmar nationals were sentenced to two months in jail at a Naypyitaw court today under an unexpected charge after attempting to fly a drone near Myanmar's Parliament.

Journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia along with interpreter Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin were charged under the colonial-era 1934 Myanmar Aircraft Act.

The four also face charges under the 2012 Export and Import Law for illegally bringing the drone into the country, which carries a penalty of up to three years in jail. They have been in custody since Oct. 27 and will face the charge in the next trial on Nov. 16.

The defendants and their lawyers were aware of the export/import charge, but the plaintiff's lawyer informed the court today of another complaint under the aircraft act.

Mok Choy Lin asked the judge of the punishment for breaching the aircraft act, who replied it would be either three months' imprisonment or a 50,000 kyats fine, according to U Khin Maung Zaw, the lawyer for Aung Naing Soe, Hla Tin and Mok Choy Lin.

Mok Choy Lin and Lau Hon Meng agreed to each pay the fine and admitted to the charge. Initially, Aung Naing Soe and Hla Tin rejected the complaint, arguing they were not journalists.

The judge told the driver and interpreter he would call for witnesses and investigate whether they breached the aircraft act, which would lengthen the court process.

On the advice of their lawyer, the pair then accepted the complaint. However, the judge sentenced the four to two months' imprisonment.

"We did not expect this charge," said the lawyer, who had prepared a defence only for the export/import charge. This case is the first time the aircraft act has been used to penalize drone flying.

When The Irrawaddy asked the lawyer whether it was legal to add a new charge during the trial, he replied: "They can do it based on the rule of law in Burma."

The journalists were working for Turkish state broadcaster TRT World, which stated Lau Hon Meng, a camera operator, and producer Lau Hon Meng had entered Myanmar on journalist visas on Oct. 21. The journalists had already informed authorities about their plans to film beforehand, according to TRT World.

Attending the trial were the families of Lau Hon Meng, Aung Naing Soe and Hla Tin, and a friend of Mok Choy Lin. It was the first time relatives and friends could see the defendants since their arrest, as authorities blocked visits due to the "ongoing investigation."

Rights activists criticized the refusal of visiting rights, saying the defendants had not been charged with a serious crime. Previous cases against media members, including under the Unlawful Association Act, have also barred visitors.

The two foreign journalists were being held at No. 1 Police Station in Naypyitaw and the two Myanmar nationals were being held at Pyinmana Prison, also in Naypyitaw. After the trial they were taken to No. 1 Police Station and will be transferred to Yamethin Prison in Mandalay Region later this evening, according to Ko Ye Htoo, a close friend of Aung Naing Soe.

The sentencing marks the first time the authorities have taken action against journalists since the outbreak of the latest Rohingya crisis in late August.

Aung Naing Soe is well respected among Myanmar's journalistic community as a fixer, photographer and cameraman. As a Muslim, he has faced anti-Muslim sentiment while working—including being blocked entry to some hardline nationalist monk meetings.

The post Journalists Sentenced Under Unexpected Charge for Flying Drone Over Parliament appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

1 of 24 State-owned Factories Operating at a Loss Starts to Yield Profits

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 11:43 PM PST

NAYPYITAW — The National League for Democracy (NLD)-led government has made one of 24 state-owned factories operating at a loss profitable, said Union Industry Minister U Khin Maung Cho.

A textile factory in Myingyan Township of Mandalay Region has started to yield profits after 18 months of overhaul and partnership with a private company, said the minister.

"We had to innovate in order to improve product quality and design for customer satisfaction. The process took around a year and a half," said the minister.

However, the minister did not disclose the detailed profits and losses of the factory.

The parliamentary Investment and Industrial Development Committee has formed two teams comprised of officials from the Planning and Finance Ministry, Ministry of Industry and representatives of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) to inspect these state-owned factories to assess their financials.

"We have invited expression of interest from businesspeople to operate these factories. We'll discuss with interested parties and privatize some, turn some into joint ventures, and terminate some as necessary," said U Aung Kyaw Kyaw Oo, who is a member of the parliamentary committee.

The Ministry of Industry has partnered with private companies to operate 12 of 24 of the factories operating at a loss. The rest are currently suspended, said minister U Khin Maung Cho.

