Librarian's Choice
Librarian's Choice
Source/publisher:
Soe Lin Aung
Date of publication:
2012-09-03
Description:
This piece focuses on under-analysed aspects of the Dawei deep-sea port and industrial zone project in southeastern Burma. The first part focuses on Italian-Thai Development, the lead developer of the Dawei project. Part 2 looks at the project from a labour perspective, while Part 3 focuses on women?s and gender issues in Dawei.
Soe Lin Aung
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-22
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Dawei (Tavoy) Special Economic Zone
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Date of publication:
2012-09-00
Description:
Description:
"In response to ongoing major reform moves by the Government of Myanmar, ADB is now preparing a re-engagement strategy (interim country partnership strategy), which will guide our approach towards full resumption of operations. The interim strategy provides the framework for rapid reengagement, while affording the space required for further analytical work, capacity building, policy dialogue, and broad-based consultations with all development stakeholders, leading to a fully-fledged country partnership strategy. The interim strategy, as summarized in the consultation draft, is informed by ADB?s initial economic and sector assessments on Myanmar, as well as consultations with the country?s government, development partners, civil society, and the business community during the period June to August 2012. The proposed interim strategy envisions a highly consultative process to form the basis of the ensuing full country partnership strategy.
The documents provided on this page are drafts for consultation purposes. Comments on the draft are most welcome. Email contact...."
Linked Document(s):
Sector Assessment (Summary): Agriculture and Natural Resources...
Sector Assessment (Summary): Energy...
Sector Assessment (Summary): Transport...
Sector Assessment (Summary): Urban Development and Water Sector...
Economic Analysis (Summary)...
Poverty Analysis (Summary)...
Gender Analysis (Summary)...
Environment Assessment (Summary)...
Regional Cooperation and Integration (Summary)...
Economic Reform (Summary)...
Initial Assessment (Summary): Post-Primary Education.
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-20
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Landmines and Cluster Munitions Monitor
Date of publication:
2012-09-19
Description:
An update was made to the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor Country Profile for Myanmar/Burma.
Updated Content: Mine Action...
Mines are believed to be concentrated on Myanmar?s borders with Bangladesh and Thailand, but are a particular threat in eastern parts of the country as a result of decades of post-independence struggles for autonomy by ethnic minorities. Some 47 townships in Kachin, Karen (Kayin), Karenni (Kayah), Mon, Rakhine, and Shan states, as well as in Pegu (Bago) and Tenasserim (Tanintharyi) divisions[1] suffer from some degree of mine contamination, primarily from antipersonnel mines. Karen (Kayin) state and Pegu (Bago) division are suspected to contain the heaviest mine contamination and have the highest number of recorded victims. The Monitor has also received reports of previously unknown suspect hazardous areas (SHAs) in townships on the Indian border of Chin state.[2]
No estimate exists of the extent of contamination, but the Monitor identified SHAs in the following divisions and townships:
Karenni state: all seven townships;
Karen state: all seven townships;
Kachin state: Mansi, Mogaung, Momauk, Myitkyina, and Waingmaw;
Mon state: Bilin, Kyaikto, Mawlamyine, Thanbyuzayat, Thaton, and Ye;
Pegu division: Kyaukkyi, Shwekyin, Tantabin and Taungoo;
Rakhine state: Maungdaw;
Shan state: Hopong, Hsihseng, Langkho, Mawkmai, Mongpan, Mongton, Monghpyak, Namhsan Tachileik, Nanhkan, Yaksawk, and Ywangan;
Tenasserim division: Bokpyin, Dawei, Tanintharyi, Thayetchaung and Yebyu; and
Chin state...."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-20
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
via Mines and Communitiies
Date of publication:
2012-09-18
Description:
Below, we publish the third draft of ?Guidelines for Corporations Operating in Burma?, submitted to ?Civil Society Organizations and Shareholders Addressing Corporations in Burma? by the US Campaign for Burma Committee on SRI at the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Organisations with current input on these benchmarks include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, US Campaign for Burma, AFL-CIO, International Trade Union Congress (ITUC), Freedom House, Asia Foundation, Open Society, and the Conflict Risk Network of United to End Genocide.
The title of the statement suggests that some companies have already decided to invest in Burma, following ?rapprochements? with the regime made by the US, Australian and European governments earlier this year. One would have hoped for a more questioning approach by the sponsors.
The Guidelines state that the ?absence of law governing the behavior of corporations in Burma…makes it imperative that NGOs, shareholders, and affected parties inside Burma develop a position regarding what companies in Burma should do in order to operate responsibly?.
Why not, instead, urge companies not to enter (or re-enter) the country before new and binding government regulations are in place?
The authors confine themselves to discussing observance of human (including workers) rights, with only one fleeting mention of environmental and socio-economic issues. However, the latter are huge priorities for many thousands of local people.
We?re also told that ??..companies should prepare impact assessment reports on proposed projects in Burma that include impact assessments in the areas of human rights, the environment, gender equality, and poverty…?
Fair enough - except that these need be performed only "where appropriate", rather than being stipulated as mandatory.
Art of the possible?
Similarly, the Campaign urges companies to ?[a]dopt a policy that requires [them to]…seek business partners without connections to the military, drug trade, or questionable human rights practices?. But, again, this is only ?wherever possible?.
In contrast, the investment conditions published by the US and UK government, appear to proscribe any forging of commercial links with dubious or criminal domestic parties.
It?s unfortunate that, while citing examples of campaigns against foreign corporations operating in Burma, no mention is made of those which have called mining companies specifically to account - notably Ivanhoe-Rio Tinto. See: Wikileaks reveal true nature of Ivanhoe-Rio Tinto?s Burmese deal
But the most important question to ask is surely this: might these benchmarks come to substitute for the vital requirement that a truly democratic government introduce its own binding reforms?
Until such a government is freely-elected, there?s a clear danger of "corporate creep" into - or even partial takeover - of institutions and regulatory processes which should be firmly under parliamentary control, serving the interests of civil society.
