Wednesday, June 21, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Women Political Prisoners Demand Acknowledgment of Their Suffering

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 05:45 AM PDT

YANGON – We bear no grudge, but we cannot forget, said Daw Aye Aye Than, a 64-year-old former prisoner of conscience in Yangon, who was detained in the notorious Insein Prison for eleven months in 1998 without any charge.

Her views reflect those of other former political prisoners now searching for an acknowledgment of what happened to them decades ago under the military government.

"People think we have gained democracy easily, but we believe people, especially the younger generation, should know that such achievements have been yielded from those who made sacrifices," said Daw Aye Aye Than.

She clearly recalled what had happened almost two decades ago, when she was put into prison "without any particular charge," and had to pledge by signing, upon her release that she "would not tell others" that she had been in Insein Prison for 11 months.

As a mother of three children, Daw Aye Aye Than said worried about her family and her young female colleagues.

"It really damaged the dignity of a person," she added, "I was 45 years old when it happened in 1998. What if I had been a teenager? Society would think something bad of me when I was away, for having baby without a husband."

For two decades, she has not kept silent. "It is my responsibility to keep making my voice heard about such injustices and such violations of basic human rights," she told The Irrawaddy.

Many other female former prisoners of conscience have put effort toward retelling their experiences, particularly concerning inhumane treatment and gender-based violence while in detention.

In transitioning Myanmar, injustices on many issues are raised through protest, as civil society groups have grown stronger.

However, talk about past wrongs remains rarely heard. Those who were key figures in the democracy movement and who endured long prison sentences frequently do not raise their voices against perpetrators like the Tatmadaw, in an effort to safeguard the process of peace and national reconciliation prioritized by the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) government.

Dozens of women who were once prisoners of conscience want to change that. They urge "the acknowledgment of injustices" that happened under the military junta, while saying that they bear no grudge against those who violated their rights during the dictatorship in Myanmar.

Since 2014, they have given themselves time to come together to share their experiences and to raise their voices at events held by the Vimutti Women Organization, a psychosocial support group providing outreach to women who were former political prisoners, and the family members of such detainees. They say the organization "creates a space for them to unburden" their past and current experiences.

Vimutti is an ancient Pali word meaning "freedom." The group started in 2009 to organize rehabilitation activities for the victims of Cyclone Nargis, which struck the country in 2008, and began providing women's empowerment activities in the affected communities.

On Tuesday, Vimutti also held a talk in Yangon with former political prisoners, to share their views on how they want to move forward in the future, how justice can be sought by revealing past experiences, and how they can contribute to stopping such detentions.

Five women shared their experiences on the panel, highlighting how they were treated in prisons and interrogating centers.

One instance shared involved sexual harassment faced by female inmates in Insein: they were looked upon from above by the male wardens while they were bathing in their white prison uniforms.

"Even though former political prisoners seem somewhat emotionally stronger than ordinary people, we also need psychosocial support, social care and acknowledgement," said Daw Khin Mi Mi Khine, the director and the cofounder of the Vimutti Women Organization.

She explained, "Acknowledging the truth is not about the revenge. We think the acknowledgment can boost our morale," adding that the former political prisoners also need trauma healing support to overcome their nightmares from the past.

Daw Khin Mi Mi Khine was herself a political prisoner, arrested four times in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2013. She had to stay in prison for six months to one and half years the latter three times. She was also an NLD member until 2004.

From the government, Daw Khin Mi Mi Khine wants an acknowledgment of what happened to her and others—not only prisoners of conscience, but also Myanmar's ethnic minorities as a result of longstanding civil war—adding that the perpetrators should also apologize to those who suffered.

"We should not keep allowing the perpetrators to defend what they did as 'just following orders.' If they continue accepting such abuses as the right things to do, and if we continue allowing it, our generation will have to further experience such abuses," Daw Khin Mi Mi Khine said.

The post Women Political Prisoners Demand Acknowledgment of Their Suffering appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Three Dead as Police Raid Suspected Militant Camp in Maungdaw

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 05:27 AM PDT

YANGON — Myanmar military and border police raided a suspected militant camp in the forests of Mayu mountain range of Rakhine State's southern Maungdaw Township on Tuesday, according to police, leaving three dead over two days.

Police Maj Zaw Zaw Nay Hein of the three-mile border police checkpoint said the camp was empty but authorities seized 20 dummy guns, two homemade guns and bags of corn seed and rice.

Three police sources, who spoke to The Irrawaddy on condition of anonymity, reported that one suspected militant was killed on Tuesday when he allegedly attacked security forces. They said they had not received updated information from the raid due to the camp's remote location—a three-hour trek from the nearest village of Kai Gyee.

In a Wednesday press conference, President's Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay said that two more suspected militants had been killed by security forces, bringing the number of casualties over two days to three.

Officers from Kyi Kan Pyin border police headquarters rejected local media reports of clashes between security forces and militants near Kin Chaung Phyar in southern Maungdaw Township on Wednesday morning.

Border police officials told The Irrawaddy they suspected Muslim militants were attempting to establish militant training camps in the Mayu mountains. U Zaw Htay confirmed that the border police and military were carrying out a clearance operation in the Mayu range, and described Maungdaw as "vulnerable to attack" by militants, alleging that they had been providing "terrorist training" in the area.

One source noted that five militant trainees were reportedly killed in an incident with an improvised explosive device in Thae Ne village in Buthidaung in May near the mountains, and that border police had seized 40 walkie-talkies from an Iman's house in Chaung Kala (north) village.

"All these activities are linked with Muslim militant movement and evidence that they are trying to take foothold in the Mayu mountains," said the police official.

According to the State Counselor's Office Information Committee, 33 Muslim residents were murdered and 19 people went missing between 2016 October to 2017 May.

In October last year, nine border police were killed by suspected Muslim attackers and more than 50 firearms and ammunition were looted.

A months-long clearance campaign by security forces—mired by allegations of extensive human rights abuses—forced more 70,000 Muslim villagers to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, and an unverified number of casualties.

This story has been updated to include U Zaw Htay's comments.

The post Three Dead as Police Raid Suspected Militant Camp in Maungdaw appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Chinese Banks Freeze Myanmar Nationals’ Accounts

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 04:35 AM PDT

Myanmar authorities are leading negotiations to reopen 336 accounts belonging to Myanmar nationals frozen by banks in Yunnan Province, China, according to the district administrative officer of Muse Township across the border in Shan State.

