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Title: Biodiversity and Protected Areas - Myanmar
Source/publisher: Regional Environmental Technical Assistance 5771 - Poverty Reduction & Environmental Management in Remote Greater Mekong ubregion (GMS) Watersheds Project (Phase I)
Date of publication: 1999-00-00
Description: Major Category: Natural Resources Management Sub Category: biodiversity/protected areas conservation sector policies/programmes---BACKGROUND: Country profile; Biodiversity--- BIODIVERSITY POLICY--- BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION: State law; International conventions--- CATEGORIES OF PROTECTED AREAS--- INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: State management; NGO and donor involvement; Private sector involvement--- INVENTORY OF PROTECTED AREAS--- CONSERVATION COVER BY PROTECTED AREAS--- AREAS OF MAJOR BIODIVERSITY SIGNIFICANCE--- TOURISM IN PROTECTED AREAS--- COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION--- GENDER--- CROSS BOUNDARY ISSUES: Internal boundaries; International borders; Cross border trade--- MAJOR PROBLEMS AND ISSUES
Creator/author: Clarke, J.E.
Date of entry/update: 2003-08-18
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 101.64 KB
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Title: INKED OVER, RIPPED OUT: Burmese Storytellers and the Censors
Source/publisher: PEN American Center
Date of publication: 1993-09-00
Description: A PEN American Center Freedom-to-Write Report, with a preface to the Internet edition, July 2003... Here are two versions of Anna Allott's 1993 book: an html version without pagination and a Word version which seeks to retain the original format and pagination. Both versions contain the preface to the Internet edition. "The purpose of this publication on Burmese writing and Burmese censorship is to enable the work of certain Burmese authors, writing since the imposi­tion of military rule in 1988, to be read by a much wider audience than is usually the case, and also to show, through their own words (in translation), how they are continuing to find ways to express their true feelings about what is happening in their country in spite of the very strict and repressive system of censorship that exists there. Of necessity, in a country where no direct criticism of government policy or of individuals who hold positions of power is permitted, writing is fre­quently allusive or ironical, so much so that even Burmese readers not keyed into the clues may not appreciate the point of a piece, still less those Burmese who have been living abroad for some time, and still less the foreign reader. A writer in Burma has, therefore, a constant dilemma: he is never quite certain how far he dare go, for, if his criticisms or his protest or his satire is too obvious it will not be approved by the censors and will be forced to lie unpublished in his desk drawer. Worse still, it may even bring about his arrest. On the other hand, if the work is too veiled, or couched in too allegorical or symbolic language, the message he is trying to convey will not be understood. Hence, in this selection for the English reader, it is necessary to provide background information about the writers and the works that have been included in this selection, setting them in the context in which they were written. And this context can be understood only with reference to Burma's recent history, and the system of government control and censor­ship that has evolved during the last thirty years. The stories and poems selected for translation have been brought to my attention by a number of lovers of Burmese writing. Some of them have been identified by the readers as carrying a political message, often hidden to the casual reader or to anyone unaware of the issues being addressed in them. Where these pieces have been published in Burma, one assumes the censors either failed to spot the subtext, or if they did not fail, believed that it was sufficiently buried for them to let the pieces through safely, without being accused of being incompetent. Many of the writers featured here already have their works subjected to close scrutiny by the censors and are identified as being persons to watch. The publication of their works in English, together with my interpretations of their works, may result in their future writings being submitted to even greater scrutiny for hidden meanings. I can only apologize for further adding to their difficulties and stress that the allusions and hidden meanings that I have identified in these stories are drawn from my own interpretation, supported by discussions with other readers, and do not represent explana­tions by the writers themselves. Inevitably, the stories represent a very small part of all works written since 1988. They are untypical, in that the majority of pieces published in Burma today do not have any overt or hidden political message, as most works with even a hint of such messages are refused publication. The consequent trivialization of Burmese imaginative literature has been im­mensely discouraging to all serious and independent-minded writers. Some feel that they can now only produce work that is intrinsically without worth. Others have abandoned original writing and confine themselves instead to translating works from Western literature..."
Creator/author: Anna J. Allott
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-27
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm doc
Size: 547.49 KB 341.5 KB
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Title: FATAL SILENCE? Freedom of Expression and the Right to Health in Burma
Source/publisher: Article 19
Date of publication: 1996-07-00
Description: The Online Burma Library contains two versions of this 1996 report -- in html with added URLs of references not available online in 1996 and a Word version, without these additions, which keeps, so far as possible, the format of the hard copy. "Censorship has long concealed a multitude of grave issues in Burma (Myanmar. After decades of governmental secrecy and isolation, Burma was dramatically thrust into world headlines during the short-lived democracy uprising in the summer of 1988. But, while international concern and pressure has since continued to mount over the country's long-standing political crisis, the health and humanitar­ian consequences of over 40 years of political malaise and ethnic con­flict have largely been neglected. Indeed, in many parts of the country, they remain totally unaddressed. There are many elements involved in addressing the health cri­sis which now besets Burma's peoples. A fundamental aspect, in ARTICLE 19's view, is for the rights to freedom of expression and information, together with the right to democratic participation, to be ensured. In a context of censorship and secrecy, individuals cannot make informed decisions on important matters affecting their health. Without freedom of academic research and the ability to disseminate research findings, there can be no informed public debate. Denial of research and information also makes effective health planning and provision less likely at the national level. Without local participation, founded on freedom of expression and access to information, the health needs of many sections of society are likely to remain unaddressed. Likewise, secrecy and censorship have a negative impact on the work of international humanitarian agencies..."