[Comment by Nostromo Research, 18 September 2012].
Nostromo Research
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-20
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Mao Tao Clinic
Date of publication:
2012-09-18
Description:
Summary:
"In June and August, the Myanmar Peace Team of the Burmese Government led by U Aung Min, then Railway
Minister, met with Dr. Cynthia Maung, founder of Mae Tao Clinic, and members of the clinic. They also visited
Mae Tao Clinic. The meetings to date have been informal. Nevertheless Dr. Cynthia has already clarified the
three key points for her discussions with the team:
? Improvement of local cross border collaborations between health services in Thailand and Burma.
Specifically, she discussed the need for a system for referral between Myawaddy Hospital, Mae Tao Clinic and
Mae Sot Hospital.
? Developing solutions for addressing statelessness in children born on the Thai-Burma border to Burmese
parents. Specifically, the need for the citizenship rights for children born at Mae Tao Clinic or Mae Sot Hospital
whose parents are from Burma.
? The need for accreditation and recognition of the skills of those working in health, education, community
development and social work on the Thai-Burma border.
These three points remain unaddressed; instead, informal references were made by members of the
government team to news media suggesting that Dr. Cynthia return to Burma to set up a hospital there,
resulting in widespread public misunderstanding. Dr. Cynthia has never had any intention to officially set up a
hospital in Burma, and the Mae Tao Clinic?s stance has and continues to be that it is primarily the responsibility
of the government to upgrade and strengthen existing health infrastructure, including the primary health work
of ethnic health organizations (EHOs) and community based organizations (CBOs), whose long experience, trust
and access, via existing health facilities and mobile health teams, to populations is essential for building an
effective comprehensive health care system, one which can realize the goal of providing ?health for all? in
Burma. Thus far, serious discussions to begin the realization of this in ethnic areas of Burma have yet to begin.
In particular, the community health approach utilized to expand healthcare access in many ethnic areas of
Burma must be acknowledged, recognized and supported, an approach which has, for decades, enabled
thousands of Burma?s peoples, particularly ethnic peoples living in rural Burma, access to essential basic health
services unavailable through the current underfunded and highly centralized government health system. The
three priority issues raised by Dr. Cynthia would be a key initial step towards such.
The Mae Tao Clinic welcomes recent efforts by the Burmese government aimed at peace-building, as well as its
initiation of dialogue with clinic staff and other health colleagues from Burma. We hope to see such efforts
continue, and that they will lead to a genuine partnership to improve the health of the peoples of Burma. We
will continue to support and advocate for community-managed primary health care systems in Burma, and are
willing to engage in ongoing dialogue with the government Peace Team, in conjunction with our partners, EHOs
working in eastern Burma, and others, including the Mae Sot Hospital and other Thai health institutions in
order to continue expanding access to health services for the peoples of Burma. However, such dialogues must
be inclusive and formalized, with substantive discussions and time-bound, concrete proposals to begin
addressing the three priority areas that have been repeatedly raised by the clinic. We ultimately hope that this
very preliminary process will transform into concrete measures that result in benefit for our patients and our
communities..."
...For more information, please contact:
Dr Cynthia Maung (USA from Sept 18 – 23): +1 240 370 5908 or [email protected]
Eh Thwa (Thailand): +66 810448521
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-18
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Health of Burmese refugees and migrants
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
73.87 KB
Local URL:
MTC_briefing2012-09-18.pdf
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Title: Myanmar Economy in the Context of ASEAN Integration and Regional Change (English and Burmese)
Source/publisher:
IDE-JETRO Policy Review on Myanmar Economy No. 1.....BUSINESS, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commers & Industry, Vol.12, No.7, July 2012 (Burmese version).
Date of publication:
2012-06-00
Description:
"After decades of economic isolation and deprivation, Myanmar appears on the way to economic and political reforms. Initially, there is a nagging fear that Myanmar democratic process and economic reform could be reversed at some time in the near future. But gradually it becomes increasingly clear that the reform is here to stay with a caution that there would be some detours and setbacks along the way. Reform success would not be easy and how bumpy the road ahead will depend crucially on whether political reform can be entrenched through economic development that only economic reform can bring.
Myanmar political and economic changes occur in the midst of ASEAN economic integration and regional change. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is scheduled to be completed in 2015 which is based on the four pillars of a single market and production base, a competitive region, a region of equitable development and a region connected to the global economy. Since the inception of the AEC blueprint in 2007, a great deal of integration measures have been agreed and implemented. Trade liberalization in services, investment and freer movement of capital have made significant progress while liberalization of trade in goods is practically completed. This liberalization and de-regulation have been accompanied by trade and investment facilitation, standardization of customs procedures towards ASEAN Single Window, standards and conformance and mutually recognized agreement (MRAs). As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar has agreed and initiated the required measures and domestic change as required by the AEC blueprint to achieve the AEC by 2015..."
HANK LIM, Senior Research Fellow Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English, Burmese/ မြန်မာဘာသာ
more
Source/publisher:
IDE-JETRO Policy Review on Myanmar Economy No. 2..... BUSINESS, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commers & Industry, Vol.13, No.8, July 2012. (Burmese version)
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
"...Despite an improved international business climate surrounding Myanmar, its garment industry is still facing serious challenges inside the country, including a rapidly increasing wage rate, particularly when denominated in US dollars as a result of an acute appreciation of the local currency. Another challenge is the high production costs due to shortages of electricity and a poor transportation infrastructure. These bottlenecks have already played out negatively in hampering garment suppliers? overall export performance, particularly when compared with other major Asian garment exporters. In this context, the Vietnamese experience provides an interesting reference point. Myanmar and Vietnam are in a way similar, as both have opened up their economies and started exporting garments in the early 1990s. However, their performance since has been very different. In 2000, Vietnam?s garment exports were just about double those of Myanmar. With a booming economy creating alternative job opportunities, labor shortages and wage increases in Vietnam?s garment industry have been serious as well..."