Government representatives in Muse sent documents proving the legitimacy of account holders to the banks in question and the local Chinese government, said U Kyaw Kyaw Tun.

At a meeting of bank officials and representatives from China and Myanmar in the Chinese border town of Ruili on Sunday, Myanmar authorities told bank officials that accounts belonged to Myanmar traders who were not involved in money laundering, gambling or trafficking.

"We told [bank officials] our citizens made money from border trade only, and asked them to reopen the accounts as soon as possible," he said, adding that the officials said they were still checking if the accounts were linked to illegal activity.

Chinese banks have so far reportedly closed 5,000 accounts supposedly linked to illegal activity in Yunnan Province, with more than 100 bank accounts owned by Myanmar nationals frozen by the Agricultural Bank of China.

The Postal Savings Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China also reportedly froze accounts.

The Chinese Embassy in Yangon issued a statement on Monday saying Chinese banks had locked accounts in Myanmar border areas, including those belonging to Myanmar border traders.

The move was a crackdown on crime and illegal trade, the statement said, but promised to free legitimate merchant accounts and protect longtime stability with Burma.

The post Chinese Banks Freeze Myanmar Nationals' Accounts appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘We Love Wirathu’ Campaigns Launched

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 04:25 AM PDT

YANGON — Supporters of firebrand nationalist monk U Wirathu launched campaigns to garner signatures in his support in Karen State and Mandalay Region earlier this month.

The "We Love Wirathu" campaigns were launched in response to allegations that U Wirathu's sermons were against Buddha's teachings, according to campaign organizers.

"I believe U Wirathu is on the side of Dhamma [the doctrine or teaching of the Buddha], and I'm upset that some people call him on the side of Adhamma [against the Buddha's teachings]," said a supporter of the petition in Karen State, who declined to give their name. "So, we confirm with our signatures that he is on the side of Dhamma."

The campaigns came as the Anti-False Buddhist Doctrine Group collected signatures across Yangon for a petition asking the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, better known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ha Na, if the actions and speeches of U Wirathu conformed with Buddha's teachings or not.

One campaign, held at a monastery in Karen State's Hpa-an Township on June 11, garnered around 10,000 signatures and another on June 14 in Myawaddy Township got more than 300 signatures, campaign organizer and Hpa-an local Ko Thurein told The Irrawaddy.

"There is an ongoing campaign in Yangon, saying that Sayadaw U Wirathu's sermons contain Adhamma things," said Ko Thurein. "We organized these campaigns to show that he is not Adhamma, and that there are many people who love him."

People from other townships in Karen State and in Mon State's Mawlamyine (Moulmein) Township have contacted him to organize similar campaigns in their respective places, he said. The signatures collected will be presented to U Wirathu, he added.

Last week, the Patriotic Monks Union (Mandalay) and U Wirathu's supporters conducted a campaign and garnered over 55,000 signatures, said U Wirathu's supporter Mandalay local U Naing Win Tun.

"Those who speak ill of the Sayadaw [U Wirathu] online do so because they don't know exactly what Sayadaw is doing," he said.

The Anti-False Buddhist Doctrine Group conducted a petition against U Wirathu in nine townships in Yangon Region from May 21 to June 17. The founder of the group Ko Myat Kyaw said the number of signatures would be announced on Wednesday.

"We don't want him to be jailed or ruined, we just want to show that we do not accept his false doctrine," Ko Myat Kyaw told the press in May.

The petition will be put forward to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture on Wednesday, and will also be sent to the President's Office, the State Counselor's Office and the Ma Ha Na.

Regarding the "We Love Wirathu" campaigns, Ko Myat Kyaw said: "I agree to disagree. They have the right to [campaign], and I cannot do anything."

The campaign organizers of "We Love Wirathu Campaign" said similar campaigns would continue across the country, and an online voting system was also launched on June 17. A total of 13,209 signatures were collected by Tuesday, according to organizers.

U Wirathu was banned by the Ma Ha Na from delivering sermons across the country for one year, starting from March 10, due to his religious hate speech.

The post 'We Love Wirathu' Campaigns Launched appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ministry Establishes Dept to Combat Domestic, Sexual Violence Against Women

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 04:03 AM PDT

YANGON — Myanmar's Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has incorporated a new department tasked with helping women fight domestic and sexual violence.

The Women's Development Department will provide necessary help to victims within one week of receiving their phone calls, said department director Naw Thar Warr.

The newly minted department has established two 24-hour hotlines: 067-404666 and 067-40477, to which women can file complaints, she told The Irrawaddy.

"Women can call those numbers for assistance in cases of violence. They can leave their phone numbers if they do not want to provide detailed information to male receivers and we will respond," she said.

The department will help any woman living anywhere in the country, she added. The complaint lines were launched in October and have so far received more than 80 complaints.

Upon receiving a complaint, department staff will visit the victims at their homes within one week, help them obtain medical treatment and file a lawsuit. If the victims are young domestic workers or other women who need legal assistance, the department will file a lawsuit on their behalf, she explained.

"Some women don't want to file lawsuits; they just want to receive medical treatment. We comply with their wishes. Currently, [hospitals] only treat victims when they are admitted with a police letter regarding the case. But we are negotiating with concerned authorities to allow treatment as an emergency response whether the victim files a complaint with the police or not," she added.

The department also assigns case managers to provide professional help to victims in specific cases, she said.

However, civil society organizations (CSOs) in ethnic areas have criticized that the government is not doing enough to help women who have suffered from sexual abuse in conflict areas.

A number of local Kachin CSOs released a joint statement on June 19—International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict—demanding that the government launch a mechanism to prevent sexual violence against women in conflict areas like Kachin State plus a complaint center where victims can file complaints in person or by phone.

Khun Jar of the Kachin Peace Network said, "There is hardly a program for this [prevention of sexual abuse] run by the social welfare ministry here. I have not yet seen a plan or action in this regard by the concerned ministry."

In Kachin State, where there have been cases of unwanted pregnancies and abortion as a result of sexual abuse, the government does not run a post-abuse contraceptive program.

Naw Thar Warr said her department has a sufficient budget from the government to help women anywhere in the country during the 2017-18 fiscal year, though she declined to reveal the amount.

A draft law to prevent the sexual abuse of women will soon be submitted to Parliament, she added.

