Librarian's Choice

Librarian's Choice

expand all
collapse all
Title: Political Parties Registration Law No. 2/2010: Bylaws (Burmese)
Source/publisher: SPDC via Network Myanmar
Date of publication: 2010-03-17
Description: No English translation available yet
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-19
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese
more
Title: De Kunming a Mandalay: la nouvelle "Route de Birmanie"
Source/publisher: IFRI, Asie.Visions 25
Date of publication: 2010-03-00
Description: Développement des échanges commerciaux le long de la frontière sino-birmane depuis 1988... "Ce papier analyse les relations sino-birmanes et cherche à rendre compte de la vitalité et de la complexité des relations commerciales frontalières. Pour cela trois niveaux de réflexions doivent être mis en regard. Tout d'abord, l'engouement pour les échanges commerciaux est mis en perspectives avec les objectifs stratégiques plus larges de chacun des deux pays. Les relations bilatérales sont motivées par des intérêts économiques et sécuritaires tels que la sécurité énergétique, l'approvisionnement en matières premières, la coopération en faveur d'un développement régional ou encore le désenclavement des provinces de l'intérieur. Ensuite, il est essentiel de décrire la situation politique et la composition de la population dans les régions frontalières afin de comprendre la relative fluidité des biens, mais aussi des personnes dans ces régions. La seconde partie de cet article dressera donc un tableau détaillé des zones frontalières sino-birmanes. Enfin, dans une dernière partie, nous soulignerons le rôle important joué par la population d'origine chinoise en Birmanie (même s'il ne s'agit pas des seuls acteurs des échanges commerciaux). Aujourd'hui, le renouveau de l'identité chinoise et des communautés chinoises est à la fois un facteur et le résultat du rapide développement des échanges bilatéraux."
Creator/author: Abel TOURNIER, Hélène LE BAIL
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-16
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Francais, French
Format : pdf
Size: 1.06 MB
more
Title: Government of Burma Act, 1935 ("The 1937 Constitution")
Source/publisher: HMSO
Date of publication: 1935-08-02
Description: "An Act to make further provision for the government of Burma. [2nd August 1935.] Be it enacted by the King?s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:- PART I. INTRODUCTORY 1. This Act may be cited as the Government of Burma Act, 1935. 2. (1) All rights, authority and jurisdiction heretofore belonging to His Majesty the King, Emperor of India, which appertain or are incidental to the government of the territories in Burma for the time being vested in him and all rights, authority and jurisdiction exercisable by him by treaty, grant, usage, sufferance or otherwise in, or in relation to, any other territories in Burma, are exercisable by His Majesty, except in so far as may be otherwise provided by or under this Act, or as may be otherwise directed by His Majesty. (2) The said rights, authority and jurisdiction shall include any rights, authority or jurisdiction heretofore exercisable in relation to any territories in Burma by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State in Council, the Governor-General of India, the Governor-General of Indian in Council, the Governor of Burma or the Local Government of Burma, whether by delegation from His Majesty or otherwise..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-16
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 406.69 KB
more
Title: Human Rights Council (13th Session) Progress report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana
Source/publisher: United Nations (A/HRC/13/48)
Date of publication: 2010-03-10
Description: SUMMARY: "The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 10/27, covers human rights developments in Myanmar since the Special Rapporteur?s second report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/10/19) and the submission of his report to the General Assembly (A/64/318) in October 2009. The Special Rapporteur has travelled to Myanmar three times. He conducted his third country visit from 15 to 19 February 2010 at the invitation of the Government, which had postponed planned visits several times. The present report elaborates on the issues related to the protection of human rights. The Security Council, the Secretary-General, the Human Rights Council, Government representatives from many nations, Nobel laureates and other respected leaders have all called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than 2,100 prisoners of conscience. However, the Government of Myanmar has not yet met this important step in its preparations for transition to democracy in the lead-up to the 2010 election. Likewise, the international community has urged the Government of Myanmar to announce an election date and an electoral framework that adheres to international standards for a free, fair, participatory and transparent election process. The basic rights to food, shelter, health and education, which are not only human rights in and of themselves, but are also essential for the exercise of other human rights, are denied to far too many of the people of Myanmar. At the same time, conflicts along the border areas continue to abet serious human rights abuses against civilian populations, including the ongoing recruitment of child soldiers. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the systematic and endemic discrimination faced by the Muslim community in Northern Rakhine State. This discrimination, which is framed as an immigration problem, leads to basic and fundamental human rights being denied to this population. Measures taken against this population include the restriction of movement, limitations on permission to marry, and forced labour. As the Special Rapporteur stated in previous reports, there is a pattern of gross and systematic violation of human rights which has been in place for many years and still continues. Given the extent and persistence of the problem, and the lack of accountability, there is an indication that those human rights violations are the result of a State policy, originating from decisions by authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels. The Government of Myanmar needs to take prompt and effective measures to investigate these facts."
Creator/author: Tomás Ojea Quintana
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-13
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: From Rice Cooker to Autoclave at Dr. Cynthia?s MAE TAO CLINIC
Source/publisher: Mao Tao Clinic
Date of publication: 2010-03-11
Description: 20th Anniversary Book about Mae Tao Clinic...LETTER FROM DR. CYNTHIA MAUNG: "The role of health workers is much more than doing medical things. They need to rebuild the community as well…learn to work together, negotiate, build trust and empower the people. We want the young people to feel that they are the people who can make change. They are the people who can mobilize their community to know basic health rights. We especially hope the younger generation will get involved ? as leaders. When I look at the clinic, I see people working very hard. Sometimes, there?s a lot of pressure both psychologically and fi nancially. Staff have been away from their family for many years, and they always hope to go back home. The people we serve have the same feelings. I think everybody has sad feelings: When can we go back to our homeland? But the problems in Burma cannot be solved quickly. Even if the SPDC collapses or the political opposition wins the election, the country is still traumatized by landmines, prostitution, street children, broken families. People have lost their dignity and identity. Health services and education are not accessible to the people. All this cannot be fi xed within a few years. So we will expand as long as we need to provide health services for people from Burma. Wherever and whenever there are poor people in the community, we will continue to serve. We at the Mae Tao Clinic invite you to join us in providing health care and building the community on the Thai-Burma border or wherever there is a need in the world. We hope you feel empowered by the clinic?s successes, rather than impressed or overwhelmed. We want you to understand that you, too, can take on such projects. The key is to start small and grow. We leave you with lessons we?ve learned over the past 20 years in hopes that our shared experiences may be helpful as you go forward to serve" -- Dr. Cynthia Maung and the Founders of the Mae Tao Clinic