Toshihiro Kudo, Kenta GOTO
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English, Burmese/ မြန်မာဘာသာ
more
Source/publisher:
IDE-JETRO Policy Review on Myanmar Economy No. 3..... BUSINESS, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commers & Industry, Vol.14, No.9, September 2012. (Burmese version)
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
"...Being both developing countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Myanmar have shared a number of similarities, including development potential. Myanmar has recently decided to implement fundamental political and economic reforms, following years under economic embargo and severe shortages. Shortages of development resources, including capital, technology and management know-how, may drive Myanmar to actively join the competition for FDI to the region. Foreign investors have quickly shown interest, with almost USD 24.4 billion of investment in the country from April 2010 - December 2011. However, the transition from a lower development level may still put Myanmar in dire need to learn from regional countries? experiences, since they started the FDI-induced industrialization early.
Vietnam?s experience with FDI attraction in the past decades could have important implications for Myanmar in developing its FDI policy. First, Myanmar needs to have a suitable ideology towards FDI promotion. FDI may constitute a good source of much-needed capital for economic development in Myanmar?s early stage. However, of greater importance are the technology transfer and other positive spillover impacts embodied in such flows of capital. Therefore, Myanmar should pay good attention to promoting such accompanied benefits, rather than the volume of foreign capital inflows alone..."
Tri Thanh VO, Anh Duong NGUYEN
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English, Burmese/ မြန်မာဘာသာ
more
Source/publisher:
IDE-JETRO Policy Review on Myanmar Economy No. 4
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
"Kyat appreciation is damaging traditional export industries
National leaders of Myanmar, including President U Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, emphasize that economic development should go with poverty alleviation and equitable income distribution. For these objectives, growth of the export industries of rice, pulses and beans, and garments is indispensable as they provide income opportunities for a large number of poor households.
The market exchange rate under the dual exchange rate system in Myanmar has exhibited extraordinary appreciation since late 2006. The value of the US dollar in terms of the Myanmar consumption bundle has diminished to one-third of its previous level in the five-year period of 2007 to 2011. This is the sharpest appreciation among Southeast Asian currencies. There is concern that the appreciating kyat is dampening the growth of the above-mentioned traditional export sectors..."
KUBO Koji
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
IDE-JETRO Policy Review on Myanmar Economy No. 5
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
"Myanmar?s official statistics provide considerably outdated and narrowly covered data on the country?s economic and industrial situation. Data on geographical economic activities are particularly lacking. However, it is critically important for policy makers to know what the economic geography is like in Myanmar when they envisage sustainable and balanced economic development.
An alternative way invented to estimate economic activities in developing countries is to use the strength and distribution of nighttime lights. It is now widely known that the strength of nighttime lights and economic activity are firmly correlated. Normally, the relationship between these two data is determined by some coefficients derived from regression analyses using ?actual? data and nighttime lights satellite imagery (Ghosh et al. 2010). Here, we use the nighttime lights to estimate the distribution of GDP at a district level (Figure 1), taking the national GDP as given..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Date of publication:
2012-09-13
Description:
"The Asian Human Rights Commission has followed closely reports in recent weeks of an uprising by farmers against a takeover of a large area of agricultural land in upper Burma by an army-owned company and a private partner. The land grab, in the Letpadan Mountain Range of Sarlingyi Township, Sagaing Region, is of some 7800 acres of fertile land, to make way for copper mining. Currently farmers of around 26 villages cultivate the land. The residents of four villages--Siti, Wehmay, Zidaw and Kandaw--have already been forced out of their homes. The grabber is the usual suspect--Myanma Economic Holdings Ltd., a conglomerate of army interests, staffed by retired army officers, along with a joint partner company, Myanmar Wan Bao. In this case the director of the project is one Lt. Col. (Ret.) U Aung Myint.
Farmers in the area began protests and interventions against the confiscation on 2 June 2012, and tensions and conflicts with local authorities have been growing since. According to reports coming daily from the region, the area of confiscated land has been placed under an administrative order declaring it off limits, and local authorities have threatened to prosecute anyone gathering to protest at the land confiscation. Their threats have so far failed to deter demonstrators: since August 24, thousands have been gathering outside company offices in the township to demand that the land be returned to them, and to object to the copper mine project. They have also raised their voices against the uncompensated destruction of crops through the movement of vehicles, dumping of rubbish and other actions by the companies that have adversely affected their lives and livelihoods..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Arakan Project
Date of publication:
2012-08-31
Description:
"Additional Submission to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) for consideration by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) – ILO Convention 29
31 August 2012.....The systemic and discriminatory practice of forced labour against the Rohingya, has continued, or even intensified, across large areas of North Arakan/Rakhine State in Burma/Myanmar, since deadly communal violence broke out in June 2012...in areas not directly affected by the June 2012 violence, ie. North Maungdaw and Buthidaung Township, forced labour remains much the same as in previous years and has even intensified in some areas.
Large contingents of army troops have been deployed after a state of emergency was declared on 10 June. As a result, there was a substantial increase in demands for porters and guides in North Maungdaw and North Buthidaung to carry additional rations or to accompany soldiers on patrol in border areas. Villagers were forced to remain 4 to 5 days at a time in the hills along with army patrols. Large groups of forced labourers have also been summoned for road clearing and emergency camp repair damaged by monsoon rains and forced cultivation in army camps and paddy fields has been reported in many parts of Buthidaung..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-13
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Non-ILO Reports on forced labour, including forced portering, in Arakan (Rakhine) State, Discrimination against the Rohingya, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first)
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
181.76 KB
Local URL:
Arakan_Project-FL-Arakan_crisis.pdf
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Source/publisher:
Women?s League of Burma
Date of publication:
2012-09-11
Description:
Today a grouping of Karen Community Based Organizations (KCBOs) released their collective position in response to recent news about the repatriation of refugees. The position paper outlines the pre‐conditions and processes necessary for a successful and voluntary return of refugees from several camps along the Thai‐Burma border, back to Karen areas. Repatriation without these pre‐conditions and processes will be against the will of the refugees and will not respect their right to return voluntarily in safety and with dignity.