Creator/author: Martin Smith
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-27
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm doc
Size: 1.07 MB 589 KB
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Title: BURMA COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDE FY2002
Source/publisher: US Commercial Service
Date of publication: 2003-00-00
Description: "This Country Commercial Guide (CCG) presents a comprehensive look at Burma?s (Myanmar?s) commercial environment, using economic, political and market analysis. The CCGs were established by recommendation of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), a multi-agency task force, to consolidate various reporting documents prepared for the U.S. business community. Country commercial guides are prepared annually at U.S. embassies through the combined efforts of several U.S. Government agencies..." 1. Executive Summary... 2 Economic Trends and Outlook -Government Role in the Economy -Major Trends and Outlook -Major Sectors -Balance of Payments -Infrastructure... 3 Political Environment � -Brief Synopsis of Political System -Nature of Bilateral Relationship with the United States -Major Political Issues -Business Policy -Scope of Sanctions... 4 Marketing US Products and Services � -List of Newspapers and Trade Journals -Advertising Agencies and Services -IPR Protection -Need for a Local Attorney... 5 Leading Sectors for US Exports and Investment... 6 Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards -Barriers to Trade and Investment -Trade Regulations... 7 Investment Climate/US Investment Sanctions -US Investment Subject to Sanctions -Status of Investment -Executive Order -Sanctions Regulations... 8 Trade and Project Financing -Description of Banking System -Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trade -Availability of Financing -List of Banks... 9 Business Travel -Travel Advisory -Visas, International Connections -Customs, Foreign Exchange Controls... 10 Economic and Trade Statistics: Appendix A: Country Data; Appendix B: Domestic Economy; Appendix C: External Accounts - Trade and Payments; Appendix D: Investment Statistics; 11 US and Country Contacts... Bibliography.
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-18
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 276.51 KB
Local URL: PDF icon CCG2002.pdf
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Title: Preliminary Report of the Ad hoc Commission on Depayin Massacre
Source/publisher: Ad hoc Commission on Depayin Massacre
Date of publication: 2003-07-04
Description: "The National Council of the Union of Burma and the Burma Lawyers' Council have formed a commission on June 25, 2003 to jointly deal with the alleged assassination attempt against the leaders of the National League for Democracy, including Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, with the following programmes: The Title of the Commission - The commission will be entitled as the Ad hoc Commission on Depayin Massacre (Burma). Aim - (1) To find out the truth on the Depayin Massacre; (2) To facilitate the struggle of people, based on legal affairs, both inside Burma and in the international community, in connection with the Depayin Massacre; Programme Objectives - (1) To exert efforts to lodge a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the event that it has jurisdiction over the Depayin Massacre case; (2) To lodge a complaint or complaints with other courts in the international community including the International Criminal Tribunal to be possibly established by the United Nations Security Council if the first objective is not possible; (3) To cooperate with the people inside Burma and the international community for the emergence of an official independent investigation commission in order to find out the truth on Depayin Massacre... Contents: ... Formation of Ad hoc Commission on Depayin Massacrr; Explanatory Statement of the Ad hoc Commission; Brief Background of Depayin Massacre; Depayin Massacre; Affidavits of the Eyewitnesses; SPDC?s Press Conference; Victims of Depayin Massacre (Pictures); Appendix I - Interview with Zaw Zaw Aung 50; Appendix II - Statement of Ko Aung Aung from Democratic Party for a New Society; Appendix III - The list of the vitims of Depayin Massacre.
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-17
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 1.25 MB
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Title: Swimming Against the Tide: Asian Development Bank Considers Supporting Burmese Dam Despite Unrest
Source/publisher: International Rivers Network (World Rivers Review, Volume 18, Number 4, August 2003)
Date of publication: 2003-08-00
Description: "At a time when the Burmese military regime has come under increasing international pressure following a violent attack on pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters, the Asian Development Bank is promoting a massive power grid fueled by hydropower dams in Burma, China and Laos - all places where public opposition is stifled. The power grid plan was unveiled just weeks after at least 70 people, mostly youth activists, were killed in the May 30 attack on Suu Kyi??s motorcade, according to eyewitness accounts. While the attack has drawn sharp criticism from around the world and threats of additional economic sanctions, the Asian Development Bank?s grid plan would support one of Burma?s most controversial dams..."