Steel plants in Mandalay Region's Myingyan and Shan State's Pangpet, paper mills in Irrawaddy Region's Thabaung Township, and heavy industry in Bago Region's Thagara are among the biggest factories to be inspected, said Myingyan Township lawmaker U Paw Khaing, who is also the secretary of the parliamentary committee.

"Those factories were not able to produce products beneficial to the country. The product portfolio just didn't fit the needs of the country," said minister U Khin Maung Cho.

"We the new government will try to manufacture practical products for the country. And we are cooperating [with the private sector] to acquire technology," said U Khin Maung Cho.

The minister also wants to re-operate the suspended Myingyan Steel Plant, and is waiting for the approval of the parliament.

"The steel plant is ready [for resumption]. It is a massive investment, and we don't want to waste it. We will run it again to make up for losses. We have hired international experts, and they have recommended [resumption]," said the minister.

According to the minister, his ministry will also cooperate with Japan's Hitachi Co for power generation from tidal waves, which is the latest in energy technology, in Mon State's Thaton Industrial Zone.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

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Rohingya row to Bangladesh as Myanmar’s Suu Kyi Runs Summit Gauntlet

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:48 PM PST

COX'S BAZAR/YANGON — Blessed by calmer seas, several hundred more Rohingya Muslims on Thursday joined a multitude of refugees in Bangladesh, as calls grew for upcoming regional summits to exert more pressure on Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi to stem the crisis.

A Myanmar military operation has driven out more than 600,000 Rohingya since late August and the latest refugees to find sanctuary in predominantly Muslim Bangladesh say many thousands more are still trying to leave.

Ariful Islam, of Bangladesh's Border Guard, said about 200 people arrived on Thursday morning on the stretch of coast he commands at Teknaf, at the southern tip of Cox's Bazar district.

More than 200 Rohingya have drowned in the strong currents and high surf trying to reach Bangladesh from Buddhist-majority Myanmar over the past two months.

But the sea was fairly flat on Thursday morning as Abdus Sabir came ashore at Shamlapur along with a large group of Rohingya after a six-hour boat journey to complete an escape begun weeks ago.

"We fled because the military is still burning our houses," Abdus, who had abandoned his home in the Rathedaung region of Myanmar's Rakhine State, told Reuters.

Nearby, Husain Shorif, from the Buthidaung region, said he had rowed for four hours to help bring across 56 people on a raft cobbled together from bamboo and plastic jerrycans.

"Some boatmen were asking for huge money we didn't have. So we made our own boat and came," Shorif said, adding that thousands more Rohingya were still stranded at Pa Nyaung Pin Gyi at the mouth of the Naf river.

Reuters was unable to verify that claim as Myanmar's military has restricted access to northern parts of Rakhine, where it launched a clearance operation it says was aimed at Rohingya militants behind attacks on 30 security posts on Aug. 25.

UN officials described the operation as "ethnic cleansing," an accusation Myanmar has denied.

The storm of opprobrium over the humanitarian crisis will expose Myanmar to more diplomatic pressure, at least from leaders of Muslim-majority countries and the United States, during three summits hosted by Vietnam and the Philippines.

Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar's less than two-year-old civilian administration, left on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam’s central seaside resort of Danang.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to the generals who had ruled the country for nearly half a century, Suu Kyi now has to share power with them, under a constitution drawn up in 2008 when junta was still in control, and has little control over what they do.

After Friday's APEC gathering, Suu Kyi will meet leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grouping in Manila on Sunday, followed by an East Asia Summit in Angeles, just north of the Philippine capital.

Outcry

Setting up a regional trade block, and concerns over North Korea's ambitions to become a nuclear-armed state are priorities, but New York-based Human Rights Watch beseeched the Asian leaders to ensure stronger action by Myanmar to end the crisis.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet Suu Kyi on Nov. 15 for talks on the Rohingya crisis, and they are expected to hold a joint news conference.

"World leaders shouldn't return home from these summits without agreeing to targeted sanctions to pressure Burma to end its abuses and allow in independent observers and aid groups," Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that referred to Myanmar by its old name.

Desperate for help to cope with the massive influx of people, Bangladesh is lobbying furiously for pressure to be put on Myanmar.

"We want international communities to continue building pressure on Myanmar. Otherwise, they won't resolve the crisis," a foreign ministry official in Dhaka told Reuters, adding that ministers from Germany, China, Japan and Sweden were expected to visit both countries later this month.