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-11
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 6.22 MB
more
Title: Union Election Commission Law No. 1/2010 - ပြည်ထောင်စုရွေးကောက်ပွဲကော်မရှင်ဥပဒေ
Source/publisher: State Peace and Development Council - SPDC
Date of publication: 2010-03-08
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
Format : pdf
Size: 41.47 KB
more
Title: Political Parties Registration Law No. 2/2010 - နိုင်ငံရေးပါတီများမှတ်ပုံတင်ခြင်းဥပဒေ ၂/၂၀၁၁
Source/publisher: SPDC via Network Myanmar
Date of publication: 2010-03-08
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
Format : pdf
Size: 784.02 KB
more
Title: ALTSEAN-Burma - 2010 Election Watch
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Description: The ?2010 Election Watch? provides background information and analysis on the events leading up to Burma?s general election as well as up-to-date information on election related issues and activities. We provide our analysis of events in Burma as they happen to monitor whether the electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner. However, even if the elections are remotely deemed free and fair, the SPDC?s 2008 constitution prevents the establishment of true democracy in Burma. After the election, the constitution will perpetuate military rule, legitimize subjugation of ethnic nationalities, and threaten basic human rights of the Burmese people. Pro-democracy and ethnic nationality groups inside and outside Burma as well as the international community, including ASEAN and the UN, have repeatedly called for the 2010 elections to be free and fair. But the junta has refused to release political prisoners, cease its assault on ethnic nationalities, and engage in genuine dialogue with pro-democracy and ethnic groups. These are necessary conditions for free and fair elections. The ?2010 Election Watch? will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-10
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
more
Title: STATELESS and STARVING - Persecuted Rohingya Flee Burma and Starve in Bangladesh
Source/publisher: Physicians for Human Rights
Date of publication: 2010-03-00
Description: Executive Summary: "In recent months Bangladeshi authorities have waged an unprecedented campaign of arbitrary arrest, illegal expulsion, and forced internment against Burmese refugees. In this emergency report Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) presents new data and documents dire conditions for these persecuted Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. PHR?s medical investigators warn that critical levels of acute malnutrition and a surging camp population without access to food aid will cause more deaths from starvation and disease if the humanitarian crisis is not addressed... Methods: The plight of the Burmese refugees in Bangladesh came to PHR?s attention while its researchers were conducting a quantitative study in the region on health and human rights in Burma. This emergency report is based on a sample of 100 unregistered refugee households at the Kutupalong makeshift camp in southeastern Bangladesh as well as in-depth interviews with 25 refugees and 30 other key informants throughout the region. Richard Sollom MA MPH, PHR?s Director of Research and Investigations, and Parveen Parmar MD, emergency physician at Harvard University?s Brigham and Women?s Hospital, conducted the eight-day assessment from 8-16 February 2010. Both team members have considerable experience working in refugee populations throughout the world and describe the conditions for unregistered Burmese in Bangladesh as alarming... Arbitrary arrest and forced expulsion of refugees by Bangladesh: The Burmese refugee population in Bangladesh is estimated at 200,000 to 400,000. The Government of Bangladesh and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) jointly administer two ?official” camps with a combined population of just 28,000 registered refugees. The remaining unregistered refugees are currently not protected by UNHCR because they arrived after 1993 when the Bangladesh government ceased conferring refugee status to any Rohingya fleeing Burma. In an apparent attempt to dissuade the influx of any further refugees fleeing anticipated repression prior to elections in Burma later this year, Bangladesh police and border security forces are now systematically rounding up, jailing or summarily expelling these unregistered refugees across the Burmese border in flagrant violation of the country?s human rights obligations. Although Bangladesh has not acceded to the UN refugee convention, it is minimally obligated to protect this vulnerable population against refoulement (forced deportation across the border)... Makeshift camp is ?open-air prison”: Arbitrary arrest and expulsion by Bangladeshi authorities have acutely restricted all movement out of the unofficial camp, effectively quarantining tens of thousands of refugees in what one experienced humanitarian called ?an open-air prison.” Because refugees fear leaving the camp, they are no longer able to find work to buy food. This confinement, coupled with the Bangladeshi government?s refusal to allow unregistered refugees access to food aid, presents an untenable situation: refugees are being left to die from starvation... Refugee children facing starvation and disease: Tens of thousands of unregistered Burmese refugees in the burgeoning camp in Bangladesh have no access to food aid. Physicians for Human Rights researchers observed children in the unofficial camp who were markedly thin with protruding ribs, loose skin on their buttocks, and wizened faces ? all signs of severe protein malnutrition. The PHR team also came across many children who appeared to have kwashiorkor, as evidenced by swollen limbs and often distended abdomens. One out of five children with acute malnutrition, if not treated, will die. Results from the PHR household survey reveal that 18.2% of children examined suffer from acute malnutrition. In emergency settings, acute malnutrition is traditionally measured among children age 6?59 months. High rates of malnutrition in this age group correspond with high rates in the population as a whole. Child malnutrition levels that exceed 15% are considered ?critical” by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends in such crises that adequate food aid be delivered to the entire population to avoid high numbers of preventable deaths. In addition, PHR received numerous testimonies from families who had not eaten in two or more days. As a coping mechanism, many refugees are now forced to borrow food or money to feed their families. Results from the PHR survey show that 82% of households had borrowed food within the past 30 days, and 91% of households had borrowed money ? often with exorbitant interest rates ? within the previous 30 days. Walking through the Kutupalong camp, PHR investigators saw stagnant raw sewage next to refugees? makeshift dwellings. Human excrement and open sewers were visible throughout the camp. Results of the PHR survey show that 55% of children between 6?59 months suffered from diarrhea in the previous 30 days. Such inhuman conditions presage a public