Creator/author: Susanne Wong
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-15
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Trading Away the Future: The Mekong Power Grid
Source/publisher: International Rivers
Date of publication: 2003-06-20
Description: September 25, 2006 International River?s briefing paper outlines threats arising from the Mekong Power Grid scheme, proposed by the ADB, that would facilitate the construction of numerous hydropower schemes in Laos, Burma, and China?s Yunnan province to feed the power?hungry cities of Thailand and Vietnam. The briefing paper identifies alternative sustainable solutions that would satisfy the region?s energy needs, including the promotion of renewable energy technologies and the adoption of energy efficiency measures...."A quiet threat is brewing in the Mekong region. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank are planning a regional power grid and electricity trading system that would undermine the fragile Mekong River ecosystem that millions depend on for their livelihoods and survival. Over 60 million people depend on the Mekong?s muddy waters for fish, irrigation, drinking water and many other critical human needs. The river is a symbol of life and fertility, considered the lifeblood of mainland Southeast Asia. But for institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, the river is a tempting resource that must be exploited. Their plans to create a regional power grid would lay the groundwork for an ambitious program of hydropower development. Power from some of the most controversial dam projects in China, Burma and Laos would be transmitted through the grid to the energy-hungry cities of Thailand and Vietnam. The ADB, World Bank and other institutions are eagerly promoting the regional power grid despite mounting evidence against hydropower. Internationally, hydropower projects have caused tremendous social and environmental problems and have often failed to produce as much power as predicted. In the Mekong region, many projects built during the last decade have left a legacy of damaged livelihoods, cultures and ecosystems in their wake. This devastation will increase if the Mekong power grid goes forward. This paper outlines the threats posed by the regional power grid, the poor experience with hydropower in the basin, and opportunities for sustainably and equitably meeting the region?s energy needs..."
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-15
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Status of Burma at the MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks)
Source/publisher: Burma Project,, Bank Information Center
Date of publication: 2003-07-15
Description: Burma in the Asian Development Bank; Burma in the World Bank Group; Non-accrual status; Burma in the International Monetary Fund; U.S. and E.U. sanctions on Burma - provisions on MDB assistance; Resources, Links etc... Background: "Most foreign aid to Burma, both bilateral and multilateral, ceased in the wake of the violent crackdown on the popular democracy movement in 1988. The United States and the European Union impose economic sanctions, which prohibit most bilateral aid from the U.S. and Europe, as well as support for multilateral development assistance to Burma (see box "U.S. and E.U. sanctions on Burma"). Burma also has not been involved in any new lending programs from the multilateral development banks since 1988-89...
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-15
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Challenges to democratization in Burma: Perspectives on multilateral and bilateral responses. Chapter 3 - China–Burma relations
Source/publisher: International IDEA
Date of publication: 2001-12-14
Description: I Historical preface; II Strategic relations; III Drugs in the China–Burma relationship; IV China-Burma border: the HIV/AIDS nexus; V Chinese immigration: cultural and economic impact; VI Opening up southwest China; VII Gains and losses for various parties where Burma is (a) democratizing or (b) under Chinese ?suzereinty?; VIII Possible future focus; IX Conclusions. " This paper has argued that China?s support for the military regime in Burma has had negative consequences for both Burma and China. The negative impact on Burma of its relationship with China is that it preserves an incompetent and repressive order and locks the country into economic and political stagnation. The negative impact on China is that Burma has become a block to regional development and an exporter of HIV/AIDS and drugs. China?s comprehensive national interests would be best served by an economically stable and prosperous Burma. China could help the development of such an entity by encouraging a political process in Burma that would lead to an opening up of the country to international assistance and a more competent and publicly acceptable administration..."
Creator/author: David Arnott
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-12
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 273.78 KB
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Title: Challenges to democratization in Burma: Perspectives on multilateral and bilateral responses (full report)
Source/publisher: International IDEA
Date of publication: 2001-12-14
Description: A collection of essays, mostly written by activists, on Burma's bilateral and multilateral relations: ASEAN-Burma, Bangladesh-Burma, China-Burma, India-Burma, Thailand-Burma, International Policies towards Burma - Western governments, NGOs and multilateral institutions. "Report looking at Burma/Myanmar's relations with neighbouring states and other governments, and the policies and measures adopted by the international community that may strengthen or reduce the prospects of democratization in Burma/Myanmar."
Creator/author: David Arnott, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Zunetta Liddell, Kaiser Morshed, Soe Myint, Thin Thin Aung, Aung Zaw
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-12
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 1.28 MB
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Title: Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations and the Stateless Rohingyas
Date of publication: 2001-06-00
Description: "I have lately been disturbed by two developments. Firstly, at the very moment when 'realism' has lost its post-Westphalian glories and is suffering from disrepute, the stateless people continue to be at the mercy of the state. In the case of the Rohingyas it is even more pathetic for their refuge across the border brought no change to their sufferings. On the contrary, as camped and non-camped refugees, they ended up becoming victims of yet another state power, this time of Bangladesh. Secondly, when the power of the state has been eroded considerably, particularly in the wake of misgovernance and globalization, the state is brought in to resolve the issue of statelessness. Indeed, the Rohingyas were sent home, amidst criticism of 'involuntary' repatriation, with the hope that the government of Myanmar (GOM) after over half-a-century would change its position and make them all worthy citizens of Myanmar. What we have is a representation of a dialectic in the constitution of the state, that is, state as usurper and state as salvation, without of course realizing that the former cancels the latter and vice versa. It is against this background that I intend to discuss the Bangladesh-Myanmar relations and that again, from the standpoint of the stateless Rohingyas. Two questions, I believe, are pertinent. One, how do stateless people view the state/s? And two, what impact does the stateless people have on the state-to-state relationship? Few will dispute that the discussion requires a sound understanding of the 'stateless,' which in our case are the Rohingyas..."