HRW's Adams said leaders meeting Asia should discuss how to investigate alleged rights abuses and atrocities in Rakhine, and refer them to the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

The rights group also urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo, economic sanctions and travel bans targeting Myanmar military officials.

Some US senators are pressing for the United States to impose its own sanctions, also targeting the military.

The Security Council this week opted for a strongly worded statement scolding Myanmar, as diplomats said China and Russia would have vetoed any resolution.

China has publicly supported the Myanmar government's efforts to "maintain stability" in Rakhine. The stance taken by China and other Southeast Asian governments fighting insurgencies by Muslim militants should spare Myanmar from any harsh spotlight in the summits' final communiques.

"On the Rohingya, the leaders will agree that there is no quick fix to the long-standing inter-communal problem with deep historical roots that needs to be carefully managed," an ASEAN diplomat told Reuters, adding that the group aimed to deliver US$500,000 of relief supplies to Myanmar.

The post Rohingya row to Bangladesh as Myanmar's Suu Kyi Runs Summit Gauntlet appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trump Praises “Highly Respected” Xi; China Media Says Visit Set New Blueprint for US-China Ties

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:31 PM PST

BEIJING — US President Donald Trump praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping as "highly respected" on Friday as he left Beijing for Vietnam, ending a visit which Chinese media declared set a "new blueprint" for handling US-China relations and differences.

Trump pressed China to do more to rein in North Korea and said bilateral trade had been unfair to the United States, but lauded Xi's pledge that China would be more open to foreign firms.

The two also oversaw the signing of about $250 billion in commercial deals, but there was little progress reported on US firms' complaints about market access or US government probes into issues like intellectual property theft.

Shortly before flying off to Vietnam, where he will attend the APEC summit of Asia Pacific leaders, Trump tweeted: "My meetings with President Xi Jinping were very productive on both trade and the subject of North Korea."

"He is a highly respected and powerful representative of his people. It was great being with him and Madame Peng Liyuan!" Trump added, referring to Xi's wife.

Trump reiterated comments from the previous day that he didn't blame China for the trade difficulties between the two countries.

"I don’t blame China, I blame the incompetence of past Admins for allowing China to take advantage of the US on trade leading up to a point where the US is losing $100's of billions. How can you blame China for taking advantage of people that had no clue? I would've done same!"

China lavished attention on Trump and his wife Melania during their visit, with Xi personally chaperoning them on a tour of the Forbidden City, part of what the Chinese government referred to as a "state visit plus."

There were no obvious gaffes, and Trump and Xi seemed to enjoy being in each other's company.

At a banquet on Thursday in the Great Hall of the People, Trump and Xi dined on coconut chicken soup, spicy chicken, stewed beef with tomatoes and grouper fillets.

Trump came to China pledging to ask Xi to play a bigger role in reining in North Korea, whose repeated nuclear and missile tests have angered both Washington and Beijing.

Xi, at least in public, went no further than reiterating China's determination to achieve denuclearization through talks.

Chinese state media on Friday said the tone and outcome of Trump's visit had been largely positive, saying Trump and Xi were setting a new blueprint for handling relations and managing their differences.

"China has tried its utmost, even at the sacrifice of Sino-North Korean relations," influential tabloid the Global Times wrote in its editorial.

"Trump has gradually learned that Beijing is indeed making selfless contributions to promoting the denuclearization of the peninsula. He can't demand more."

China has repeatedly said it is committed to enforcing United Nations sanctions against North Korea, which does some 90 percent of its trade with China, but that more efforts need to be made to get everyone back to the negotiating table.

"Although the differences that had been pestering bilateral ties have not instantly disappeared, the most important takeaway from their talks in Beijing has been the constructive approach to these issues the two leaders demonstrated," the official China Daily said in an editorial.

"Both expressed their willingness to work with, instead of against, the other in dealing with the differences between their two countries, in particular over trade and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear program," it added, using North Korea's formal name.

Su Xiaohui of the Foreign Ministry think-tank, the China Institute of International Studies, wrote in a front page commentary of the overseas edition of the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily that Sino-US cooperation was the only correct choice for both countries. "A new blueprint for China-US relations is gradually unfolding," Su wrote.

The post Trump Praises "Highly Respected" Xi; China Media Says Visit Set New Blueprint for US-China Ties appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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