Armed conflict in Burma - conflict in particular States
-
Armed conflict in Kachin State
-
Armed conflict in Kachin State - general articles
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Ongoing struggles |
| Date of publication: | | May 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | Key Points:
• Myanmar's central democratic reforms have received broad backing,
enabling it to boost its legitimacy and consolidate its hold on power.
• Although tentative ceasefires have been concluded with most of the
ethno-nationalist armed groups, there is no clear timeline or plan to
address longstanding demands for self-rule and the protection of
cultural identities.
• Meanwhile, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), the principal
protagonist in the struggle for ethnic rights, has been the focus of
sustained military offensives.
As Myanmar's democratic reform process rumbles on, military offensives
continue despite ceasefires between most of the ethno-nationalist rebel
armies and the government. Curtis W Lambrecht examines the road to peace
in the country. |
| Author/creator: | | Curtis W Lambrecht |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Jane's Terrorism and Security Monitor, May 2013, |
| Format/size: | | pdf (95K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 May 2013 |
|
| Title: | | The Kachin Crisis: Peace Must Prevail |
| Date of publication: | | March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | Conclusions and Recommendations:
*
The government should halt all offensive
operations against the KIO and other
armed ethnic forces. Armed conflict will
worsen,
not resolve,
Burma’s ethnic and
political crises. The violence contradicts
promises to achieve reform through dialogue, and undermines democratic and
economic progress for the whole country.
*
Ethnic peace must be prioritised as an
integral part of political, economic and
constitutional reform. Dialogue must be
established to include ethnic groups that
are outside the national political system.
*
Restrictions on humanitarian aid to the
victims of conflict must be lifted. With
hundreds of thousands of displaced
persons in the ethnic borderlands, a long-term effort is required to ensure that aid
truly reaches to the most vulnerable and
needy peoples as part of any process of
peace-building.
*
Economic and development programmes must benefit local peoples. Land-grabbing and unsustainable business
practices must halt, and decisions on the
use of natural resources and regional development must have the participation of
local communities and representatives.
*
The international community must play
an informed and neutral role in supporting
ethnic peace and political reform. Human
rights’ progress remains essential, all ethnic
groups should be included, and economic
investments made only with the consultation of local peoples. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Transnational Institute (TNI), Burma Centre Netherlands |
| Format/size: | | pdf (430K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 12 March 2013 |
|
| Title: | | URGENT APPEAL From Inside Kachin State (25 January 2013) |
| Date of publication: | | 25 January 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "The following urgent appeal and harrowing account of the situation in northern Burma comes from Kachin State, where long-time Burma researcher and author Guy Horton reports that not only is there no sign of the promised ceasefire between the Burmese Army and the Kachin Independence Army, but the fighting is intensifying and the humanitarian situation is worsening..." |
| Author/creator: | | Guy Horton |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | The Best Friend International |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 30 January 2013 |
|
| Title: | | A serious threat to peace in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 10 January 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "The fighting in Kachin areas – the Kachin State itself and Kachin-majority parts of northern Shan State – has been one of the most serious threats to peace during Myanmar’s transition since it erupted in June 2011, ending a seventeen-year-long ceasefire. It remains the last of Myanmar’s decades-long ethnic conflicts not currently to have a ceasefire.
Since Crisis Group first raised concerns in November 2011 about the grave consequences the breakdown of the ceasefire could pose for the country’s New Peace Initiative, other Storm Clouds have gathered on the country’s horizon, including virulent inter-communal violence in Rakhine State. These are serious challenges that must be overcome if Myanmar is to keep its broadly positive transition on track. But as Myanmar can see from the Indonesian experience, transitions are complicated, long, and often messy processes. They do not always end up as those who advocated or started them intended. There are many deviations and frequently bumps in the road..." |
| Author/creator: | | Jim Della-Giacoma |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | International Crisis Group |
| Format/size: | | html (34K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar airstrikes reopen ethnic wounds |
| Date of publication: | | 10 January 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "The past few weeks have seen some of the heaviest fighting in Myanmar's decades-long civil war with government forces launching determined attacks against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic force in the far north of the country. And for the first time ever, the government has used helicopter gunships and attack aircraft against the country's ethnic rebels. Most of the fighting is taking place around the KIA's headquarters at the border town of Laiza near China, and the government seems determined to crush the Kachin resistance and gain control over the area now administered by the rebels.