There have been several unresolved cases of abduction, sexual abuse and murder of women in Kachin State since 2011. An ethnic Kachin woman was abducted by the Tatmadaw's Light Infantry Battalion No. 321 on Oct. 28, 2011, and is still missing. The case of two ethnic Kachin volunteer teachers who were raped and killed in Shan State on Jan. 19, 2015 remains unsolved.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Ministry Establishes Dept to Combat Domestic, Sexual Violence Against Women appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Peng Jiafu, Brother of Peng Jiasheng, Dies at 81

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 12:17 AM PDT

CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Peng Jiafu, the younger brother of Peng Jiasheng – the leader of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) – died from lung disease at the age of 81 near the Myanmar-China border on Tuesday.

Peng Jiafu, along with his brother Peng Jiasheng, was forced into hiding along the border after the Tatmadaw launched an offensive against the MNDAA (also known as the Kokang group) in 2009. The military government issued an arrest warrant for the two, but the warrant was annulled under former President U Thein Sein's administration.

The National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), also known as Mongla Group – an MNDAA ally – confirmed his death.

"He had resigned [from the MNDAA] after the warrant was annulled under President U Thein Sein. He lived in Thailand, but he developed a lung condition and received treatment in China. He came back to Mongla – after his disease was found to be beyond a cure – where he passed away," NDAA spokesperson U Kyi Myint told The Irrawaddy.

Peng Jiafu was married twice. He had a son and a daughter from the first marriage.

U Aung Kyaw Zaw, who served as a subordinate under Peng Jiafu in the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) and is now a military analyst living on the China-Myanmar border, praised him as a tower of strength in both the political and military fields throughout successive periods from the time of the CPB to the MNDAA.

"He was a chain-smoker. His lungs were in bad shape. But he still served as a patron and consultant in the MNDAA. Although he could not take an active role due to his health, his advice was sought in serious clashes," U Aung Kyaw Zaw told The Irrawaddy.

Peng Jiafu served as the deputy commander of Kokang Battalion No. 404 of the CPB and when the communists established the northeastern military region by combining battalions No. 404 and No. 303 in 1970, he served as the deputy commander of the military region.

From 1971 to 1979, he served as the commander of Brigade No. 8, and tactical commander of Division No. 48 from 1979 to 1985. He became the vice chief of staff of the CPB Northern Bureau in 1985.

After the collapse of the CPB in 1989, the Kokang region was designated as the first autonomous special region in Burma, and from then until fierce clashes broke out with the Tatmadaw in 2009, Peng Jiafu served as the chief of staff of Kokang Special Region 2.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Peng Jiafu, Brother of Peng Jiasheng, Dies at 81 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Harn Yawnghwe: Perhaps Govt no Longer Sees Value of my Work

Posted: 21 Jun 2017 12:12 AM PDT

Influential figure on Myanmar affairs and executive director of the Brussels-based Euro-Burma Office (EBO) Harn Yawnghwe was denied a visa this month, allegedly due to his involvement in the country's peace process. Irrawaddy senior reporter Saw Yan Naing spoke to Harn Yawnghwe about allegedly becoming a recent addition to the government's blacklist.

What is your comment on the government refusing to issue a visa to work in Myanmar?

The Myanmar Embassy in Ottawa said they did not know the reason why Naypyitaw did not authorize them to issue me a visa. If they do not know, I do not know either. Perhaps the government no longer sees the value of my work. But the embassy has said that it is not a visa ban and they are waiting to hear from Naypyitaw. I hope they hear soon. We started our visa process by contacting the Myanmar Embassy on April 2 and formally submitted an application on April 24. It has now been two months. I do not think visas normally take two months to process. Last year, I also applied for a visa through the Myanmar Embassy in Ottawa and was given a visa that was valid for a year.

It is rather strange for a government that claims to be democratically elected to be denying visas to anyone. As you know, I left Myanmar in 1963 after Gen Ne Win seized power from U Nu's democratic government. For thirty years, I worked with Dr. Sein Win's National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the Democratic Voice of Burma to free political prisoners and restore democracy in Myanmar.

In 2011, President Thein Sein allowed me to return after 48 years in exile to help the democratic transition by facilitating the peace process. We managed to get Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2015 and commit to resolving 70 years of civil war through political dialogue. He also committed to the establishment of a federal democratic union. This was a great achievement because in 1962, Gen Ne Win seized power by claiming federalism would lead to the disintegration of the country. After the new government came to power, we continued to facilitate the participation of ethnic armed groups, political parties and civil society in the 21st Century Panglong peace conferences.

Do you think the move is politically motivated?

I find it hard to believe that it is politically motivated because that would mean that the government does not want democracy or peace. Surely peace and reconciliation are what Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been working for.

Who do you think is behind the move? 

I have no idea. The embassy [in Ottawa] reports to Myanmar's foreign ministry. Logically thinking, the instruction to the embassy not to issue me a visa must come from the foreign ministry. The Ministry of Defense does not have authority over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Some say you are undermining the current peace process led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi?

The current government has told foreign diplomats that I urged ethnic armed organizations that signed the NCA in 2015 to boycott the 21st Century Panglong peace conference that was held last year. I did not do so, and the signatories all attended.

The government has also told diplomats that I urged ethnic armed organizations that have not yet signed the NCA, to not sign. This is not true either. We want all groups to participate in the political dialogue that will determine the future of the country.

At the last 21st Century Panglong peace conference in May, the government asked ethnic armed group leaders whether I had influenced them to not sign the Accord that the government had wanted them to sign. This is incorrect thinking. The armed group leaders make their own decisions. They control thousands of battle-hardened soldiers and cannot be easily influenced if it does not suit their purpose. They did not want to sign the non-secession clause because they thought it was unnecessary since that had already committed to the Three National Causes that call for the non-disintegration of the nation.

I have asked to meet the persons in the government who are responsible for the peace process. To date, the answer has either been negative or silence. I do not know why they do not want to meet me to allow me to clarify any possible misunderstanding.

U Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population, said the ministry would explain the reason behind a visa ban if an applicant seeks explanation. Will you seek an explanation? 

I believe U Myint Kyaing was speaking in general terms. I do not think he was specifically referring to my case. I am currently seeking an answer from the embassy. They have said that it is not a ban on my entry, but that they are just waiting for an answer from Naypyitaw. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has also said anybody can apply for a visa through normal channels. If no answer is forthcoming from the embassy, I will take further steps including contacting the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population to find out if there is a visa ban against me, and why. In a democracy, there has to be transparency and everybody should have the right to know why the government will not issue them a visa.

We heard that two other EBO staff members were also blacklisted. Do you think your organization has been targeted?