Creator/author: Imtiaz Ahmed
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : html
Size: 23.68 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Imtiaz-Ahmed.html
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Title: Maps Related to Burma
Source/publisher: Rare Books & Special Collections, Northern Illinois University Libraries
Description: 8 maps of Burma...."The Rare Books and Special Collections Department has over one hundred maps specifically of Burma or representing a larger geographical area including Burma, from the 1500s to the 1800s. These are all available for viewing by researchers in person in the department. A small selection of these maps are now digital and accessible from this page, but true appreciation of the magnificient quality of these maps can be experienced only in person. Many of them are hand colored. "Here are a small sample of maps. Some of the images were adjusted to fit a Web browser. Some of the file sizes are large and may take longer to download. File sizes are indicated:..."
Date of entry/update: 2003-07-05
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: Is Japan Really Getting Tough on Burma? (Not likely)
Source/publisher: Burma Information Network - Japan
Date of publication: 2003-06-28
Description: "There was a flurry of articles last week about how Japan plans to suspend, or in fact suspended, economic aid (ODA: Official Development Assistance, which is comprised mainly of yen loans, grants and technical assistance) to Burma, thereby stepping up the pressure on the military junta to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Most news reports say that the aid that is being frozen is further, or new, ODA. Given that Japan has long pursued an engagement policy with Burma, and is the largest provider of economic aid to Burma (2.1 billion yen of grants-in-aid was provided in fiscal year 2002), a suspension would carry a certain weight with the military regime. ...Japan?s engagement policy with Burma has always been based on a �gcarrot and stick�h approach, which traditionally has involved far more "carrots" than �gstick.�h Notwithstanding the uncertainties surrounding the suspension of new ODA, Japan?s freeze is a rare, and probably short-term, application of a �gstick.�h The Japanese government�fs preference has been, and will continue to be, for �gcarrots,�h a posture that is due in part to apparent concern about China replacing Japan as a likely source of economic assistance to, and political influence on, Burma. In this context, therefore, it is essential that governments and non-governmental groups monitor Japan?s Burma policy -- and be wary of overly optimistic or inaccurate news accounts concerning that policy. There is little doubt that, without pressure from other countries (notably the U.S.) and interested citizens, even a decision to suspend new ODA would likely have been much slower in coming. Such pressure must continue."
Creator/author: Yuki Akimoto
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-30
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 17.51 KB
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Title: ILC 2003: Discussion on Myanmar regarding Convention No. 87: Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, 1948
Source/publisher: International Labour Office
Date of publication: 2003-06-19
Description: International Labour Conference, Ninety-first Session, Geneva, 2003: extract from Provisional Record 24, Pt 2 -- Committee on the Application of Standards... "The Committee noted the statements by the Government representative and the discussion which followed. It recalled that the Committee had discussed this serious case on many occasions in the last ten years and that its latest conclusions had been included in a special paragraph because of the continued failure of the Government to apply the Convention. Notwithstanding, the Committee was once again obliged to note the lack of real progress towards the establishment of a legislative framework for the creation of free and independent organizations. The Committee profoundly deplored the persistence of serious discrepancies between national legislation and the provisions of the Convention which had been ratified almost 50 years ago. The Committee regretted that the information provided by the Government on the existence of workers' associations had not solved the problems raised by the Committee of Experts towards implementing the Convention. Concerned about the total lack of progress towards implementing this Convention, the Committee strongly insisted once again that the Government urgently adopt the necessary measures and mechanisms for guaranteeing, both in law and in practice, the right of workers and employers to affiliate themselves with the organizations of their own choosing, without previous authorization, and the right for these organizations to affiliate themselves with federations, confederations and international organizations without the interference of state authorities. The Committee emphasized that respect for civil liberties was crucial for the exercise of freedom of association and therefore urged the Government to take the necessary measures so that workers and employers could exercise the rights guaranteed by the Convention in a climate of full security and in the absence of threats or fear. Furthermore, the Committee urged the Government to provide the Committee of Experts, next year, with all relevant draft legislation and existing legislation so that it could be studied, and to provide a detailed report on the concrete measures taken to ensure improved compliance with the Convention. The Committee expressed the firm hope it would be able to note significant progress next year. The Committee decided to include its conclusions in a special paragraph in its report. It also decided to mention this case as a case of continued failure to apply the Convention..."