?We are encouraged by the changes in Burma but there are many improvements that would need to happen before refugees would be safe to return,? said Dah Eh Kler from the Karen Women?s Organization (KWO).?We fled the fighting and the abuse by the Burma Army. We know the ceasefires are still fragile and do not yet include an enforceable code of conduct; the troops are still all around our former villages, along with land mines and other dangers. We hope that we can go home one day soon, but it is just not possible under the current conditions in Karen areas.
The position paper is a comprehensive view of what the Karen community needs in order to go home. It outlines several pre‐conditions that must be met before refugees return to Burma, including: achievement of a political settlement between ethnic armed groups and the Burma government, agreement on a nationwide ceasefire, guaranteed safety and security for the people, clearance of land‐mines, withdrawal of all Burma Army and militia troops, end of human rights violations, abolishment of all oppressive laws and resolution of land ownership issues.
?We have learned from the UNHCR that the Burma government has already planned the locations to which refugees will be repatriated. KCBOs were very surprised to hear this as we and the refugees themselves have not been consulted properly on where, when and how they will be repatriated. Refugees have the right to make free choices on where, when and how they will return to their homeland,? said Ko Shwe from the Karen Environment and Social Action Network (KESAN).
In order to make their own choices about their return, the KCBOs have outlined specific processes that must take place, including defining how consultations with refugees and affected communities must be conducted and how refugees and KCBOs must take part in the decision‐making process at all stages, including in preparation, implementation and post‐return phases.
For the full list of pre‐conditions and necessary processes, please see the attached position paper......Burma, Karen, myanmar, refugee, repatriation, return, thailand
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-12
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Proposed return of Burmese asylum-seekers from Thailand to Burma, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times Online"
Date of publication:
2012-09-13
Description:
"A Norwegian government initiative in support of peace talks between the Myanmar government and ethnic armed groups fighting decades-old insurgencies has come under fire. New efforts to overhaul the so-called Myanmar Peace Support Initiative (MPSI) may or may not allay those concerns, let alone achieve lasting peace in Myanmar?s long restive ethnic minority areas.
The Norwegian initiative was launched after a visit by then railways minister Aung Min, President Thein Sein?s chief negotiator with armed ethnic groups and exiled pro-democracy organizations, to Oslo in January. MPSI has aimed to facilitate talks between the government and armed ethnic organizations through funding for consultations with local communities, needs assessments, and the establishment of liaison offices near conflict zones.
MPSI is bidding to address conflicts where ceasefires already exist and a peace process between the government and non-state armed groups has been established. Some of the insurgent groups, such as the New Mon State Party (NMSP), have previously held ceasefires with the government. Others, like the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S), have only recently agreed to tentatively stop fighting.
A pilot project launched earlier this year with the KNU in Kyauk Kyi township of southern central Pegu Division provides emergency assistance to internally displaced villagers living in surrounding areas. Since then, MPSI has conducted consultations with ethnic-based organizations in Karen, Mon, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States..."
Brian McCartan
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-12
Type:
Individual Documents
more
Source/publisher:
US Department of the Treasury (Office of Foreign Assets Control - OFAC)
Description:
Laws, rules, regulations and other documents related to the US Burma sanctions
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-12
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English (Spanish also available)
more
Source/publisher:
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Date of publication:
2012-09-10
Description:
SUMMARY:
"In August 2012, a group of senior CSIS Asia specialists visited Myanmar to explore the political, economic, and social reforms launched by the new civilian government and develop policy recommendations for the U.S. government. The trip is part of a Myanmar Project launched by CSIS and funded in part by the C.V. Starr Foundation. The CSIS delegation was led by Ernest Bower, director and senior adviser, Southeast Asia Program, and included Michael Green, senior vice president and Japan Chair, Christopher Johnson, senior adviser and Freeman Chair in China Studies, and Murray Hiebert, deputy director and senior fellow, Southeast Asia Program. Eileen Pennington, deputy director of the Women?s Empowerment Program at the Asia Foundation, accompanied the group as an observer.
Myanmar is in the early stages of moving toward transformational change in nearly all respects, including political and economic reform, the opening of space for civil society, empowerment of women, defining foreign policy and national security priorities, and finding a path to reconciliation with its diverse ethnic groups. However, there was evidence that significant challenges remain with respect to governance and reconciliation with ethnic minorities and that rights abuses continue in some areas, despite the overall positive direction from the leadership of the new government. Real change appears to be under way, but it is not irreversible.
Myanmar?s government, opposition leaders, civil society groups, and business leaders all emphasized that there is an urgency and immediacy around the process of change in their country. The United States should be aware that there are important, perhaps even historic, opportunities to promote and support reform. It needs also to be aware of substantial threats to reform and transparency. Developing a policy to navigate through these opportunities and challenges will require thoughtful consideration and intense focus. Actions the United States takes in Myanmar are intrinsically linked to the U.S. relationship with ASEAN and its broader Asia Pacific regional strategy.
This report provides an executive summary of the CSIS team?s perspectives, shares its findings, and makes near-term recommendations for U.S. policy relating to Myanmar."
Ernest Bower, Michael Green, Christopher Johnson, Murray Hiebert
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-12
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Social Affairs Ministry office, KSG
Date of publication:
2012-08-31
Description:
By District, Camp; population figures by by age and gender
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-10
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Internal displacement/forced migration of Kachin, Armed conflict in Kachin State - displacement and the humanitarian situation
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
54.99 KB
Local URL:
KachinIDP_list2012-08-31.pdf
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Source/publisher:
Occupy.com
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-09
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Tools for advocates and activists
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Democratic Voice of Burma
Date of publication:
2012-08-10
Description:
"Civil society groups have urged the World Bank to exercise caution before pressing ahead with their plans to pump $85 million into community projects in Burma?s conflict-torn border regions or risk ?exacerbating? local problems.