EBO is both an international and a local organization. Our local staff has had no difficulty working with local partners and local authorities—both under the U Thein Sein administration and the current government. One other international staff was denied a visa. But it may have been because we applied for a visa together. No other EBO staff has been denied a visa.

The post Harn Yawnghwe: Perhaps Govt no Longer Sees Value of my Work appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Market Day in Shan State’s Thandaung Village 

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 07:39 PM PDT

NYAUNG SHWE TOWNSHIP, Shan State — The five-day market rotating around Shan State's Inle Lake area is famous for its rustic, bustling scenes, as tradespeople of different ethnic backgrounds, including Intha and Pa-O, migrate daily from one site to another to sell their produce and ware.

While several lakeside villages such as Indein, Nampan, Thaung Tho and Khaung Daing host the market, the main five places are in Nyaung Shwe (Yawnghwe), Heho, Taunggyi, Maing Thauk and Shwe Nyaung. The market calendar is lunar: there are no markets on full and black moon days.

On the west side of the lake, about a one-hour drive from Nyaung Shwe, Thandaung village has a less touristic market day than Indein and Nampan. It offers an authentic chance to see how locals trade. Sellers arrive at the marker before dawn to prepare for the day, and the market usually lasts until around noon.

The post Market Day in Shan State's Thandaung Village  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Agricultural exports still rely on neighbouring markets

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:42 PM PDT

Myanmar has been trying to expand agricultural products to international markets including Europe and the United States after US sanctions were removed and also with EU's trade privileges but Myanmar still relies on neighbouring markets, said Commerce's Deputy Minister U Aung Htoo.

AirAsia soars with 9th Skytrax award

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:36 PM PDT

Malaysia-based AirAsia has won the World's Best Low-Cost Airline for the ninth year in a row.

No expulsion for political dissent: student union

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:34 PM PDT

Students at the University of Medical and Technology in Magwe Region are demanding that current rules and regulations governing institutions of higher learning be abolished and replaced with new ones that are keeping with the times.

Prison no barrier for inmate to pursue education

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:32 PM PDT

A female prisoner who passed this year's matriculation exam with three distinctions will be allowed to continue distance education, said Prisons Department's deputy director, U Min Tun Soe on June 19.

Two factories suspended over formalin in bean cakes

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:20 PM PDT

Two kinds of bean cakes were found to be unsuitable for consumption after a spot check on two factories, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Mandalay.

Sanctuary aids injured slow loris found on farm

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:14 PM PDT

A bengal slow loris that was found by a farmer will be released at Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary when it recovers from its injuries, U Than Linn, the administrator of the sanctuary, said.

Narcotics worth more than K1.6b strewn on roadside

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:08 PM PDT

Narcotics worth more than K1.6 billion were found scattered along the roadside in Monywa township, Sagaing Region, according to Monywa township police station.

Sorcerer kills 3 children, sentenced to death

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 01:05 PM PDT

A man, Tun Naing who is said to dabble in black magic and sorcery, killing 3 children who he claimed had been possessed by ghosts was sentenced to death by the Yangon Southern district court on June 20.

RCSS urges more time for future political dialogue

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 12:51 PM PDT

Negotiations in the political dialogue should be given more time and must take into account concerned parties' satisfaction concerning the outcomes of the dialogue, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) said.

MCDC to conduct maintenance work for Bogyoke Statue

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 12:48 PM PDT

Maintenance work for Myanmar's biggest Bogyoke statue at Mandalar Tagun Park in Mandalay will be conducted by the Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC), it is learnt.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Government's peace overture, China's involvement and the Pangkham alliance

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 09:51 PM PDT

As United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an alliance of 7 Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) is pulling through its bi-annual meeting in two phases, one from from June 20 to 26 for the UNFC's members and the other, from June 27 to 29 for all EAOs, to establish common ground like the one held in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State in 2016, the other 7 EAOs under the banner of Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee (FPNCC) and the government's Peace Commission (PC) is geared to meet each other in China in the very near future.

The FPNCC members are United Wa State Army (UWSA), Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), Kokang or Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Mong La or National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army (AA).

The initiative came from the government's  PC that has been entrusted by the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, under the leadership of Dr Tin Myo Win.

According to the TNLA vice chairman  Tar Jode Jar, vice president Thein Zaw of PC has contacted the Chinese authorities and relayed the message to negotiate with the Pangkham alliance or FPNCC, on June 19.

In the recant BBC interview, the TNLA leader said that it is likely the negotiation and meeting with the government might take place after June 20, in one of the town along the border in China.

However, the overture from the government side didn't mention anything whether it would like to meet the FPNCC as a group, according to the TNLA leader, although he reiterated that any meeting between the alliance and the government has to be as a group and not separately.

But Zaw Htay spokesperson of state's counsellor office told 7 Day Daily on June 15 that the meeting won't be meeting the FPNCC as a group but would be conducting it separately, in which one group would comprise of four, and the other three.

He said: "Regarding the Northern Alliance (another name for the FPNCC), we have opened negotiation channel. But we won't discuss with the committee that is formed with seven members. During the convention in Nay Pyi Taw, the meeting with the state counsellor was done separately one with four groups and another with three groups (in two sets of meeting)."

He continued to stress that if not, negotiation with the government separately as individual group could also be done.

Aung Soe, a member of the government's PC and a lower house lawmaker also echoed Zaw Htay's position saying that the government "will meet three northern groups together [the TNLA, the  AA, and MNDAA] and the rest separately."

Additional to this government's mode of separate meeting scheme, the KIO's initiative to meet the Tatmadaw or the Military separately regarding the ceasefire negotiation has also recently been in the pipeline.

Insider government sources close to a signatory ethnic armed organization said that recently, Khin Zaw Oo secretary of the government's  PC, on his way back from Nepal, met General N'Ban La leader of the KIO in Chiang Mai, where he was asked to convey message to the Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing that the KIO wanted a direct negotiation channel to talk about the ceasefire. The Military side has signalled to agree to the proposal and negotiation now seems to be in progress, although no details were forthcoming, as of this writing.

Apart from the problems regarding the mode of meeting between the PC and FPNCC, the latter's alteration or amendment demand of the present, government accepted Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), so that it could possibly sign it, could be also a hard nut to crack, as its proposal amounts to somewhat like agreeing to a Hong Kong-like status under the former British administration or confederation-like political system aspirations would not be that easy to compromise for the government.

Given such a backdrop, where China is so intensively involved in the peace process to at least make the Burma-China border free from armed engagement between the Northern Alliance and the Tatmadaw, so that its "One Belt One Road" economic scheme could be materialized, both contending parties – the Tatmadaw and the Northern Alliance – are forced to accommodate the wish of the giant, powerful neighbour.