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-24
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 40.95 KB
Local URL: HTML icon ILC2003-C87-en.htm
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Title: ILC 2003: Special sitting on forced labour in Myanmar (Provisional Record)
Source/publisher: International Labour Office
Date of publication: 2003-06-19
Description: International Labour Conference, Provisional Record part three, Ninety-first Session, Geneva, 2003... Special sitting to examine developments concerning the question of the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).. A. Record of the discussion in the Committee on the Application of Standards; B. Observation of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations on the observance of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) by Myanmar; Document D.5; C. Brief summary of developments since June 2002; D. Developments since the 286th Session of the Governing Body (March 2003); E. Appendix: Joint Government of the Union of Myanmar-ILO Plan of Action for the Elimination of Forced Labour Practices in Myanmar. Annexes (4): Document D.6... F. Developments concerning the question of the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29): 1. Document GB.285/4; 2. Documents GB.285/4(Add.) and GB.285/4(Add.2); G. Extracts from document GB.285/PV: Minutes of the discussion at the 285th Session (November 2002) of the Governing Body of developments concerning the question of the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29); H. Developments concerning the question of the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29): 1. Document GB.286/6 (March 2003); 2. Document GB.286/6/1 (March 2003); 3. Documents GB.286/6/1 (Add.) and GB.286/6/1(Add.2); I. Extracts from document GB.286/PV: Minutes of the discussion at the 286th Session (March 2003) of the Governing Body of developments concerning the questionof the observance by the Government of Myanmar of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29).
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-24
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Burma: A Time For Change
Source/publisher: Council on Foreign Relations
Date of publication: 2003-06-18
Description: "Council-sponsored Task Force to U.S. Government: Go to the United Nations, Condemn Burmese Military Crackdown on Democratic Opposition and Impose Sanctions...WASHINGTON, June 18 - The United States must urge the UN Security Council to hold an emergency session on Burma to condemn the military government's recent crackdown on the democratic opposition there, concludes the newly released Council-sponsored Independent Task Force, "Burma: A Time For Change". In that session, the Security Council should impose targeted sanctions on Burma, including denying visas to leaders of the military regime, freezing their assets, banning new investments and the import of Burmese goods. The Task Force also strongly recommends that the United States adopt an immediate import ban on goods produced in Burma-even if there is no UN Security Council resolution to that effect. At the same time, the United States should increase humanitarian assistance to Burma to help mitigate that country's massive refugee crisis and public health emergencies, particularly the HIV/AIDS epidemic... Among the Task Force's recommendations, the United States should: * Redouble its efforts with the governments of China, Japan and the ASEAN countries--particularly Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia--to press the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to work with the National League for Democracy (NLD) and ethnic nationalities toward political transition in Burma. * Strongly discourage Japan from forgiving outstanding debt from bilateral grants and loans until the SPDC makes substantial progress on human rights and engages in substantive political dialogue with the democratic opposition. * Urge Asian investors to press the SPDC to begin implementing the economic measures recommended by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank as one of the prerequisites for further investment. * Encourage China to press the Burmese government to reform its economy and move towards democratic governance to promote stability in the region. * Tie increased counter-narcotics cooperation to significant steps by the Burmese government to curb methamphetamine production, to arrest leading traffickers, and to stop channeling drug money into the illicit economy. * Provide increased humanitarian assistance for refugees along both sides of the Thai-Burma border, and on Burma's borders with India, Bangladesh, and China. * In view of Burma's massive public health crisis, the U.S. should increase humanitarian aid, provided that the funds are given to international nongovernmental organizations through a process that requires transparency, accountability and consultation with the NLD and other groups representative of a multi-ethnic Burma..."
Creator/author: Mathea Falco (Task Force Chair)
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-22
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: "We are like a soccer ball, kicked by Burma, kicked by Bangladesh!"