Campaigners have criticised the Bank for claiming that locals will be able to ?decide whether to invest in schools, roads, water or other projects? without disclosing details of their consultation plans, transparency provisions and whether they have conducted a conflict-assessment.
?Burma?s ethnic conflicts are complex and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations are fragile, so if the World Bank is looking into providing assistance they need to publish this information,? said Khin Ohmar from Burma Partnership. ?That kind of money can easily exacerbate problems or even create more different types of conflicts within the communities..."
Hanna Hindstrom
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-08
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
World Bank and its Watchers
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
World Bank
Date of publication:
2012-08-10
Description:
"...In describing the country context in which the Bank?s re-engagement with Myanmar is taking place, the ISN reviews the significant and far-reaching changes that have taken place in Myanmar over the past 18 months, including the political and civil reforms (the release of political prisoners, the progress in ceasefire negotiations with non-state armed groups, the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the re-entry of her National League for Democracy Party into the country?s political system) as well as the important economic reforms have been undertaken, including floating of the currency, legalization of trade unions, tax reform and forthcoming legislation on foreign investment and banking reform, while acknowledging remaining challenges in each of these areas.
The ISN describes Myanmar as embarking on a triple transition: from an authoritarian military system to democratic governance; from a centrally-directed economy to market-oriented reforms; and from 60 years of conflict to peace in the border areas. These transitions offer hope to the people of Myanmar for better, safer and more productive lives, but also pose the risk that setbacks in one of the transitions will affect the others. The proposed program of the World Bank Group (WBG) will thus focus on activities that can support the success of these three transitions and prepare the way for the resumption of a full country program..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-08
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
World Bank and its Watchers
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Bank Information Center (IF-Eye Issue #54):
Date of publication:
2012-09-07
Description:
"After pressure from civil society in Burma, the World Bank released a draft summary of its Interim Strategy Note (ISN) last month, an outline of its re-engagement plans with Burma over the next 18 months. The move comes after local and international NGOs claimed that the Bank had not adequately engaged in consultation with civil society. The draft ISN is meant to inform the consultation process, and the final ISN is due to be released by the Bank in the end of October..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-08
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
World Bank and its Watchers
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Date of publication:
2012-09-04
Description:
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES:
• The Rakhine State Government estimates that over 70,000 IDPs are accommodated in 50 camps and temporary locations in Sittwe, Kyauktaw and Maungdaw Townships as of 31 August.
• Following an inter-agency assessment to villages in Kyauktaw affected by inter-communal violence in early August, assistance in the form of food, NFIs and health care has been provided to over 3,800 people.....This report is produced by OCHA on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator. It covers the period from 16 August to 4 September.
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-05
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
School of International, Political & Strategic Studies, ANU, College of Asia & the Pacific
Date of publication:
2013-03-15
Description:
Friday & Saturday, 15 & 16 March 2013
Hedley Bull Lecture Theatre 1, Hedley Bull Centre, ANU,
Australian National University, Canberra...
Call for Papers
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-04
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Conferences/seminars etc.
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD); International Media Support (IMS)
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
"When it was first introduced in 2008, the new Constitution of the Republic of the Union
of Myanmar was deemed to be a great improvement over the previous constitution. An
important part of this was the more robust guarantees it included for human rights. And
an important part of the latter was its relatively strong guarantees for freedom of
expression.
At the same time, the guarantees for freedom of expression in the 2008 Constitution do
not fully meet international standards in this area. This Analysis outlines the key
attributes of international standards, and indicate how the guarantees of freedom of
expression in the 2008 Constitution fail to meet these standards..."
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-03
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Laws, decrees, bills and regulations relating to opinion and expression (commentary), Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
"Wall Street Journal" via Burmanet News
Date of publication:
2012-03-08
Description:
"The government of President Thein Sein has had considerable success in wooing Western countries with a flurry of reforms. A transition to peaceful democracy, however, will be simply impossible without overcoming decades of mistrust and acrimony between the state and armed ethnic groups. Third-party mediation, whether through the U.N. or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), is the way forward.Representatives of the government recently signed agreements with the United Wa State Army, the National Democratic Alliance Army, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, the Restoration Council of Shan State, the Chin National Front, the Karen National Union, the Shan State Progress Party and the New Mon State Party. Despite these agreements, and promises by the regime to follow up with development projects and parliamentary discussion, some groups refuse to negotiate and violence continues. Kachin state is currently experiencing its worst fighting in decades in some areas, with continuing reports of gross human rights abuses by the military against ethnic minorities..."
Eva Kusuma Sundari
Date of entry/update:
2012-09-01
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
The Peace Processes
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times Online"
Date of publication:
2012-08-30
Description:
"A cabinet reshuffle in Myanmar aims to put President Thein Sein?s increasingly stalled reform process back on track. The highly anticipated shake-up, announced on Monday, will empower reformers at the expense of hardliners and could provide new impetus behind the president?s stated policy priorities of national reconciliation and economic development.
Nine cabinet ministers were replaced and 16 new deputy ministers appointed in the biggest personnel overhaul of government since Thein Sein assumed power last year and embarked on his ambitious and widely lauded political and economic reform program. Those reforms have included the release of hundreds of political prisoners, a loosening of press
censorship and allowances for pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi to win a seat in parliament.
The cabinet reshuffle replaced the ministers responsible for information, economic planning, development, finance, industry and railways, all significant and powerful positions. These ministries? authority will be transferred directly to the president?s office as part of the reshuffle. Thein Sein earlier this month appointed Admiral Nyan Tun as one of two vice presidents, considered a largely ceremonial post, replacing Tin Aung Myint Oo, who retired reportedly due to ill health..."