As it is, in order to appease or sooth down the demanding powerful neighbour, who, by hook or by crook, is already deeply involved in the peace process game, the concerned stakeholders would have to come to terms by any means. And as such, it would be much better for all to compromise and find a middle ground that is acceptable to all parties, from agreeing to the mode of meeting to accommodating political aspirations that all could live with.

For too long, the contending parties only continue to be bogged down to gain political edge primarily on both sides of the political spectrum. This failure to recognise a common visionary concept on how the country should be moulded and ethnic aspirations accommodated, need to be corrected, if we are to end this vicious circle of violence, peace restored and eventual political settlement made possible.
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Triple-Distinction Prison Graduate: ‘I Decided Not to Give Up My Education’

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 08:14 AM PDT

MANDALAY — During the 2016-2017 academic year, Oh Bo prison in Mandalay opened the first in-prison examination center, where the inmates could prepare for matriculation exams. Eleven inmates signed up to take the exam and seven passed. Of those, five inmates passed with honors. Ma Shun Lae Wai Kyaw, 19, from Kho Leik village, in Kachin State's Shwe Gu Township, earned three distinctions, while the four others each passed with one distinction.

Ma Shun Lae Wai Kyaw is two years in to a 10-year sentence for drug charges. The Irrawaddy's Zarni Mann talked with her in Oh Bo prison on Tuesday.

How did you feel when you heard about your exam results?

I was so excited on the day the results were out. When I was told by the prison officers that I had passed the exam with three distinctions—Geography, History and Economics—I was overjoyed, because I thought that I would receive only two distinctions. At the same time, I was sad, because I am in prison and I know I will not have the chance to attend a professional university, although I scored high and am eligible for one.

The prison officers let me call my home and my parents and two elder sisters were surprised and happy for me. I take this as giving back the gratitude to my farmer parents who have worked tirelessly for me.

Will your parents come to meet you? How did they react to your success?

Since we are poor and our village is far from Mandalay, my family can come meet me only once every two or three months. Next week, the prison officers will do an honorary ceremony for all of us and then my family will come see me…My parents said they are so proud of me.

This was my second attempt to enter the exam. In the 2012-2013 academic year, I failed. I was arrested in the years after that.

What happened to you two years ago? How were you arrested?

I was working as a salesgirl at a store when the police came and seized drugs and wanted to arrest the store's owner. Since they didn't find the owner, I was arrested with 15 WY [methamphetamine] tablets and was charged under the Narcotics Law. I received [a sentence of] 10 years imprisonment. About two years have been served.

How did you feel at that time?

A: I was so afraid and so sad during the trial. When I was sentenced to 10 years, I was so disappointed and felt I had no future. After spending one year in the prison, our wardens told us we could re-enter the matriculation exam, so I joined the classes. The prison superintendent U Cho Win Tun and Warden Daw Tin Tin Maw encouraged us a lot, saying that we still could study even though we are in prison. So I decided not to give up my education.

How are the classrooms in the prison? Are there any difficulties studying there?

The prison officers made a hall into the classroom. There are many students studying, starting from Grade 6. For the matriculation class, we have a separate room. The teachers and doctors who are in prison teach us, and teachers from outside also come to us. As the exam date drew near, the prison officers gave us separate rooms to study in, and the teachers cared for us like their own children. We received every required material, from textbooks to stationery.

As you have now passed the matriculation exam with three distinctions, what would you like to do, concerning further studies?

I would like to go to the University of Economics. I believe my total marks will make me eligible to enter that university. I want to enjoy the life of a university student like the others do. I want to be a tutor in that University of Economics after I graduate. However, my dreams and my future are in the hands of the government officials, for I am a prisoner and I still have many more years to serve. I think I have to go to the University of Distance Education like my friends here.

I pray every day that the government officials will award us with a special chance to go to university like other students do. I wish for my prayers to be granted.

Most of the young people here who entered the exam, including you, were charged under the Narcotics Law. What would you like to tell others, concerning this?

I would like to urge youth to stay away from drugs. Do not use it, do not sell it. Please take us as an example for your life. Once you have a relationship with drugs, your life will become complicated and it will become a great barrier for your future goals and your dreams.

The post Triple-Distinction Prison Graduate: 'I Decided Not to Give Up My Education' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Art of Politics

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 07:20 AM PDT

YANGON — Offering their personal reflections on political changes in Myanmar over the past decade, dozens of artists, sculptors, installation artists and photographers are showcasing a wide array of art at the American Center in Yangon.

At the entrance of the exhibition hall, Pe Nyunt Wai's paintings of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hang on the wall to mark the birthday of Myanmar's de facto leader and State Counselor, who turned 72 on Monday.

Twenty-five artists reflect on political changes in Myanmar at an exhibition at the American Center in Yangon.

There also hang two paintings by ethnic Karen artist Zoncy that reflect the ongoing civil war that the country has experienced since its independence in 1948.

The first painting shows a penis, depicting the plight of women who were raped during the war.

The second painting shows an old, bare tree with snakes curling around it.

"This tree is situated at U Bein Bridge in Mandalay. I thought it was too dry to survive. But, whenever I go to U Bein, it is still there. That tree is like our country. The snakes on the tree eat any new buds and never leave," she said.

The art exhibition 'Artists Beyond Boundaries' is sponsored by the American Center and features the works of 25 artists. The first edition of the exhibition was held about 10 years ago at the residence of the US Chargés d' Affaires.

This exhibition showcases works that were banned by the previous government or altered fearing that the former government would not allow the originals. The exhibition continues until June 29.

Htein Lin's installation is a focal point at the exhibition, as he applies his sense of humor to highlight the deep-rooted bureaucratic practice of grease payments in government offices.

On a lightbox behind his installation is written 'Keiq-sa pi-yin, ye-laung-keh-ba' which translates as 'When your business is completed, please pour water.' This is a phrase regularly found in bathrooms to encourage users to flush. But at the same time, water is a slang term for money in everyday Burmese language.

Htein Lin put these words behind an office desk, with a long hand extending 'under the table' to shine a humorous spotlight on the ongoing challenges that Myanmar still faces in combatting corruption.

"As you know, bribery is deep-rooted in Myanmar. 'Pour water' is a phrase you can hear at government offices. And the same phrase is used in bathrooms. So, I linked the offices and toilets," Htein Lin said.