Source/publisher: Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Date of publication: 2003-06-20
Description: -- Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are facing a new drive of involuntary repatriation -- "...This report attempts to give a voice to the Rohingya refugees in the camps and includes 57 refugee accounts illustrating the types of abuses used by the camp authorities to enforce repatriation. These testimonies denounce 26 acts of forced repatriation itself, usually involving detention in the camp followed by a forceful removal to the transit camp and back to Burma (18 in May 2003 alone), and also expose different types of mental and/or physical pressure to induce repatriation. Refugees unwilling to repatriate have been arrested and then given the choice of signing up for repatriation or going to jail (5 cases of threats and 5 cases of actual transfer to jail). Families have had their ration book seized until they agreed to repatriate (6 cases of deprivation of food). Other incidents have involved physical ill treatment (12 cases of beatings), sudden transfer to other sections of the camp (5 cases), destruction of housing (2 cases). The consequences have been particularly dramatic when families have been divided, when children have been separated from their parents, wives from their husbands, old people left behind and sick refugees abandoned (19 cases of family separation). As a result of these pressures, many refugees fled from the camp to avoid repatriation. Often, the male head of the household runs away, leaving women and children vulnerable in the camps (1 rape case reported). These accounts seriously challenge the voluntary character of the ongoing repatriation exercise. And, thus far, UNHCR has remained rather quiet. The UNHCR proposal also promotes self-sufficiency within the local host community pending return. The UNHCR initiative of promoting "temporary local integration" raises many questions with regard to protection and feasibility of self-reliance in an already tense and saturated environment. The Government of Bangladesh has not endorsed the proposal, and yet the UNHCR is already moving into the implementation phase. FORUM-ASIA calls upon the UNHCR and the Government of Bangladesh to immediately halt these forced repatriations and ensure that the principle of voluntariness is respected. In particular, we call on the UNHCR to continue to provide effective protection and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya refugees in the camps until a durable solution emerges..." TABLE OF CONTENTS: Acknowledgment; Executive Summary; Map; Introduction; The Rohingya Refugee Exodus And Its Root Causes In Burma; - Root causes; The UNHCR Plan for the camps: Promoting Self-sufficiency Pending Voluntary Return: - UNHCR?s Proposal; - Bangladesh?s position; - Issues of Concern... The Current Situation in the Camps: Coercion, Harassment and Forced Repatriation: - Repatriation figures; - Overview of the Abuses in the Camps and their Consequences ; - Reduction of Humanitarian Assistance... Conclusion; Recommendations; Appendices: The Refugees? Voices - Appendix 1 - Declaration from Rohingya refugees dated 25 May 2003; Appendix 2 - A refugee account of a meeting with UNHCR in Kutupalong camp; Appendix 3 - Selection of 57 refugees? accounts.
Creator/author: Chris Lewa
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf doc htm
Size: 302.56 KB 453.5 KB 601.7 KB
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Title: Internally Displaced People and Relocation Sites in Eastern Burma
Source/publisher: Compiled by Burma Border Consortium
Date of publication: 2002-09-00
Description: "Perhaps one million people living in the States and Divisions of Burma adjacent to the Thailand border have been displaced since 1996. At least 150,000 have fled as refugees or joined the huge ?illegal” migrant population in Thailand.[2] Countless others have moved away to other villages and towns in Burma. This report estimates that at least 632,978 displaced people are still currently either living in hiding (approximately 268,000 people), or in more than 176 forced relocation sites (approximately 365,000 people), in these border areas. It also identifies 2,536 ‘affected villages?, which are known to have been destroyed (usually burnt) and/ or relocated en masse, or otherwise abandoned due to Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) activity...The actual number of relocation sites and residents, and of IDPs in hiding, is probably significantly higher than that estimated here..." IDPs in Hiding or Temporary Settlements; Number of Relocation Sites; IDPs in Relocation Sites; Affected Villages (destroyed, abandoned, or relocated); Total IDP Population. Tenasserim; Mon State; Karen State; Karenni State; Shan State.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 9.42 KB
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Title: Easy Targets: The Persecution of Muslims in Burma
Source/publisher: Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG #2002-02)
Date of publication: 2002-05-31
Description: "While extensive reporting has been done on the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, very little attention has been paid to the persecution suffered by the thousands of Muslim communities which exist in villages and towns throughout Burma. With no political voice or armed group to stand up for them, Muslim communities are forced to endure the denial of all citizenship rights, restrictions on travel, work, and education, prohibitions on practicing Islam, and the systematic destruction of their mosques. This report looks at the systematic way these communities have been persecuted, impoverished and scapegoated by the military regime and by local populations, which culminated in the anti-Muslim riots and massacres of 2001..."
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Unsettling Moves: The Wa forced resettlement program in Eastern Shan State
Source/publisher: Lahu National Development Organization
Date of publication: 2002-04-00
Description: "Beginning 1999 up to March this year (2002), hundreds of thousands of Wa people, who had impressed British travelers as ?exceedingly well-behaved, industrious, and estimable race?, were forcibly moved to border areas adjacent Thailand. The report is about them, why and how they were uprooted, what happened to the native people where the Wa were forced to resettle and what the reader can do to help both categories of victims..." Important, timely and well-produced document, complete with maps and photos.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 2.55 MB
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Title: "Escape From the Bear and Run Into the Tiger": The Impact of Violence and Fear on Migrants? Reproductive Health
Source/publisher: "Burma Debate" VOL. VII, NO. 4 WINTER 2000
Date of publication: 2000-12-00
Description: "The massive influx of migrants from Burma into Thailand is one of the largest migrant populations in Asia. Over one million migrants from Burma are currently residing in Thailand. An ethnically diverse group coming from all over Burma and speaking many different languages, these migrants often lack a common language even among themselves. What they do share are encounters of fear and violence, that affect most facets of their lives. During 1998, an Assessment of Reproductive and Sexual Health Perspectives, Concerns and Realities of Migrant Workers from Burma in Thailand was conducted under the guidance of Mahidol University?s Institute of Population and Social Research (IPSR). The recently published results of the study reveal that a fear of violence and a preoccupation with staying safe determines almost every aspect of the migrants? lives, including their health care options and decisions. The study highlights the extremely limited health services that exist in Burma as well as the problems encountered by migrants in Thailand such as the ready availability of medicines without access to health services or education. Consequently, people from Burma suffer from easily treatable conditions, presenting a health care crisis on both sides of the border. Most migrants from Burma in Thailand reside illegally and are generally unable to communicate in Thai. They are often in situations which leave them vulnerable to violence and abuse by employers, authorities and even each other. These experiences, coupled with fears of violence and exploitation, create a vacuum in which the migrants have few or no options for health services. This reality is further compounded by cultural mores and the lack of basic and reproductive health education, which lead to high maternal mortality and morbidity rates, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV/ AIDS)..."