health disaster... Obstruction of humanitarian relief: PHR received reports of Bangladeshi authorities? actively obstructing the little amount of international humanitarian relief that reaches this population. Corroborating eyewitnesses report that a Bangladeshi Member of Parliament recently Persecuted Rohingya Flee Burma and Starve in Bangladesh rounded up four national staff of an international humanitarian organization, tied them to a tree, and beat them for providing aid to the Rohingya refugees. This environment of regular harassment by Bangladeshi authorities severely impairs the ability of NGOs to provide assistance to unregistered refugees. The UK-based organization Islamic Relief ceased its humanitarian operations in one camp on 28 February 2010 because the Bangladeshi government refused to approve the group?s humanitarian activities that benefit these refugees... Bangladeshi hate propaganda and incitement against Rohingya refugees: The Bangladeshi government?s ongoing crackdown against Rohingya refugees appears to be coordinated among local authorities, police, border security forces, and the ruling political elite. Bangladeshis near the southern coastal town of Cox?s Bazar have formed Rohingya ?resistance committees” that demand the expulsion from Bangladesh of the Rohingya. Bangladeshi authorities threaten villagers with arrest if they do not turn in their Rohingya neighbors. Local media disseminate ominous anti-Rohingya propaganda in editorials and opinion pieces, all of which incite xenophobic antagonism among local inhabitants... Background to the refugee crisis: Burma?s de facto president, Senior General Than Shwe, seized power 20 years ago while promising free and fair elections in 1990. That year, the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) defeated the military-backed State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), garnering 59% of the vote and 80% of the seats in the People?s Assembly. SLORC dismissed the results, and subsequently detained NLD?s Prime Minister-elect Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently under house arrest. To fend off risk of a second defeat at the polls in late 2010, the Burmese military regime has stepped-up militarization and abuses against all ethnic minorities, who represent nearly 40% of Burma?s total population of 50 million. Than Shwe?s Tatmadaw military has locked up 2,200 political prisoners, destroyed more than 3,200 villages, and forced millions to flee, ensuring that opposition parties cannot organize prior to upcoming elections. Burmese ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya, continue to flee, seeking refuge in neighboring countries. An additional 8,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh in 2009. The Rohingya have a well-founded fear of persecution if forcibly returned to Burma. During the past five decades
Creator/author: Richard Sollom MA MPH
Date of entry/update: 2010-03-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma - March 2nd, 2010
Source/publisher: Nobel Women?s Initiative
Date of publication: 2010-03-02
Description: "The International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma was conceived after a peace delegation organized by the Nobel Women?s Initiative visited the Thai-Burma border in 2008. The visit of our delegation, which included activists as well as Nobel Peace Laureates, was hosted by the Women?s League of Burma. At every stop on our journey, we met many strong and brave women who were living in the most difficult circumstances. We were impressed by the resilience of the women. Many had been forced to flee their homeland because of terrible violence, yet they never stopped calling Burma home. These women shared their stories of fear, pain and horror ? but perhaps more importantly, they also shared their hopes, dreams and wishes for the future of Burma. In our view, their unwavering belief that change is possible, combined with their drive to make change happen, makes these women of Burma an unstoppable force. It makes them an inspiration for us all. We knew then that it was important to bring their stories to a larger audience. That is why we helped organize the International Tribunal on Crimes against Women of Burma. At the day-long Tribunal, four judges and many people around the world listened as twelve women from Burma told personal stories of how they had been brutalized and victimized by the military regime. The judges? findings and recommendations were a clear response to the women?s testimony. Based on what they heard and other documentary evidence, the judges concluded that war crimes, crimes against humanity and human rights violations have been and continue to be committed by the Burmese military regime. Their recommendations also send a strong message to the regime, to the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) and other states in the Asia-Pacific region, to the international community and to civil society. The judges? recommendations constitute a blueprint for action on Burma..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-28
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 1.53 MB
more
Title: Extension of Nationality Verification Process FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions (Burmese)
Source/publisher: International Organization for (Migration Information Note No. 4)
Date of publication: 2010-02-00
Description: Important policy developments affecting migrant workers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar/Burma in Thailand were made at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. One important development was the 19 January 2010 Cabinet Resolution to extend the nationality verification process. In addition, a Regulation passed by the Ministry of Labour on 21 December 2009 established new ?work fees” and ?levy fees”1. This issue of the IOM Migrant Information Note provides some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the latest policies of the Royal Thai Government and how they affect migrant workers in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-26
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese
Format : pdf
Size: 114.54 KB
more
Title: Extension of Nationality Verification Process FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions (Thai)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (IOM) (Migration Information Note No. 4)
Date of publication: 2010-02-00
Description: เมื่อปลายปี 2552 และ ต้นปี 2553 รัฐบาลได้ออกนโยบายที่เกี่ยวกับแรงงานต่างด้าว1ชาวพม่า ลาว กัมพูชา เช่น มติคณะรัฐมนตรีวันที่ 19 มกราคม 2553 เรื่องการขยายเวลาการพิสูจน์สัญชาติ นอกจากนี้ ยังมีการออกกฎกระทรวงกำหนดค่าธรรมเนียมการทำงานและการจ้างคนต่างด้าว2 เมื่อ วันที่ 21 ธันวาคม 2552 สำหรับข่าวแรงงานข้ามชาติฉบับนี้ จะตอบข้อซักถามเกี่ยวกับนโยบายล่าสุดของรัฐและผล ของนโยบายที่มีต่อแรงงานต่างด้าวในประเทศไทย
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-26
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Thai
Format : pdf
Size: 169.85 KB
more
Title: Walking Amongst Sharp Knives - The unsung courage of Karen women village chiefs in conflict areas of Eastern Burma
Source/publisher: Burma library
Date of publication: 2010-02-00