Larry Jagan
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-31
Type:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM)
Date of publication:
2012-08-00
Description:
News:
- Local Residents Face Continuing
Land Abuse In Kaw Thaung;
- Forced relocation looms over 80
households in TPP [Three Pagodas Pass];
- Military, not security: Forced sentry
duty in souther Ye Township;
- Villagers forced to porter and labor for
soldiers in Mon and Karen States;
- DPW Analyzes Human Impact of
Dawei Deep-Sea Port Project;
- Locals plead: justice and
accountability in torture case;
- Extortion and restrictions still burden
travellers on Ye – Tavoy highway;
- Extortion causes villagers hardships
- Insecurity continues to rise in Ye and
Yebyu areas;
- Local community wants state
government to investigate corruption
committed by village administration;
- Armed ethnic groups sign Deed of
Commitment to highlight dedication to
children in armed conflict...
Commentary:
Government Must Address Land
Confiscation for Peace and National
Reconciliation...
Report:
Mon State communities troubled by
growing Ya Ba usage among teens
and students.
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-31
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
"The Mon Forum" (English)
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
869.75 KB
Local URL:
MF2012-08.pdf
MF2012-08.pdf more
Source/publisher:
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
Date of publication:
2012-08-27
Description:
Findings:
"Out of all 665 households surveyed, 30% reported a human rights violation. Forced labor was
the most common human rights violation reported; 25% of households reported experiencing
some form of forced labor in the past year, including being porters for the military, growing
crops, and sweeping for landmines. Physical attacks were less common; about 1.3% of households
reported kidnapping, torture, or sexual assault.
Human rights violations were significantly worse in the area surveyed in Tavoy, Tenasserim
Division, which is completely controlled by the Burmese government and is also the site of the
Dawei port and economic development project. Our research shows that more people who lived
in Tavoy experienced human rights violations than people who lived elsewhere in our sampling
area. Specifically, the odds of having a family member forced to be a porter were 4.4 times
higher than for families living elsewhere. The same odds for having to do other forms of forced
labor, including building roads and bridges, were 7.9 times higher; for being blocked from accessing
land, 6.2 times higher; and for restricted movement, 7.4 times higher for families in
Tavoy than for families living elsewhere. The research indicates a correlation between development
projects and human rights violations, especially those relating to land and displacement.
PHR?s research indicated that 17.4% of households in Karen State reported moderate or severe
household hunger, according to the FANTA-2 Household Hunger Scale, a measure of food insecurity.
We found that 3.7% of children under 5 were moderately or severely malnourished, and
9.8% were mildly malnourished, as determined by measurements of middle-upper arm circumference.
PHR conducted the survey immediately following the rice harvest in Karen State, and
the results may therefore reflect the lowest malnutrition rates of the year.....Conclusion:
PHR?s survey of human rights violations and humanitarian indicators in Karen State shows that
human rights violations persist in Karen State, despite recent reforms on the part of President
Thein Sein. Of particular concern is the prevalence of human rights violations even in areas
where there is no active armed conflict, as well as the correlation between economic development
projects and human rights violations. Our research found that human rights violations
were up to 10 times higher around an economic development project than in other areas surveyed.
Systemic reforms that establish accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations,
full political participation by Karen people and other ethnic minorities, and access to essential
services are necessary to support a successful transition to a fully functioning democracy..."
Bill Davis, Ma, MPH; Andrea Gittleman, JD, PHR; Richard Sollom, Ma, MPH, PHR; Adam Richards, MD, MPH; Chris Beyrer, MD, MPH; Forword by Óscar Arias Sánchez
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-28
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Armed conflict in Karen State - the human rights situation, Armed conflict, adminstration, development and investment, Conflict and health, including violations of humanitarian and human rights standards as threats to health
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
About.com Internet for Beginners
Date of publication:
2013-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-27
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
WWW Virtural Library - International Affairs Resources
Description:
"This WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources is a frequently updated Internet directory of over 2000 annotated links to high-quality English-language sources of information and analysis in a wide range of international affairs, international relations, international studies, global studies, and global education topics. These sites are carefully selected for their long-term value, favoring those with cost-free, authoritative information and analysis online. Each website is described only in general terms because of the typically rapid changes in details of its contents and features."
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-27
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English (French, German and Spanish also available)
more
Source/publisher:
United Nations
Date of publication:
2006-00-00
Description:
Introduction: "All persons should, by virtue of their essential humanity, enjoy all human rights. Exceptional distinctions, for example between citizens and non-citizens, can be made only if they serve a legitimate State objective and are proportional to the achievement of that objective.
Citizens are persons who have been recognized by a State as having an effective link with it. International law generally leaves to each State the authority to determine who qualifies as a citizen. Citizenship can ordinarily be acquired by being born in the country (known as jus soli or the law of the place), being born to a parent who is a citizen of the country (known as jus sanguinis or the law of blood), naturalization or a combination of these approaches.
A non-citizen is a person who has not been recognized as having these effective links to the country where he or she is located. There are different groups of non-citizens, including permanent residents, migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, victims of trafficking, foreign students, temporary visitors, other kinds of non-immigrants and stateless people. While each of these groups may have rights based on separate legal regimes, the problems faced by most, if not all, non-citizens are very similar. These common concerns affect approximately 175 million individuals worldwide—or 3 per cent of the world?s population.
Non-citizens should have freedom from arbitrary killing, inhuman treatment, slavery, arbitrary arrest, unfair trial, invasions of privacy, refoulement, forced labour, child labour and violations of humanitarian law. They also have the right to marry; protection as minors; peaceful association and assembly; equality; freedom of religion and belief; social, cultural and economic rights; labour rights (for example, as to collective bargaining, workers? compensation, healthy and safe working conditions); and consular protection. While all human beings are entitled to equality in dignity and rights, States may narrowly draw distinctions between citizens and non-citizens with respect to political rights explicitly guaranteed to citizens and freedom of movement.