In his installation, modern sculptor Chan Aye hangs Bayan leaves and bronze bells – religious Buddhist objects – from the ceiling along with a playback of ringing bells from Shwedagon Pagoda.

"My work is in response to the negative impression of Buddhism created by some Buddhists at present," said Chan Aye, referring to the activities of some nationalist groups.

"In fact, Buddhism is an ism of loving-kindness. It is peaceful," he added.

Another sculptor Sunny Nyein showcases a sculpture made of 645 iron rods, which refer to lawmakers under U Thein Sein's administration. This work reflects their absence from politics since they left Parliament.

Three iron rods are distinct in the structure, which refer to three key players—U Thein Sein, the Tatmadaw and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

"These three are key. It has been one year that I haven't seen former lawmakers," he said.

"We see through the exhibit that art can be a very powerful tool in expressing a community's struggle and achievements. We feel freedom of expression is a vital part of any democracy and we continue to encourage and support freedom of speech in all its forms throughout Myanmar," said Kristen F. Bauer, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Myanmar.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post The Art of Politics appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Yangon to Celebrate International Yoga Day

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 06:59 AM PDT

RANGOON— Some 400 yoga enthusiasts are expected to take part in a yoga practice in Yangon's People's Park on Wednesday morning to celebrate the third International Day of Yoga.

"We aim to promote yoga in Myanmar, which can help improve the health of our people," said Daw Kyi Kyi Lwin, an organizer of the event, adding that it will take place between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and is free to attend.

Daw Kyi Kyi Lwin also invited Yangonites to attend the free classes each morning at People's, Kandawgyi and Mahabandoola parks, offered by experienced Myanmar yoga trainer U Khin Maung Swe and his assistants.

The UN proclaimed June 21 each year International Day of Yoga on Dec. 11, 2014.

The Indian Embassy in Yangon, along with other yoga institutions in Myanmar, will organize a yoga demonstration on Sunday at People's Park from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to mark the day.

The post Yangon to Celebrate International Yoga Day appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Displaced Squatters Allege Fraud by Village Committee

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 06:52 AM PDT

YANGON – A group of displaced squatters in Yangon's Hlegu Township have opened a fraud case against a 27-member Aung Yadana village development committee that sold them land already owned by the government, one complainant told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

Police deputy Maj Maung Maung Oo of Hlegu police station confirmed that the case was filed last week. The head of the committee, U Pyone Cho, is named in the case and is believed to be on the run.

Thousands of houses have been built in recent years along the Yangon-Naypyidaw highway, making up such villages as Yadana Aung, Aung Yadana, Sein Lan, Gant Gaw Kyun, Aung Thu Kha and Sa Khum Gyi. The authorities recognize many of the residents as "landlord squatters," or local property owners who illegally live on government land and then resell it to others.

The department of Yangon Division's director general U Yu Khaing estimated that more than 5,000 thatched houses have been constructed on government-owned land and that authorities cleared 90 percent of the structures in Hlegu within one week. The Irrawaddy reported that on June 12 alone, the authorities demolished around 400 homes in Kyauk Aing, located near the Yangon-Naypyidaw highway.

Five of the nine complainants in the Aung Yadana case, including U Thein Aung, who spoke to The Irrawaddy, went to the divisional government office on Monday morning. Accompanied by other squatters, they intended to present details to officials of how they had been misled by the Aung Yadana village development committee when they purchased land. However, police barred them from entering the building and instructed them to make an appointment.

U Thein Aung said that nearly 1,500 evicted people had constructed temporary shelters from the materials left when their homes were demolished by the authorities, while others were staying in monasteries like Ye Baw in Hlegu Township's Tar Son village, which has been providing food, transport and accommodation for displaced people.

"Hundreds of people are living on the roadside without a good roof, and parents had already registered their children at the government schools," U Thein Aung said. "We just want to know how the regional government will oversee these challenges. They are real homeless people."

The Ministry of Construction and private developer Alliance Stars Group of Companies signed a profit-sharing contract in 2016 lasting eight years. Their project in Hlegu Township, "Eco Green City," lays out plans for affordable housing, an international school, hospital, golf course, and rest area. Construction is scheduled to begin after the squatters in the area have been removed.

U San Tun, a local advocate for the homeless, was involved in the process of proposing that the Union government establish a new 100-person village in Aung Yadana. However, the efforts were reportedly interrupted when the village development committee re-sold government land plots to brokers and the community rapidly increased.

"The government should have examined who were real squatters before demolishing the houses. Now, the real homeless people have been left in the cold, including a woman who recently delivered a baby," U San Tun said.

While one member of the Aung Yadana village development committee was reportedly arrested, U San Tun said that authorities have not been able to locate the other members, and that they "absconded" before the squatter houses were destroyed.

The post Displaced Squatters Allege Fraud by Village Committee appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Miners Flee Conflict in Kachin State

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 05:07 AM PDT

 

TANAI TOWNSHIP, Kachin State — With the recent fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Tatmadaw, thousands of locals and workers fled seven mining areas around Tanai Township in Kachin State.

Nearly all of the small huts in the amber mining village of Noi Je Bum Patserm Maw were abandoned on June 15—the deadline given by the Tatmadaw for people to leave the area or else be recognized as "insurgents," according to leaflets dropped from the Myanmar Army's helicopters.

Some people, however, ignored the warnings and remained, in hope of working the empty mines, according to KIA mining officers. The mineshafts are lined close to each other—some run up to 150 feet—and the bodies of two men were recovered from a shaft and buried on June 15, said the mining officers.

 

Miners left their possessions behind in their rush to escape the conflict. (Photo: Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy)

 

The pair had hidden in the jungle, waiting for the mines to become free, said the officers, but they ventured down a shaft that did not have oxygen and suffocated.

Nan Nan Aung, a mining officer, explained the usual precautions taken before mining.

"When it is rainy, there may not be oxygen," he said. "First you have to check whether there is oxygen at the bottom of the mine by putting a candle light there. If it goes out, the miner needs to blow hot air inside the hold, and then the miner can go down when there is some air to breath. But unfortunately, these two men were not aware of this procedure."

He added that deaths in mining were not unusual in the area, with electric shocks posing the biggest threat to miners.

The KIA ordered its mining officers to leave the area by June 16, but some miners did not have the money for a return trip, said the officers, and retreated to the jungle.

A mineshaft in Noi Je Bum Patserm Maw, Kachin State. (Photo: Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy)

The village's restaurants, market, and karaoke bar shut down in June. Sellers had locked their shops, but some had been broken into. A mining officer said two of his motorbikes were stolen on the night of June 15 and predicted a wave of thefts to pass over the village soon.