Description: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: "In lowland Karen areas in Eastern Burma women are increasingly taking on the role of village chief, as male village chiefs are more likely to be killed by the Burma Army. This change, overturning deeply engrained tradition, has put women further into the front line of human rights abuses being committed by the Burma Army and their allies. This report by the Karen Women Organization, based on the testimonies of 95 women chiefs, exposes for the first time the impacts of this dramatic cultural shift. The abuses experienced or witnessed by the women chiefs include: • Crucifixion • People burnt alive • Rape, including gang rape • Many forms of torture, including beatings and ?water torture” • People buried up to their heads in earth and beaten to death • Arbitrary executions • Beheadings • Slave labour... Many of the abuses described in this report would appear to be in breach of international law, including five articles of the Rome Statute, of the International Criminal Court. The practice of electing women as village chiefs has spread through lowland Karen areas of Eastern Burma since the 1980s, as Burma?s military regime has expanded control and increased persecution of these war-torn communities. With men increasingly reluctant to risk their lives as chiefs, women have stepped in to assume leadership in the hope of mitigating abuses. However, testimonies of women chiefs show that, far from being exempt from the brutality of the Burma Army, they have faced ongoing systematic abuse, including gender-based violence. This report is based on interviews with women chiefs from five districts of Eastern Burma: Papun (Mutraw), Dooplaya, Thaton (Doo Tha Htu), Nyaunglebin (Kler Lwee Htu), and Pa-an. They are aged from 25 to 82. The average length of time they served as chiefs was nine years; about one third of the women are still serving as chiefs. The women chiefs not only describe their daily struggle to fulfill the constant demands of the Burma Army for labour, food, building materials, ?taxes” and intelligence, but also testify to their systematic use of terror tactics to subjugate villagers and prevent them from cooperating with the Karen resistance. Apart from bearing witness to numerous instances of abuse and murder of fellow-villagers, the chiefs themselves have suffered brutal punishment for alleged non-cooperation. One third of the women interviewed had been physically beaten or tortured. The women also testify to ongoing impunity for sexual violence. They describe incidents of gang-rape, rape of girl-children and rape-murder for which they were unable to seek redress. They also describe being forced to provide ?comfort women” for the Burma Army troops. The women chiefs? own vulnerability to gender-based violence has been deliberately exploited by the Burma Army as a means of intimidation. Rape of women chiefs was described as common, and several chiefs described being gang-raped. Pregnant and nursing women chiefs were also subjected to forced labour and grueling interrogation. Despite the constant threat of violence, the women?s stories reveal their extraordinary strength and courage in assuming leadership and seeking to protect the rights of their communities. They have repeatedly dared to challenge and complain to Burma Army troops about abuses and in some cases managed to secure compensation and even rescinding of unjust orders. The women chiefs have also suffered great personal stress from being unable to fulfill their traditional household roles and care for their families. Several were blamed by their husbands for being ?married to the SPDC” because they had to follow their orders. This report provides poignant insight into the challenges of women assuming leadership in a patriarchal and militarized society. The KWO hopes that this report will help bring recognition of these brave women for their sacrifices not only at the front line of abuses by Burma?s military dictatorship, but at the forefront of the struggle for gender equality in Burma..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-25
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 2.6 MB
more
Title: Procedures for nationality verification of Myanmar/ Burma nationals in Thailand (Thai)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migration Information Note No. 2)
Date of publication: 2009-08-00
Description: ข่าวแรงงานข้ามชาติ ประจำเดือนสิงหาคม 2552* ขั้นตอนการดำเนินการพิสูจน์สัญชาติแรงงานพม่าในประเทศไทย ขั้นตอนการดำเนินการพิสูจน์สัญชาติแรงงานพม่าผู้ซึ่งอาศัยและทำงานในประเทศไทยได้เริ่มมีการ ดำเนินการเมื่อวันที่ 15 กรกฎาคม 2009 ภายใต้ข้อตกลงความเข้าใจร่วมกัน (MOU) ที่ประเทศไทย ได้ลงนามร่วมกับรัฐบาลประเทศพม่าเมื่อเดือนมิถุนายน 2546 ซึ่งระบุว่าแรงงานข้ามชาติชาวพม่าที่อยู่ ในประเทศไทยมีสิทธิอยู่อาศัยและทำงานอย่างถูกกฎหมายเมื่อได้รับการพิสูจน์สัญชาติ โดยภายหลัง การพิสูจน์สัญชาติ แรงงานจะได้รับหนังสือเดินทางชั่วคราวซึ่งออกให้โดยเจ้าหน้าที่รัฐบาลพม่า และ การตรวจลงตราโดยรัฐบาลไทย ขั้นตอนการพิสูจน์สัญชาติที่แรงงานพม่าและนายจ้างจะต้องปฏิบัติตามในการเข้าสู่กระบวนการ พิสูจน์สัญชาติเป็นขั้นตอนที่ค่อนข้างซับซ้อน และมีขั้นตอนการดำเนินการตามลำดับ ดังนี้... On 15th July 2009, the process of nationality verification of Myanmar/Burma migrants living and working in Thailand began to be implemented. Under the MOU that Thailand signed with Myanmar/Burma in June 2003, migrants from Myanmar/Burma in Thailand are entitled to legally stay and work in the country upon verification of their nationality. After this, a temporary passport can be issued by the Myanmar/Burma authorities, and a visa by Thailand. The procedure that migrant workers and employers have to follow to complete the nationality verification process is quite complex. Below is a step-by-step guide..."...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-22
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Thai
Format : pdf
Size: 119.93 KB
more
Title: Procedures for nationality verification of Myanmar/ Burma nationals in Thailand (English)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration Migrant Information Note No. 2
Date of publication: 2009-08-00
Description: "On 15th July 2009, the process of nationality verification of Myanmar/Burma migrants living and working in Thailand began to be implemented. Under the MOU that Thailand signed with Myanmar/Burma in June 2003, migrants from Myanmar/Burma in Thailand are entitled to legally stay and work in the country upon verification of their nationality. After this, a temporary passport can be issued by the Myanmar/Burma authorities, and a visa by Thailand. The procedure that migrant workers and employers have to follow to complete the nationality verification process is quite complex. Below is a step-by-step guide..."...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-22
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 49.04 KB
more
Title: Thailand Approves a New Registration Round for Irregular Migrant Workers from Myanmar/Burma, Lao PDR and Cambodia (English)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migrant Information Note [No. 1])
Date of publication: 2009-06-00
Description: "A total of about 1.8 million migrants were living and working in Thailand in 2008. Of these, only about 500,000 were registered and allowed to stay and work in the country. The Thai government has signed MOUs with Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar/Burma and under these MOUs established mechanisms to allow foreigners to migrate legally into its territory, and also granting to those already registered in Thailand a stay and work permit on condition that their nationalities have been verified by the respective governments. The government of Thailand has decided to proceed with the seventh (7th) and final registration round to allow irregular migrants to stay and work in Thailand until 28 February 2010. After this date, all migration flows from neighbouring countries into Thailand will be regulated according to the mechanisms established under the MOUs. On the 26 May, 2009, the cabinet of the Thai government passed a resolution to register irregular migrant workers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar/Burma. Migrants who work in six specific sectors that include fishery, agriculture/livestock, construction, fishery processing, domestic work and other sectors1, will be eligible to register and apply for temporary work permits. The Ministry of Interior will oversee the registration, including agency coordination and advertisement. The details of the registration process were drawn up by the National Committee on Illegal Worker Administration. The plan for the new registration round includes three procedural stages for the migrant to obtain a work permit. This note will serve as a guide to these procedures..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-22