For non-citizens, there is, nevertheless, a large gap between the rights that international human rights law guarantees to them and the realities that they face. In many countries, there are institutional and pervasive problems confronting non-citizens. Nearly all categories of non-citizens face official and non-official discrimination. While in some countries there may be legal guarantees of equal treatment and recognition of the importance of non-citizens in achieving economic prosperity, non-citizens face hostile social and practical realities. They experience xenophobia, racism and sexism; language barriers and unfamiliar customs; lack of political representation; difficulty realizing their economic, social and cultural rights—particularly the right to work, the right to education and the right to health care; difficulty obtaining identity documents; and lack of means to
challenge violations of their human rights effectively or to have them remedied. Some non-citizens are subjected to arbitrary and often indefinite detention. They may have been traumatized by experiences of persecution or abuse in their countries of origin, but are detained side by side with criminals in prisons, which are frequently overcrowded, unhygienic and dangerous. In addition, detained non-citizens may be denied contact with their families, access to legal assistance and the opportunity to challenge their detention. Official hostility—often expressed in national legislation—has been especially flagrant during periods of war, racial animosity and high unemployment. For example, the situation has worsened since 11 September 2001, as some Governments have detained non-citizens in response to fears of terrorism. The narrow exceptions to the principle of non-discrimination that are permitted by international human rights law do not justify such pervasive violations of non-citizens? rights.
The principal objective of this publication is to highlight all the diverse sources of international law and emerging international standards protecting the rights of non-citizens, especially:
The relevant provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other human rights treaties;
The general comments, country conclusions and adjudications by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and other treaty bodies;
The reports of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights thematic procedures on the human rights of migrants and racism;
The relevant work of such other global institutions as the International Labour Organization and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; and
The reports of regional institutions, such as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance."
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-25
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
The rights of non-citizens
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
United Nations (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23/Add.3)
Date of publication:
2003-05-26
Description:
The rights of non-citizens
Final report of the Special Rapporteur, Mr. David Weissbrodt,
submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission decision 2000/103,
Commission resolution 2000/104 and Economic and Social
Council decision 2000/283
Addendum
Examples of practices in regard to non-citizens..."While the main report (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23) summarizes the norms that protect the
rights of non-citizens, in many countries non-citizens do not actually enjoy those rights. One of
the most common problems human rights treaty bodies have encountered in reviewing States?
reports is that some national constitutions guarantee rights to "citizens" whereas international
human rights law would ?? with the exception of the rights of public participation, of movement,4
and of economic rights in developing countries5 ?? provide rights to all persons.6 Of the countries
responding to the questionnaire, however, most countries extended constitutionally protected
human rights to every person7 or specifically to non-citizens.8 Other countries protect the rights
of non-citizens, including refugees, by statute9 or by incorporating treaties into national law.10
Constitutions in some countries, however, inappropriately distinguish between the rights granted
to persons who obtained their citizenship by birth and other citizens.11 Furthermore, the mere
statement of the general principle of non-discrimination in a constitution is not a sufficient
response to the requirements of human rights law..."
David Weissbrodt
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Migrants' rights: other relevant international and regional standards and mechanisms, The rights of non-citizens, Trafficking: other relevant standards and mechanisms
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
87.93 KB
Local URL:
Rights_of-non-citizensAdd.3.pdf
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Source/publisher:
United Nations (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23/Add.2)
Date of publication:
2003-05-26
Description:
Final report of the Special Rapporteur, Mr. David Weissbrodt,
submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission decision 2000/103,
Commission resolution 2000/104 and Economic and Social
Council decision 2000/283
Addendum
Regional activities..."This addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23/Add.2) to the final report of the Special
Rapporteur on the rights of non-citizens (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23) supplements the
2002 addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/25/Add.2) to the progress report of the Special Rapporteur
(E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/25) and the 2001 addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2001/20/Add.1) to the
preliminary report of the Special Rapporteur (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2001/20) by updating the expanded
examination of the rights of non-citizens within regional human rights bodies. The addendum
updates the jurisprudence of those regional bodies that have adopted recent decisions related to
the rights of non-citizens, including the European Court of Human Rights and the
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. It also contains a new section on the European
Social Committee. Finally, it again discusses the Framework Convention on National
Minorities, adopted under the auspices of the Council of Europe, and include recent decision
based on that instrument..."
David Weissbrodt
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Migrants' rights: other relevant international and regional standards and mechanisms, The rights of non-citizens, Trafficking: other relevant standards and mechanisms
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
88.05 KB
Local URL:
Rights_of-non-citizensAdd.2.pdf
Rights_of-non-citizensAdd.2.pdf more
Source/publisher:
United Nations (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23/Add.1)
Date of publication:
2003-05-26
Description:
Final report of the Special Rapporteur, Mr. David Weissbrodt,
submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission decision 2000/103,
Commission resolution 2000/104 and Economic and Social Council
decision 2000/283
Addendum
United Nations activities*..."This addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23/Add.1) to the final report of the Special
Rapporteur on the rights of non-citizens (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23) supplements the 2002
addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/25/Add.1) to the progress report of the Special Rapporteur
(E/CN.4/Sub.2/2002/25) and the 2001 addendum (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2001/20/Add.1) to the
preliminary report of the Special Rapporteur (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2001/20) by providing updated
jurisprudence and concluding observations with respect to the rights of non-citizens. This
addendum also includes a new section on the relevant jurisprudence of the Committee Against
Torture. The jurisprudence and concluding observations in this addendum cover
treaty-monitoring body sessions from March 2002 through March 2003..."