Creator/author: Therese Caouette
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf pdf
Size: 329.43 KB 1.22 MB
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Title: The repatriation predicament of Burmese refugees in Thailand: a preliminary analysis
Source/publisher: UNHCR ("New Issues in Refugee Research" Working Paper No. 46)
Date of publication: 2001-07-00
Description: "...The problem of Burmese refugees in Thailand will persist while the underlying factors conducing displacement continue in the sending state. So long as fear and insecurity exists in Burma, Thailand is bound to receive forced migrants across its western border. Meanwhile, it is necessary to approach an understanding of appropriate forms of protection responsive to the specific realities of displacement. Thailand also should be persuaded to continue its adherence to the broad principles of refugee protection. And the difficult question of ?under what conditions should the refugees return in the future?? remains open to discussion and hinges on developments conducing a durable solution within Burma..."
Creator/author: Hazel Lang (Australian National University)
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: "Maykha" Listserv Archive
Source/publisher: Maykha
Description: The biggest searchable Burma archive on the Internet, I would think - probably more than 100,000 items. One can also link to individual articles, since each has a unique address. From September 1995 to early 2014
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English and Burmese
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Title: Burma
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Research Pages
Date of publication: 2006-06-00
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Abuse under Orders: The SPDC and DKBA Armies Through the Eyes of their Soldiers
Source/publisher: Karen Human Rights Group Regional & Thematic Reports (KHRG #2001-01)
Date of publication: 2001-03-27
Description: "This report looks at the armies of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) military junta ruling Burma and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a Karen group allied with the SPDC, through the eyes of their own soldiers who have fled: the recruitment, the training, life in the battalions, relations with villagers and other groups, and their views on Burma?s present and future situation. What we find, particularly in the SPDC?s ‘Tatmadaw? (Army), is conscription and coercion of children, systematic physical and psychological abuse by the officers, endemic corruption, and the rank and file of an entire Army forced into a system of brutality toward civilians. According to Tatmadaw deserters, one third or more of SPDC soldiers are children, morale among the rank and file is almost nonexistent, and half or more of the Army would desert if they thought they could survive the attempt. The Tatmadaw has expanded rapidly since repression of the democracy movement and the creation of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC, former name of the SPDC) in 1988. The Armed Forces as a whole have expanded from an estimated strength of 180,000 to over 400,000, making it the second-largest military in Southeast Asia after Vietnam. Military camps and soldiers are now common all over Burma, especially in the non-Burman ethnic states and divisions. With this increased military presence has come a rise in the scale of abuses and corruption committed by the Army. To achieve this military expansion, children as young as nine or ten are taken into the Army, trained and sent to frontline battalions. Of the six SPDC deserters interviewed for this report, five were under the age of 17 when they joined the Tatmadaw..." The SPDC and DKBA Armies through the Eyes of their Soldiers.Symbolically released on the SPDC?s ?Armed Forces Day?, this report uses the testimony of former SPDC soldiers to document the deteriorating situation in the ever-expanding Army: the conscription and coercion of 13-17 year old children who now make up as much as 30% of the rank and file, the corruption of the officers and their brutal treatment of their own soldiers, the systematic abuse and exploitation of the civilian population, and the crumbling morale, desertions and suicides. Also looks at the declining relevance of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) as the command structure weakens and units are left to pursue black market businesses to support themselves.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: The Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma - "The 1974 Constitution" (English)
Source/publisher: Government of the Union of Burma
Date of publication: 1974-01-03
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 150.08 KB
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Title: UNICEF Myanmar Page
Source/publisher: UNICEF
Description: The most substantial material on the site is in the Media Centre, and includes: a pdf document in Burmese: "Questions and Answers on HIV and AIDS"... "The State of the World's Children 2005 - Children under threat" in English, (and in the same box a link to what should be a Burmese version, but since this is 56 pages rather than the 164 of the English, I have doubts)... "Progress For Children A Child Survival Report Card" in English, with The Foreword, Child Survival, and the East Asia and Pacific sections in Burmese... a "Myanmar Reporter's Manual" (65 pages)in English and Burmese versions: "This manual provides instruction on international-standard reporting skills, child-focused reporting and ethics for Myanmar journalists in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child." then there is a glossy, 28-page "UNICEF in Myanmar - Protecting Lives, Nurturing Dreams" in English.....In the For Children and Youth section is an illustrated and simplified aticle-by-article version of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and a couple of illustrated online books for young children and their families in English and Burmese. Under Youth Web Links there English language animations (I suppose) called "Top 10 Cartoons for Children's Rights" but I could not get them to work. Also links to several other UNICEF and UN young people's sites. The "Activities" and "Real Lives" sections deal with UNICEF's activities in the country.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: The Founding of the Union of Burma Through the Hill Peoples Efforts
Source/publisher: Shanland
Date of publication: 1993-03-01
Description: The Memoirs of Khun Kya Bu of Hsipaw, signatory to the Panglong Agreement
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 227.64 KB
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Title: Politics in the Shan State
Source/publisher: Shanland.org
Description: Secession from the Union of Burma..."...The fourth of January 1958 was significant in Burma for two reasons: it marked the tenth anniversary of the nation?s independence and it also denoted the end of the constitutional limitation on the right of a state to secede from the Union1. While the anniversary of independence caused rejoicing throughout the country, the right of secession caused many of the leaders to worry and wonder whether or not this date would become significant as the beginning of the breakup of the Union. Since the right of secession is a unique right, not found in any other modern federal constitution save that of the U.S.S.R.,2 it is useful to examine the background and the contemporary situation in order to see what opportunities there are for a state to secede from the Union of Burma, and what limitations exist to keep it from exercising its right..."