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 42.76 KB
more
Title: Extension of Nationality Verification Process FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions (English)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migration Information Note No. 4)
Date of publication: 2010-02-00
Description: "Important policy developments affecting migrant workers from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar/Burma in Thailand were made at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. One important development was the 19 January 2010 Cabinet Resolution to extend the nationality verification process. In addition, a Regulation passed by the Ministry of Labour on 21 December 2009 established new ?work fees” and ?levy fees”1. This issue of the IOM Migrant Information Note provides some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the latest policies of the Royal Thai Government and how they affect migrant workers in Thailand..."...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 50.82 KB
more
Title: Registration and Nationality Verification 2009 at a Glance (Burmese)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migration Information Note No. 3)
Date of publication: 2009-12-00
Description: The first two issues of the Migrant Information Note analysed Registration and Nationality Verification (NV) procedures in detail. It has now been four months since the start of the new round of registration and the NV process between the Royal Thai Government (RTG) and the Burma/Myanmar government. This information note is intended to provide an overview of both processes and updates on the latest policy developments and statistics. Background In 2009, the RTG has continued its initiative to regularize low-skilled migrant workers from Cambodia and Lao People?s Democratic Republic (PDR) and taken new steps to start the process with the government of Burma/Myanmar. In addition to the yearly work permit renewal, which allows migrants holding a valid work permit to renew it for a year, the RTG announced in July 2009 the opening of a new registration round (the 7th and the last one) to allow unregistered migrant workers the opportunity to obtain a temporary stay registration (Tor/Ror 38/1) and a work permit. Work permits have been renewed/ issued until 28 February 2010 and migrants have to complete the NV process by this date. A valid work permit is required in order to apply for NV and to get a temporary passport and visa. If migrants successfully complete the NV by 28 February 2010, they will be allowed to lawfully live and work in Thailand for up to four years. If they do not complete the NV by the end of February 2010, they will be deported..."...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese
Format : pdf
Size: 174.99 KB
more
Title: Registration and Nationality Verification 2009 at a Glance (Thai)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migration Information Note No. 3)
Date of publication: 2009-11-00
Description: ตามที่ข่าวแรงงานข้ามชาติสองฉบับแรกได้วิเคราะห์ขั้นตอนการจดทะเบียนและการพิสูจน์ สัญชาติโดยละเอียด จวบจนปัจจุบัน(พฤศจิกายน 2552) นั้นเป็นเวลา 4เดือนแล้วนับแต่รัฐบาลไทย และรัฐบาลสหภาพพม่าได้เปิดให้มีการจดทะเบียนรอบใหม่ ดังนั้น ข่าวแรงงานอพยพฉบับนี้จึงมี วัตถุประสงค์ในการนำเสนอภาพรวมของกระบวนการจดทะเบียนและการพิสูจน์สัญชาติ และ รายงานความคืบหน้าล่าสุดของนโยบายรัฐบาลและสถิติที่เกี่ยวข้อง ความเป็นมา ในปี พ.ศ. 2552 รัฐบาลไทยยังคงดำเนินการปรับเปลี่ยนสถานะของแรงงานไร้ฝีมือ (lowskill) ชาวกัมพูชาและลาวให้ถูกต้องตามกฎหมายและเริ่มดำเนินการพิสูจน์สัญชาติแรงงานพม่า ร่วมกับรัฐบาลพม่า นอกจากการต่ออายุใบอนุญาตทำงานเป็นรายปี (ซึ่งอนุญาตให้แรงงานผู้ถือ ใบอนุญาตทำงานที่ยังไม่หมดอายุต่ออายุได้ในลักษณะปีต่อปี ) รัฐบาลไทยยังได้เปิดให้มีการจด ทะเบียนใหม่ในเดือนกรกฎาคม 2552 (เป็นการจดทะเบียนครั้งที่ 7 และครั้งสุดท้าย) เพื่อเปิดโอกาส ให้แรงงานที่ยังไม่ได้จดทะเบียนได้รับใบอนุญาตให้อยู่ในราชอาณาจักรเป็นการชั่วคราว (ทร. 38/1) และได้รับใบอนุญาตทำงาน ทั้งนี้ แรงงานจะได้รับใบอนุญาตทำงานให้ทำงานได้จนถึงวันที่ 28 กุมภาพันธ์ 2553 ซึ่งเป็นวันสุดท้ายที่แรงงานจะต้องทำการพิสูจน์สัญชาติให้เสร็จสมบูรณ์ ทั้งนี้ แรงงานจะต้องเตรียมใบอนุญาตทำงานเพื่อยื่นเรื่องขอพิสูจน์สัญชาติ หากผ่านการพิสูจน์สัญชาติแล้ว แรงงานจะได้รับหนังสือเดินทางชั่วคราวและการตรวจลงตรา (Visa) ในกรณีที่ผ่านการพิสูจน์สัญชาติ ภายในวันที่ 28 กุมภาพันธ์ 2553 แรงงานจะได้สิทธิอาศัยและทำงานโดยถูกกฎหมายในประเทศไทย เป็นระยะเวลา 4 ปี ในทางตรงกันข้าม หากแรงงานผู้ใดไม่สามารถดำเนินการพิสูจน์สัญชาติให้แล้ว เสร็จภายในสิ้นเดือนกุมภาพันธ์ 2553 แรงงานผู้นั้นจะถูกผลักดันกลับประเทศของตน ...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Thai
Format : pdf
Size: 303.67 KB
more
Title: Registration and Nationality Verification 2009 at a Glance (English)
Source/publisher: International Organization for Migration (Migration Information Note No. 3)
Date of publication: 2009-11-00
Description: "The first two issues of the Migrant Information Note analysed Registration and Nationality Verification (NV) procedures in detail. It has now been four months since the start of the new round of registration and the NV process between the Royal Thai Government (RTG) and the Burma/Myanmar government. This information note is intended to provide an overview of both processes and updates on the latest policy developments and statistics. Background In 2009, the RTG has continued its initiative to regularize low-skilled migrant workers from Cambodia and Lao People?s Democratic Republic (PDR) and taken new steps to start the process with the government of Burma/Myanmar. In addition to the yearly work permit renewal, which allows migrants holding a valid work permit to renew it for a year, the RTG announced in July 2009 the opening of a new registration round (the 7th and the last one) to allow unregistered migrant workers the opportunity to obtain a temporary stay registration (Tor/Ror 38/1) and a work permit. Work permits have been renewed/ issued until 28 February 2010 and migrants have to complete the NV process by this date. A valid work permit is required in order to apply for NV and to get a temporary passport and visa. If migrants successfully complete the NV by 28 February 2010, they will be allowed to lawfully live and work in Thailand for up to four years. If they do not complete the NV by the end of February 2010, they will be deported..."...The Migrant Information Notes are endorsed by Thailand?s Ministry of Labour and they aim to provide current, reliable information on the latest migration policy developments, regulations and procedures in Thailand.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 143.18 KB
more
Title: Trapped in a Cycle of Flight: Stateless Rohingya in Malaysia
Source/publisher: Equal Rights Trust
Date of publication: 2010-01-04
Description: "This report is one of the outputs of a global research and advocacy project of the Equal Rights Trust (ERT) on stateless persons in detention. It draws attention to the plight of Rohingya who have successfully made the hazardous journey to Malaysia ? a present focus, and ‘hotspot?, for Rohingya migration. It focuses on detention practices in Malaysia and the cycle of deportation and trafficking, which must be broken. The report documents the ways in which immigration related laws, practices and policies of Malaysia are discriminatory and detrimental to the rights and well-being of all irregular migrants in the country. The Rohingya are merely one ? albeit particularly vulnerable ? group amongst many others. By focussing on the Rohingya in Malaysia, this report raises grave human rights concerns about the treatment of all irregular migrants in the country. It also establishes the need for a robust, holistic and regional solution to the problems faced by the Rohingya, which is embedded in human rights principles."