The KIA generates most of its income in Tanai from mining amber and gold, the profits of which it uses to fight the Myanmar army. The ethnic armed group had owned mining areas in Kachin State's Hpakant Township, but lost a large tract of territory there to the Tatmadaw.

The KIA mining officers said they believe the Myanmar Army may want to control the amber and gold mines in Tanai in the same way they have taken many mines in Hpakant.

 

The post Miners Flee Conflict in Kachin State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

More Kachin Men Charged for Holding Prayers

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 02:46 AM PDT

YANGON — Two Kachin men from Hpakant Township in Kachin State were charged under Article 19 of the Peaceful Assembly Law on Monday for leading a commemoration of the six-year anniversary of renewed Kachin conflict on June 9.

Hpakant Township court set bail for the two defendants­—Lamawng La Tawng and Lating Sau Bawm—at 1 million kyats each, said Lamawng La Tawng. Their next court hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Lamawng La Tawng said four town elders had to show proof of their properties to bail out the two men. He added that they had asked permission from local authorities to hold the ceremony but were told at the court that they had failed to act in accordance with procedure.

"We do not understand why we are being charged, because we did not march or shout any slogans; we were just praying at the Kachin Baptist Church in Hpakant," he said, adding about 500 people participated in the service.

Three men in Kachin State capital Myitkyina were also charged under the same law and each fined 30,000 kyats, according to one of the defendants, on June 13 for holding prayers to mark the anniversary.

Myitkyina Township court fined the three men after the plaintiff—Myitkyina Police Station No. 1, according to the defendants—accused them of receiving internally displaced people (IDPs) living in IDP camps.

One of the defendants recounted being told that the IDPs had walked to Manau Park, where the prayer was being held, from Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships without permission. It looked like the worshippers were marching, he added.

More than 100,000 people in Kachin State have been displaced since the 17-year ceasefire between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) collapsed in June 2011. Thousands more have fled their homes amid the latest tensions between the two armed forces in Tanai Township in June.

Locals and peace advocates have called for an end to Tatmadaw offensives against the KIA in the forms of protest and public events in the state and around the country since 2012.

So far this year, five people have been charged under Article 19 of the Peaceful Assembly Law in Kachin State for leading protests or prayer services. Another person was charged under the law last October.

Dashi La Seng, a lawmaker representing Hpakant Constituency No. 2, said protesters or event organizers should be aware of the legal procedures and follow the authorities' instructions in order to avoid such charges in the future.

The post More Kachin Men Charged for Holding Prayers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Witch Doctor Sentenced to Death for Killing 3 Children

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 02:38 AM PDT

YANGON — A witch doctor who beat three children to death in October was sentenced to death on Tuesday, police confirmed.

The Yangon South District Court sentenced Tun Naing to death plus seven years in prison for beating three children to death in a purported exorcism ritual in a village in Twante Township outside of Yangon.

The convict will be hanged, but has seven days to appeal to the Supreme Court of the Union in Naypyitaw, said state prosecutor U Myo Thein.

The 30-year-old was charged with murder, grievous bodily harm and destroying evidence.

Last October in Twante Township's Pathi Gon village, the witch doctor beat and kicked a 3-year-old boy and two girls aged eight months and two years respectively to death, while also severely beating another 4-year-old girl.

The death penalty has not been implemented in Myanmar for the past four decades.

The last death sentence was given in 1977 to Cpt Ohn Kyaw Myint – a personal staff officer of the then commander-in-chief of the armed forces Gen Kyaw Htin – who plotted along with a group of army officers including founding National League for Democracy leader Gen Tin Oo to assassinate military dictator Gen Ne Win and other state leaders.

The post Witch Doctor Sentenced to Death for Killing 3 Children appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Drug Seizure Believed to be Largest Ever in Sagaing Division

Posted: 20 Jun 2017 12:46 AM PDT

MANDALAY — A sizeable amount of drugs including 100,000 methamphetamine tablets was found in two urban wards in Sagaing Division's Monywa Township on Monday, believed to be the largest-ever drug seizure in the division, according to the Monywa Police Force.

"It was the most we've ever confiscated in Sagaing Division. The drug squad is still assessing the value of the seized drugs," police lieutenant Ye Aung of the Monywa Police Station told The Irrawaddy.

Wrapped soap containers were discovered on Monday at noon outside a monastery in Htan Taw Ward of Monywa Township. Further investigation led to the seizure of 1,071 soap containers, each containing 10 grams of what is believed to be heroin as well as 100,000 methamphetamine tablets from eight different locations in Htan Taw and Nanda Wun wards, according to the police.

The government sets the value of heroine at 20 million kyats per kilogram.

"We'll first evaluate the value of the seizure and then search for the criminals," said police lieutenant Ye Aung.

The drug squad speculated that the drugs came from Shan State and were to be distributed to drug dealers who would sell to users working the oil fields in Monywa. But the carriers abandoned them for some reason, said the police lieutenant.

Daw Khin Pa Pa, the administrator of Htan Taw ward, told The Irrawaddy that he had never seen such a large seizure.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Drug Seizure Believed to be Largest Ever in Sagaing Division appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Contributes to Increasing Global Displacement 

Posted: 19 Jun 2017 11:12 PM PDT

Myanmar's internal conflicts left 490,000 refugees and 375,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by the end of 2016, according to the UN's refugee agency in Asia spokesperson Vivian Tan, adding to increasing global displacement worldwide.

Ahead of World Refugee Day on Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in its annual Global Trends report that 65.6 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2016.

"War, violence and persecution worldwide are causing more people than ever to be forcibly displaced," the report stated.

The figure of 65.6 million comprises refugees, IDPs, and asylum seekers. Major countries that produce refugees and IDPs are Syria, South Sudan, Iraq and Colombia due to wars and violence.

UNHCR Asia spokesperson Vivian Tan told The Irrawaddy: "Myanmar is the eighth-largest refugee-producing country in the world, with more than 490,000 refugees hosted mainly in countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and India."

There are also more than 375,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan states as well as in southeast Myanmar, according to the spokesperson.

Despite the country's ongoing peace talks, there are concerns that fighting shows no end in northern and eastern Burma.

"As we watch the progress of the peace talks closely, we remain concerned about the continuing conflict in Kachin and northern Shan States which is entering its seventh year since the ceasefire agreement broke down in June 2011," said Vivian Tan, referring to the breakdown of a 17-year-old ceasefire agreement between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Tatmadaw.