Creator/author: Josef Silverstein, date?
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Sao Weng - A Shan Patriot of Lawksawk
Source/publisher: Shan State Magazine
Date of publication: 2000-00-00
Description: The Sao Hpa (or) Sawbwa of the State of LAWKSAWK was without doubt the first Shan leader of SHAN STATE to clash with the advancing British Column. It was January 1887. The annexation of Upper Burma was accomplished in 1885. The Sao Hpas of Southern Shan States formed a confederacy and installed the Limbin Prince as Sovereign. First, in the Shan States, and their aim was Burma itself. With unity and solidarity they firmly believed they could drive the British back to the sea. The final aim was to establish a country with Limbin Prince as King of Burma. During that period the whole of Shan States, South as well as North was in turmoil and discontent existed.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 278.41 KB
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Title: Monland Restoration Council
Source/publisher: Monland Restoration Council
Description: Lots of stuff on the site -- news, statements, research, articles in Mon and English, list of Mon organisations, links, photo gallery, Mon politics, literature and history and lots more.
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English, Mon
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Title: The Hilltribes of Thailand Lahu
Description: Touristy
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Chin World
Source/publisher: Chin World Media
Description: Chin Directory, Chin Songs, Zuk Album, e-books, Videos
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: No Childhood at All - Child Soldiers in Burma
Source/publisher: Images Asia, Thailand
Date of publication: 1997-06-00
Description: "...The phenomenon of child soldiers in Burma can only be understood within the context of militarization of the society as a whole. War in Burma has affected every segment of society, its fallout having severest repercussions for the most disadvantaged groups. The political instability engendered by civil war has left the country in economic crisis and has isolated rural conflict areas from receiving badly-needed development assistance. NGO activities have been severely curtailed, mitigating most attempts to correct the situation. Consequently, many children in Burma are living in grinding poverty, uneducated and in poor health, with under-age labour one of their few choices to make ends meet. The everpresent reality of armed conflict is also deeply embedded in the consciousness of all Burma's peoples. With 36% of all Burma's inhabitants under the age of l5,1 most of the country's population have grown up under the shadow of civil war. The rapid expansion of the armed forces since 1988 has both forced and encouraged recruitment of minors into the ranks. Army entrance is sometimes perceived by children, especially orphans, as offering a protective haven from hunger and abuse. Many children therefore see joining the armed forces of any of the warring parties as their only means of survival. Unfortunately, research suggests that they are likely to find it just the opposite. While Burma has acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as yet there is little indication that its provisions are being followed in good faith, or that recruitment of children into the Tatmadaw has decreased..."
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 513.29 KB
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Title: Shanland
Description: Contains pages from the Shan Human Rights Foundation, Shan Herald Agency for News, Shan State Army, The Shan Democratic Union. Lots of historical and constitutional docs on the site
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: KNU Web-page
Description: Aims, statements, history etc. Last updated 1998
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: Search results for "Burma Insurgency" in FAS
Source/publisher: Federation of American Scientists
Date of entry/update: 2003-06-03
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: War, History and Identity (a review of Ashley South
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 11, No. 3
Date of publication: 2003-04-00
Description: "A new book on the Mon ethnic group makes a much-needed contribution to the study of Mon history and sheds light on some of the complexities of Burma?s ethnic conflicts... Although ethnic conflict is a key issue in modern Burmese politics, few writers and researchers seem to have covered the topic in detail. Ashley South?s latest book, Mon Nationalism and Civil War in Burma: The Goldensheldrake (Routledge Curzon, 2002), is perhaps the first comprehensive study of Mon history and offers a timely contribution to the issue of Burma?s ongoing ethnic conflicts... South?s detailed and authoritative book is a must for all interested in Mon history and ethnic minority politics, and for those curious about the dynamics of the civil war and conflict that has raged in Burma for more than 50 years..."
Creator/author: Tom Kramer
Date of entry/update: 2003-04-30
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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