Creator/author: Chris Lewa, Amal de Chickera
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-20
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Myanmar Economy A Comparative View
Source/publisher: Institute for Security and Development Policy (Sweden)
Date of publication: 2009-12-00
Description: Revised and updated version of a paper presented to the Myanmar/ Burma Studies Conference, Singapore, 13–15 July 2006..... Contents: Introduction... GDP Growth Rate... Structure of GDP... Per Capita GDP and the Question of Catching-Up... Pattern of Household Consumption Expenditure... Export Commodities... Inflation... The Exchange Rate... Rethinking Policy and Implications for Regional Integration... Concluding Remarks... Appendix... About the Author.....Introduction1 Building a modern developed nation A stated objective of Myanmar is to become a modern developed nation that will stand shoulder to shoulder – proud, dignified and tall – with the countries of the world. How far has Myanmar come in achieving this goal, viewed from an economic perspective?2 Where does it stand at present in relation to other nations, and especially those in the Asian region? This paper attempts to provide some thoughts along these lines by looking at Myanmar?s official data on: • Rate of growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) • GDP growth in relation to gross domestic investment (GDI) • Structure of GDP • Level of per capita GDP • Pattern of household consumption expenditure • Commodity composition of exports • Inflation rate • Exchange rate
Creator/author: U Myint
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-19
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi Calls Upcoming Elections Illegitimate
Source/publisher: Article 19
Date of publication: 2010-02-11
Description: "Burma?s opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has stated that Burma?s severe restrictions on free expression and access to information will compromise any attempt to hold free and fair elections later this year. Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest in Rangoon, was speaking this week through her lawyer, Nyan Win. She said that she was unwilling to engage in the election process because the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of association are consistently denied to Burmese citizens. According to Nyan Win: ?‘If there is no freedom of information and freedom of expression, there will be no free and fair election?, Aung San Suu Kyi said. ‘The basic requirements like freedom of press, speech and campaigning, and also free and fair election[s] will be needed if she has to decide whether or not to contest in election.?”..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-17
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: The repression of ethnic minority activists in Myanmar
Source/publisher: Amnesty International
Date of publication: 2010-02-16
Description: "...Planning this year to hold its first national and local elections since 1990, the Myanmar government has prepared itself in many ways, including, as Amnesty International?s findings indicate, by repressing ethnic minority political opponents and activists. While these human rights violations certainly preceded the February 2008 announcement that elections would be held—as the late 2007 crackdown on the Saffron Revolution showed—the coming elections have given the government new resolve in repressing political dissent in all of Myanmar?s seven ethnic minority states and among its ethnic minority peoples. This repression has included arbitrary arrests and detention; torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; unfair trials; rape; extrajudicial killings; forced labour; violations of freedom of expression, assembly, association, and religion; intimidation and harassment; and discrimination. This repression of political opponents and activists has also run completely contrary to the Myanmar government?s repeated claims since 2004, to be embarking and continuing on a ‘Roadmap to Democracy? and increasing the level of political participation in the country. With almost no exception, authorities and officials have enjoyed impunity for their violations. The repression of political opponents and activists has resulted in the violation of ethnic minorities? human rights, and the violation of international human rights and humanitarian law: Myanmar is bound by its legal obligations under the Conventions on the Rights of the Child and on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the 1949 Geneva Conventions; and customary international law. It is also obliged, as a member of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to uphold the provisions of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ASEAN Charter..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-16
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Unregistered Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh: Crackdown, forced displacement and hunger
Source/publisher: The Arakan Project
Date of publication: 2010-02-15
Description: "An unprecedented crackdown by Bangladesh law enforcement agencies against unregistered Rohingya refugees who had settled outside the two official refugee camps in Cox?s Bazar District started on 2 January 2010. More than 500 Rohingyas were subsequently arrested in January and the crackdown continues. Some of those arrested were pushed back across the Burmese border and others were charged under immigration legislation and sent to jail. In parallel to the roundups, there is a resurgence of anti-Rohingya movements among the local population and of anti-Rohingya propaganda in the local media fuelling xenophobia and pressing the government to take action against the Rohingya. A similar campaign started earlier in 2009 in Bandarban District and is still ongoing. Over the last few weeks, fearing arrest, harassment or facing expulsion, more than 5,000 self-settled Rohingya have already fled their homes and most flocked to the Kutupalong makeshift camp in Ukhia in search of safety. The makeshift camp population is now estimated to have swelled to over 30,000. Forced displacement appears to be a device to push the vulnerable unregistered Rohingya into this camp. The makeshift camp residents, including uprooted families, do not receive food assistance and are now denied access to livelihood as they would face arrest if they left the camp to find work. Food insecurity and hunger is spreading rapidly and a serious humanitarian crisis is looming."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-15
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 1.66 MB
more
Title: Thai Cabinet Decision on Nationality Verification etc. (Thai original)
Source/publisher: Royal Thai Government
Date of publication: 2010-01-19
Description: "Today (19th Jan 2010) at 09:00am in the Cabinet meeting room on the 2nd floor of the office of the Cabinet secretariat, Mr. Abhisit Vejjaajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, was the Chair of the meeting of Thailand's Cabinet. Agenda Item 12: Extension of the Time Period for Nationality Verification and Granting an Amnesty to Remain in the Kingdom of Thailand to Alien Workers/Creating an Additional Committee Member for the Alien Workers Management Committee. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour as follows:..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Thai
Format : pdf
Size: 76.53 KB
more
Title: Thai Cabinet Decision on Nationality Verification etc. (Burmese)
Source/publisher: Royal Thai Government
Date of publication: 2010-01-19
Description: . "Today (19th Jan 2010) at 09:00am in the Cabinet meeting room on the 2nd floor of the office of the Cabinet secretariat, Mr. Abhisit Vejjaajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, was the Chair of the meeting of Thailand's Cabinet. Agenda Item 12: Extension of the Time Period for Nationality Verification and Granting an Amnesty to Remain in the Kingdom of Thailand to Alien Workers/Creating an Additional Committee Member for the Alien Workers Management Committee. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour as follows:..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese
Format : pdf
Size: 56.07 KB
more
Title: Thai Cabinet Decision on Nationality Verification etc. (English)
Source/publisher: Royal Thai Government (unofficial translation by Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF))
Date of publication: 2010-01-19
Description: Unofficial ENGLISH TRANSLATION by HRDFs Migrant Justice Programme... "Today (19th Jan 2010) at 09:00am in the Cabinet meeting room on the 2nd floor of the office of the Cabinet secretariat, Mr. Abhisit Vejjaajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, was the Chair of the meeting of Thailand's Cabinet. Agenda Item 12: Extension of the Time Period for Nationality Verification and Granting an Amnesty to Remain in the Kingdom of Thailand to Alien Workers/Creating an Additional Committee Member for the Alien Workers Management Committee. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour as follows:..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 104.03 KB
more
Title: EASTERN BURMA: 118,800 DISPLACED IN 18 MONTHS
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Date of publication: 2010-02-03
Description: * In the 18 months spanning July 2008-December 2009, SPDC military operations displaced at least 118,800 (43,800 refugees and 75,000 internally displaced persons) people in Eastern Burma alone. * Of this figure, at least 16,800 were victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes as defined under international law. * Much of the displacement was the result of the junta's program to secure military and political control over ethnic areas in the lead-up to the SPDC's planned elections this year. * Displacement is expected to increase as the regime intensifies pressure on ethnic groups resisting the elections that are predicated on a constitution designed to legitimize the military regime's political and economic subjugation of ethnic nationalities. * At the start of 2010, SPDC Army crimes against humanity and war crimes in Eastern Burma pushed 2,000 Karen into the jungles.