David Weissbrodt
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Migrants' rights: other relevant international and regional standards and mechanisms, The rights of non-citizens, Trafficking: other relevant standards and mechanisms
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
87.4 KB
Local URL:
Rights_of-non-citizensAdd.1.pdf
Rights_of-non-citizensAdd.1.pdf more
Source/publisher:
United Nations (E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/23)
Date of publication:
2003-05-23
Description:
Final report of the Special Rapporteur, Mr. David Weissbrodt,
submitted in accordance with Sub-Commission decision 2000/103,
Commission resolution 2000/104 and Economic and Social
Council decision 2000/283..."Based on a review of international human rights law, the Special Rapporteur has
concluded that all persons should by virtue of their essential humanity enjoy all human rights
unless exceptional distinctions, for example, between citizens and non-citizens, serve a
legitimate State objective and are proportional to the achievement of that objective. For
example, non-citizens should enjoy freedom from arbitrary killing, inhuman treatment slavery,
forced labour, child labour, arbitrary arrest, unfair trial, invasions of privacy, refoulement and
violations of humanitarian law. They also have the right to marry, protection as minors, peaceful
association and assembly, equality, freedom of religion and belief, social, cultural, and economic
rights in general, labour rights (for example, as to collective bargaining, workers�? compensation,
social security, appropriate working conditions and environment, etc.) and consular protection..."
David Weissbrodt
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Migrants' rights: other relevant international and regional standards and mechanisms, The rights of non-citizens, Trafficking: other relevant standards and mechanisms
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
94.07 KB
Local URL:
Rights_of-non-citizens.pdf
Rights_of-non-citizens.pdf more
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG)
Date of publication:
2012-08-23
Description:
"This Photo Set presents 17 still photographs taken by a local community member who has been trained by KHRG to monitor human rights conditions. The photos were all taken in March 2012 at the Toh Boh Dam construction site in Tantabin Township within locally-defined Toungoo District. According to the community member who took these photos, more than 100 households have been relocated from the area now occupied by the dam construction site, where construction is ongoing."
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
Forced relocation of Karen, Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers, Land confiscation for military, commercial and other purposes
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
240.45 KB
more
Source/publisher:
UN Sub-Commission via Online Burma/Myanmar Library
Date of publication:
2003-05-00
Description:
A set of 5 reports by David Weissbrodt to the UN Sub-Commission - Link to an OBL section.
David Weissbrodt
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-24
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Laws, decrees, bills and regulations relating to nationality, citizenship and immigration (commentary), Discrimination against the Rohingya
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Wikipedia
Description:
Non-refoulement is a principle of the international law, i.e. of customary and trucial Law of Nations which forbids the rendering a true victim of persecution to their persecutor; persecutor generally referring to a state-actor (country/government).
Non-refoulement is a key facet of refugee law, that concerns the protection of refugees from being returned to places where their lives or freedoms could be threatened. Unlike political asylum, which applies to those who can prove a well-grounded fear of persecution based on membership in a social group or class of persons, non-refoulement refers to the generic repatriation of people, generally refugees into war zones and other disaster areas.
Non-refoulement is a jus cogens (peremptory norm) of international law that forbids the expulsion of a refugee into an area, usually their home-country, where the person might be again subjected to persecution.
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-23
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Refugees: international standards, mechanisms and research, Proposed return of Burmese asylum-seekers from Thailand to Burma
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Transnational Institute (TNI), Burma Centrum Nederland (BCN)
Description:
This joint TNI-BCN project aims to stimulate
strategic thinking on addressing ethnic conflict
in Burma and to give a voice to ethnic nationality
groups who have until now been ignored
and isolated in the international debate on the
country.
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-23
Type:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Edward Arnold
Date of publication:
1912-00-00
Description:
PREFACE:
"Upper Burma was invaded and annexed in the year
1885. The work hardly occupied a month. In the
following year the subjugation of the people by the destruction
of all formidable armed resistance was effected; lastly,
the pacification of the country, including the establishment
of an orderly government with peace and security, occupied
four years.
As head of the civil administration, I was mainly concerned
with this last phase.
It would be a difficult task to give a continuous history of
the military operations by which the country was subjugated.
The resistance opposed to our troops was desultory, spasmodic,
and without definite plan or purpose. The measures
taken to overcome it necessarily were affected by these
characteristics, although they were framed on definite
principles. A history of them would resolve itself into a
number of more or less unconnected narratives.
A similar difficulty, but less in degree, meets the attempt
to record the measures which I have included in the
term ?pacification.? Certain definite objects were always
before us. The policy to be followed for their attainment
was fixed, and the measures and instruments by
which it was to be carried out were selected and prepared.
But I have found it best not to attempt to follow
any order, either chronological or other, in writing this narrative.
My purpose in writing has been to give an intelligible narrative of the work done in Burma in the years following the annexation. It was certainly arduous work done under great difficulties of all kinds, and, from the nature of the case, with less chance of recognition or distinction than of disease or death. The work was, I believe, well done, and has proved itself to be good.
My narrative may not attract many who have no connection with Burma. But for those who served in Burma during the period covered by it, whether soldiers or civilians, it may have an interest, and especially for those still in the Burma Commission and their successors.
I hope that Field-Marshal Sir George White, V.C., to whom, and to all the officers and men of the Burma Field Force, I owe so much, may find my pages not without interest.
I have endeavoured to show how the conduct of the soldiers of the Queen, British and Indian, helped the civil administration to establish peace.
I believe, as I have said, that our work has been successful. The credit, let us remember, is due quite as much to India as to Britain. How long would it have taken to subjugate and pacify Burma if we had not been able to get the help of the fighting-men from India, and what would have been the cost in men and money? For the Burmans themselves I, in common with all who have been associated with them, have a sincere affection. Many of them assisted us from the first, and from the Upper Burmans many loyal and capable gentlemen are now helping to govern their country justly and efficiently.
It has been brought home to me in making this rough
record how many of those who took part in this campaign against disorder have laid down their lives. I hope I may have helped to do honour to their memories.
I have to thank all the kind friends who have sent me photographs to illustrate this book, and especially Sir Harvey Adamson, the present Lieutenant-Governor, for his kindness in making my wants known."
C. H. C.
February, 1912......[A page or so is missing from the Index]
Sir Charles Crosthwaite
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-22
Type:
Individual Documents
Category:
British colonial period : Commentary (non-official books, academic papers, articles and reports)
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
3.16 MB
Local URL:
pacification_of_burma-red.pdf
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