She said decades of fighting in Myanmar's border areas have resulted in one of the longest-running refugee and internally displaced situations in the region.

Many civilians have been displaced multiple times in recent years, and still have limited access to humanitarian aid, she added.

"We hope that further progress on the peace talks can lay the groundwork for the peace and reconciliation needed for IDPs and refugees to return home voluntarily, in safety and dignity, in the near future," said Vivian Tan.

Meanwhile, there are some 120,000 people who lost their homes in the 2012 inter-communal violence in central Rakhine State and continue to live in dire conditions in IDP camps.

"We remain concerned about the impact of the violence that started in northern Rakhine State in October last year, which has forced an estimated 74,000 people to flee to Bangladesh," added Vivian Tan.

The UNHCR said in its report that "of the more than 65 million displaced, 17.2 million come under the responsibility of the UNHCR."

Syria is still the world's largest producer of refugees with an estimated 5.5 million living in Turkey and elsewhere. But, South Sudan was the biggest new factor in 2016 due to a breakdown of peace efforts in July.

Syria, Iraq, and Colombia were home to the biggest internal displacement situations. At the end of 2016, the number of asylum seekers worldwide was 2.8 million.

The UNHCR reported that "children, who make up half the world's refugees, continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the suffering, mainly because of their greater vulnerability."

The UNHCR also estimates that at least 10 million people were without a nationality or at risk of statelessness at the end of 2016.

The post Myanmar Contributes to Increasing Global Displacement  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Suicide Rate “Alarming” in Thai Camp for Myanmar Refugees—Study

Posted: 19 Jun 2017 10:25 PM PDT

LONDON, UK — The number of recorded suicides and attempted suicides has soared at Thailand's largest camp for refugees from Myanmar, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday as it called for urgent action to treat high levels of distress.

Twenty-eight refugees in Mae La camp have killed themselves and 66 have attempted suicide in the last two years, more than three times the global suicide rate, according to an IOM study published on the eve of World Refugee Day.

"The number of suicides is very alarming, and we urgently need to address this," said Harry Smith, IOM's project officer in Thailand.

"There is a high level of distress in the camps which results from myriad reasons including lack of freedom of movement, uncertainty about the future, economic hardship and a lack of educational opportunities."

Mae La is the largest of nine refugee camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border, which are home to about 100,000 people. Many have spent their entire lives in the camps in what is one of Asia's most protracted refugee crises.

There were 14 suicides in Mae La in the last year compared to one in the period June 2014 to May 2015. But the IOM said the jump could be due to a change in data collection.

Men under 50 were most at risk, but one child had also taken his life and three had tried to.

Nearly four in 10 deaths were from drinking weed-killer, which is widely available in the camps where residents grow food.

Family problems were a factor in nearly half of suicides. Alcohol and substance abuse played a role in more than a third.

IOM's recommendations included training aid workers in suicide prevention and setting up a family counselling unit.

It also suggested deploying a psychiatrist and a counsellor with expertise on suicide in the camp, and limiting access to herbicides.

Refugees in the camps are feeling increasingly uncertain of their future amid a fall in resettlement to third countries and a decrease in support from the international community.

Most are ethnic Karen from eastern Myanmar who fled conflict and often persecution during decades of military rule.

A civilian government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, took power last year. But Smith said many refugees were not confident of security if they returned, and worried about a lack of jobs and their children’s education.

The post Suicide Rate "Alarming" in Thai Camp for Myanmar Refugees—Study appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to do in Yangon This Week

Posted: 19 Jun 2017 07:08 PM PDT

Artists Beyond Boundaries

This group art exhibition of 25 artists will showcase paintings, sculptures, installation and photos reflecting the political and social changes in Burma.

June 17-29. American Center, Taw Win St, Dagon Tsp.

Lethwei Nation Fight | June 25

Boxers from Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Uzbekistan will fight in this Myanmar boxing event. The main event features Myanmar's Saw Gaw Mu Do and Thailand's Payak Samui. Tickets are 5,000 to 50,000 kyats at 09-73009686, 09-964400215, 09-964300215.

June 25, 1 pm. Theinbyu Boxing Ring.

World Refugee Day Film Screening | June 20

In this first ever World Refugee Day event in Yangon, the film "Cast from the Storm" will be screened. It is about three teenage refugees who found a new home in Australia and new friendships at the Treehouse Theatre, an after-school theatre group.

June 20, 7:30 pm – 10 pm. Waziya Cinema, Bogyoke Aung San Road.

Rakhine Stories | June 22 – 29

This exhibition showcases photos captured by Chiara in her journey through the forests and villages of southern Rakhine State.

June 22-29. Myanmar Dietta, No. 49, 3rd Floor, 44th St.

Medical Humanitarian Action Photo Exhibition | June 22 – 25

The exhibition retraces Médicins Sans Frontières' (MSF) past and current activities in Myanmar. It further presents unique portraits of MSF staff and patients, providing a glimpse into their everyday realities.

June 22-25. Yangon Gallery. People's Park.

2nd European Food Festival | June 24

The best European restaurants in Yangon will present a mouthwatering selection of dishes in showcasing the culinary diversity of Europe with dishes from 28 countries on offer.

June 24, 3 pm until late. Rose Garden Hotel, No. 171 Upper Pansodan St. Tickets 20,000 kyats

Fête de la Musique | June 24

The Fête de la Musique (Music Day), is an annual music celebration happening all over the world where amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform under the slogan  'Make Music.' Artists such as Gabriel, Ito and Darko along with many talented local musicians will be taking center stage at Myanm/art gallery for a day of experimental/indie music.

June 24, 11 am – 7 pm. Myanm/Art. No. 98, 3rd Floor, Bogalayzay St.

Win Pe Solo Show | June 20 – 24

Artist U Win Pe will showcase over 50 acrylic works at his solo exhibition.

June 20-24. Think Art Gallery, No. 23, Nawaday Street, Dagon Tsp.

Sketches of 38 Artists

This group art exhibition will feature more than 70 sketches by—you guessed it—38 artists.

June 18-25. 43 Art Gallery, 43 St.

Music Festival | June 25

Dozens of famous classical, pop and rock musicians will perform at this event. Tickets are 7,000 to 10,000 kyats at Call Center 1876: 01-392931, 01-378863.

June 25. 6 pm. National Theater, Myoma Kyaung St.

The post Ten Things to do in Yangon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)