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-04
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: The Torture Reporting Handbook
Source/publisher: The Human Rights Centre, University of Essex
Date of publication: 2000-02-00
Description: "The Torture Reporting Handbook is a reference guide for anyone who wishes to know how to take action in response to allegations of torture or ill-treatment. It explains simply and clearly how the process of reporting and submitting complaints to international bodies and mechanisms actually works, and how to make the most of it: how you might go about documenting allegations, what you can do with the information once it has been collected, how to choose between the various mechanisms according to your particular objectives, and how to present your information in a way which makes it most likely that you will obtain a response..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-02
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish
more
Title: Annual Report 2009: AAPP Political Prisoner Review
Source/publisher: Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma)
Date of publication: 2010-01-00
Description: "As of 31 December there were a total of 2,177 political prisoners in Burma. This is an overall increase of 15 in comparison to last year?s figure of 2,162. In 2009, 264 political prisoners were arrested and 266 were released. AAPP also received information about activists who were arrested and released before 2009, and this retroactive information explains why there is actually an overall increase of 15 during the course of 2009. These include:...Political prisoners in Burma continued to suffer in 2009. Despite positive signs such as the international community?s sustained condemnation of the military junta?s human rights abuses, and visits to Burma by numerous key international dignitaries and diplomats, over 2,100 political prisoners remain imprisoned across Burma. As detailed in AAPP?s May 2009 report, Burma?s Prisons and Labour Camps: Silent Killing Fields, inadequate medical care, systematic torture, long-term imprisonment, transfers to remote prisons, and denial of healthcare have led to a growing health crisis for political prisoners in Burma. As of 31 December 2009, there were 129 political prisoners in poor health, and during the course of the year at least 71 political prisoners were subjected to prison transfers. With national elections expected to take place in 2010 despite the ongoing detention of prominent political leaders such as NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, AAPP views the release of all political prisoners in Burma as a necessary step towards national reconciliation, and the creation of a free and democratic Burma..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-02-01
Type: Individual Documents
Language: En glish
more
Title: Commentary on the visit by Professor Stieglitz and necesary follow-up
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy"
Date of publication: 2010-01-09
Description: Commentary of 9 January 2010 by U Myint on the visit by Joseph Stiglitz and necessary follow-up. A major section of the address dealt with how to boost the rice economy in Burma
Creator/author: U Myint
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-31
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Poisoned Hills - Opium cultivation surges under government control in Burma (Burmese)
Source/publisher: Palaung Women's Organization
Date of publication: 2010-01-26
Description: Executive Summary: Community assessments by the Palaung Women's Organisation during the past two years reveal that the amount of opium being cultivated in Burma's northern Shan State has been increasing dramatically. The amounts are far higher than reported in the annual opium surveys of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and are flourishing not in "insurgent and ceasefire areas," as claimed by the UN, but in areas controlled by Burma's military government, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Between 2007-2009, PWO conducted field surveys in Namkham and Mantong townships, and found that the total area of opium cultivated increased almost fivefold over three years from 964 hectares in the 2006-7 season to 4,545 hectares in the 2008-9 season. Namkham and Mantong are both fully under the control of the SPDC. The areas have an extensive security infrastructure including Burma Army battalions, police, and pro-government village militia. These militia are allowed to engage in illicit income-generating activities in exchange for policing against resistance activity, and are being expanded in the lead up to the regime's planned 2010 elections. Local authorities, in "anti-drug teams" formed by the police in each township, have been systematically extorting fees from villagers in exchange for allowing them to grow opium. During the 2007-8 season in Mantong township, at least 37 million kyat (US$37,000) in bribes in total were collected from 28 villages. PWO data shows that the "anti-drug teams" are leaving the majority of opium fields intact, and are filing false eradication data to the police headquarters. PWO found that only 11% of the poppy fields during the 2008-9 season had been destroyed, mostly only in easily visible places. The fact that authorities are profiting from drug production is enabling drug abuse to flourish. In one village surveyed in Mantong, it was found that that the percentage of men aged 15 and over addicted to opium increased from 57% in 2007 to 85% in 2009. Around the town of Namkham, heroin addicts flock openly to "drug camps," and dealers sell heroin and amphetamines from their houses. PWO's findings thus highlight the structural issues underlying the drug problem in Burma. The regime is pursuing a strategy of increased militarization in the ethnic states to crush ethnic resistance movements, instead of entering into political negotiations with them. For this, it needs an ever growing security apparatus, which in turn is subsidized by the drug trade. The regime's desire to maintain power at all costs is thus taking precedence over its stated aims of drug eradication. Unless the regime's militarization strategies are challenged, international funding will make little difference to the drug problem in Burma. A negotiated resolution of the political issues at the root of Burma's civil war is urgently needed to seriously address the drug scourge which is impacting the region..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-29
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese
Format : pdf pdf
Size: 3.93 MB 3.38 MB
more
Title: Poisoned Hills - Opium cultivation surges under government control in Burma (English)
Source/publisher: Palaung Women's Organization
Date of publication: 2010-01-26
Description: Executive Summary: Community assessments by the Palaung Women's Organisation during the past two years reveal that the amount of opium being cultivated in Burma's northern Shan State has been increasing dramatically. The amounts are far higher than reported in the annual opium surveys of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and are flourishing not in "insurgent and ceasefire areas," as claimed by the UN, but in areas controlled by Burma's military government, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Between 2007-2009, PWO conducted field surveys in Namkham and Mantong townships, and found that the total area of opium cultivated increased almost fivefold over three years from 964 hectares in the 2006-7 season to 4,545 hectares in the 2008-9 season. Namkham and Mantong are both fully under the control of the SPDC. The areas have an extensive security infrastructure including Burma Army battalions, police, and pro-government village militia. These militia are allowed to engage in illicit income-generating activities in exchange for policing against resistance activity, and are being expanded in the lead up to the regime's planned 2010 elections. Local authorities, in "anti-drug teams" formed by the police in each township, have been systematically extorting fees from villagers in exchange for allowing them to grow opium. During the 2007-8 season in Mantong township, at least 37 million kyat (US$37,000) in bribes in total were collected from 28 villages. PWO data shows that the "anti-drug teams" are leaving the majority of opium fields intact, and are filing false eradication data to the police headquarters. PWO found that only 11% of the poppy fields during the 2008-9 season had been destroyed, mostly only in easily visible places. The fact that authorities are profiting from drug production is enabling drug abuse to flourish. In one village surveyed in Mantong, it was found that that the percentage of men aged 15 and over addicted to opium increased from 57% in 2007 to 85% in 2009. Around the town of Namkham, heroin addicts flock openly to "drug camps," and dealers sell heroin and amphetamines from their houses. PWO's findings thus highlight the structural issues underlying the drug problem in Burma. The regime is pursuing a strategy of increased militarization in the ethnic states to crush ethnic resistance movements, instead of entering into political negotiations with them. For this, it needs an ever growing security apparatus, which in turn is subsidized by the drug trade. The regime's desire to maintain power at all costs is thus taking precedence over its stated aims of drug eradication. Unless the regime's militarization strategies are challenged, international funding will make little difference to the drug problem in Burma. A negotiated resolution of the political issues at the root of Burma's civil war is urgently needed to seriously address the drug scourge which is impacting the region..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-26
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf pdf
Size: 3.38 MB 3.93 MB
more
Title: The Soul of a People
Source/publisher: Macmillan and Co. Ltd. via Project Gutenberg
Date of publication: 1899-00-00
Description: "For the first few years of my stay in Burma my life was so full of excitement that I had little care or time for any thought but of to-day. There was, first of all, my few months in Upper Burma in the King's time before the war, months which were full of danger and the exhilaration of danger, when all the surroundings were too new and too curious to leave leisure for examination beneath the surface. Then came the flight from Upper Burma at the time of the war, and then the war itself. And this war lasted four years. Not four years of fighting in Burma proper, for most of the Irrawaddy valley was peaceful enough by the end of 1889; but as the central parts quieted down, I was sent to the frontier, first on the North and then on the East by the Chin mountains; so that it was not until 1890 that a[Pg 2] transfer to a more settled part gave me quiet and opportunity for consideration of all I had seen and known. For it was in those years that I gained most of whatever little knowledge I have of the Burmese people..."
Creator/author: H. Fielding
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-23
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: World Bank Myanmar page
Source/publisher: World Bank
Description: "The World Bank has begun the process of re-engaging with the Government to support reforms that will benefit all of the people of Myanmar, including the poor and vulnerable. Comparable country data for Myanmar can?t be provided at this time..."
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-10
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
more
Title: "The Myanmar Times" January 4-10, 2010, Volume 26, Nos. 503 & 504
Source/publisher: Myanmar Consolidated Media Co. Ltd
Date of publication: 2010-01-10
Description: N.B. AS THIS ISSUE HAS NO INDEX PAGE, NAVIGATE FROM "LOCAL NEWS" TO THE OTHER SECTIONS.....N. B. BURMESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS... LOCAL NEWS: Tourism industry optimistic after strong opening to peak season; A bird?s-eye view of Myanmar; Stiglitz advice gets support of business community; Tourists uncover our hidden corner (Interest in previously off-limits Kayah State is high, leading to a shortage in accommodation in the state capital Loikaw); Energy exports to drive 8.6pc GDP growth: ADB; Library to hold training programs; Sagaing Fault monitoring to start in February; Myanmar can do more to tap in to Asian growth: Stiglitz; Thukha clinic expands to X-rays; Myanmar dancers perform in Jakarta; Marionette experts invited to teach in Chiang Mai; Renewable energy forum held in Yangon; Unusual rainfall patterns due to climate change: meteorology dept; US ignoring progress in human trafficking fight: police force; Local NGO seeks to expand farm schools; Delta project promotes high-quality rice production; Three-wheeled tuk-tuk services postponed; Monks get human resource training at Hmawbi seminar; Brewery to increase blood donations; Few major airline developments in 2009; Japan funds shelter construction; Malaria fight gets funding injection...BUSINESS AND PROPERTY: Commodity prices show generally downward trend; Over the bridge? RE beckons; Govt car auctions drive market; Prepaid phone cards sales double in year; Fisheries exports falling short of target, again; Plastic industry aims to tie deal with govt; MES show to be held from Jan 15 to 18; D-net gaming suite dares gamers to enter house of pain; A year to forget, say developers; Gold ends historic year on a high; Import of fake and substandard drugs prevented; India to improve road links with B?desh, Myanmar; Composite maker looks to export in Feb; Garment exports dip in 2009; Country Club greeted with enthusiasm; Demand strong for Xmas decorations; Luxury Dagon penthouse; Game back on; Mid-range proves a bright light in prop sector...TIMEOUT: Success of comedy films not a laughing matter; Fashion to tone down and smarten up in 2010; Word on the street; Le Planteur experiments with taste; Myanmar art scene thrives on contemporary art; PEP Family Photo contest; Events Flash; Local music industry sings the blues...SOCIALITE...CLASSIFIED: [SUBSTANTIAL SECTION - 3 PAGES OF SMALL-PRINT ADS] Computer & IT; Education; Expert Services; Language; Training Centre; For Sale; Medical Servces; Public Notices; Travel; Housing for rent; Housing for Sale; INGO Positions; Local positions; LISTING OF EMBASSIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS; EMERGENCY NUMBERS; GENERAL LISTING: (hotels, astrology, bars, accommodation etc.)
Date of entry/update: 2010-01-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English, Burmese
more
Title: "Housing, land and property rights in Burma - the current legal framework"
Source/publisher: Displacement Solutions, HLP Institute
Date of publication: 2009-11-00
Description: A compilation of all of the existing housing, land and property laws in Burma, plus commentary... "The deplorable human rights record of Burma?s military junta has been a key focus of international attention for many years. The military has ruled the country for half a century, and has presided over a collapse of the economy and of social services. At the same time, successive military regimes have perpetuated an almost feudal governance system ? where the population is seen as a resource at the disposal of the rulers ? that is in many respects unchanged since pre-colonial times. A combination of deliberate abuse, a general climate of impunity, and out-dated and ineffective social policies all contribute to a fundamental absence of basic human rights in this country of 55 million people. To date, the bulk of attention has focused on important questions of political prisoners, denial of basic freedoms, forced labour, forced displacement, as well as the other abuses related to the army?s brutal counter-insurgency policies. However, there are additional types of rights abuses that are not as frequently mentioned, but that have a critical impact on the daily lives of millions of people across Burma. And it is these ? housing, land and property (HLP) rights ? that form the contents of this important new book. This volume contains all of the existing housing, land and property laws in Burma, and makes a vital contribution to understanding the impact that these legal structures have on communities across the country. Being able to view the HLP legal code in its entirety for the first time reveals more clearly than ever before that supporters of democratic and governance reform within Burma need to better understand ? and place greater emphasis on ? HLP issues than they have to date. Understanding how these issues are dealt with in both law and practice will enable more creative thinking about Burma?s HLP future, in order that the peoples of the country can most fully enjoy their legitimate housing, land and property rights."
Creator/author: Scott Leckie, Ezekiel Simperingham (eds)
Date of entry/update: 2009-12-30
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Myanmar: Beneath The Surface (video)
Source/publisher: Al Jazeera (People and Power)
Date of publication: 2009-12-23
Description: "Two years ago the world watched in dismay as Myanmar?s military junta brutally crushed the so-called Saffron Revolution. It was the only show of mass opposition to have occurred inside the country in almost 20 years. Filmmaker Hazel Chandler entered the country undercover for People & Power to find out how Myanmar?s people are fairing, and to investigate disturbing claims that the regime may be trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Creator/author: Hazel Chandler
Date of entry/update: 2009-12-25
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
more
Title: Burma VJ - reporting from a closed country (video)
Source/publisher: Magic Hour Films
Date of publication: 2008-00-00
Description: 84 MINUTES RUNNING TIME. TRAILER PLUS 9 PARTS. FOR PARTS 1-9, CLICK ON ALTERNATE LINKS, BELOW, OR IN RIGHT HAND COLUMN OF YOUTUBE PAGE..."Armed with small handycams undercover Video Journalists in Burma keep up the flow of news from their closed country despite risking torture and life in jail. Their material is smuggled out of Burma and broadcast back via satellite. Joshua, age 27, becomes tactical leader of a group of reporters, as Buddhist monks in September 2007 lead a massive uprising. Foreign TV crews are banned from the country, so its left to Joshua and his crew to keep the revolution alive on TV screens all over. As government intelligence understands the power of the camera, the VJs become their prime target."
Creator/author: ANDERS OËœSTERGAARD, Khin Maung Win et al
Date of entry/update: 2009-12-25
Type: Individual Documents
Language: Burmese, English
more

Pages