The military campaign also sends signals to about a dozen other ethnic armies which have entered into ceasefire agreements with the government. In a statement issued on January 1, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an umbrella organisation of 12 such ethnic groups based mainly on the Thai border in the south, said they felt threatened by the offensive as well - and called for unity among Myanmar's multitude of traditionally factious ethnic militias. "If we are not able to act collectively now we will be destroyed individually," said a participant at the meeting that adopted the statement..." |
| Author/creator: | | Bertil Lintner |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | AL Jazeera |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 15 January 2013 |
|
| Title: | | More war than peace in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 18 December 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "LAIZA - Helicopter gunships hover in the sky above a battlefield. The constant sound of explosions and gunfire pierce the night for an estimated 100,000 refugees and internally displaced people. Military hospitals are full of wounded government soldiers, while bridges, communication lines and other crucial infrastructure lie in war-torn ruins.
The images and sounds on the ground in Myanmar's northern Kachin State shatter the impression of peace, reconciliation and a steady march towards democracy that President Thein Sein's government has bid to convey to the outside world. In reality, the situation in this remote corner of one of Asia's historically most troubled nations is depressingly normal..." |
| Author/creator: | | Bertil Lintner |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | "Asia Times Online" |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 December 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Four questions about the Kachin war |
| Date of publication: | | 15 November 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "...As we all know, the new war in the Kachin and Shan State’s commenced on 9 June 2011, after a ceasefire had held for 18 years. Over those ceasefire years the Kachin Independence Army/Organisation and the Burmese Army were prepared to do business. They developed mechanisms for managing long-term grievances and the political, economic and cultural interests of the peoples of northern Burma. The fact that the ceasefire never led to a final peace agreement was a major frustration for all parties. Pragmatically, though, they considered the ceasefire better than the alternatives. Until, that is, the war re-ignited.
This new war did not spark in isolation, and my goal is to introduce four questions to help us contextualise the new Kachin conflict. We should also bear in mind that since President Thein Sein took power there have been many other parts of the country where conflict has erupted. This map illustrates the 2011 hotspots. When the year is finished the map for 2012 will look almost as stark, especially once sectarian staff in Rakhine State is included. With the transition to more participatory politics underway, Burma’s tragic history of inter-ethnic strife is clearly still not over.
For today my four questions will, I hope, set our minds to the political context of renewed fighting in Kachin areas.
The questions are:
*What is this new war?
*Why is the government fighting the Kachin?
*What would a new deal look like?
*Is democracy a precondition for peace? ..." |
| Author/creator: | | Nicholas Farrelly |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | "New Mandala" |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 16 November 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin KIA and Myanmar Army 2012-No.008 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | News items about the Kachin situation, ceasefires, refugees and human rights |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Polaris Burmese Library Collections |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1.94MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 07 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | THE WAR IN KACHIN STATE: A YEAR OF MORE DISPLACEMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES |
| Date of publication: | | 08 June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | • In the past year, the Tatmadaw has deployed nearly 25% of its battalions to Kachin
State, escalating its war with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and bringing
further suffering to civilian populations in Kachin State and Northern Shan State.
• Tatmadaw soldiers have constantly targeted civilians in Kachin State and Northern
Shan States as part of their military operations against the KIA. Human rights abuses
have included extrajudicial killings, rape of women, arbitrary arrests, torture, forced
displacement, the use of human shields, forced labor, and the confiscation and
destruction of property. All of these systematic abuses would be considered war
crimes and/or crimes against humanity under international law.
• The ongoing conflict has displaced about 75,000 people, including at least 10,000
refugees who crossed the border into China. Despite the severity of the situation, the
regime has frustrated relief efforts, severely restricting humanitarian access to local
and international organizations.
• The KIA’s political leadership, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), has made
repeated attempts to negotiate a lasting peace in Kachin State. However, the regime
has rejected the KIO’s request to discuss long-term political solutions prior to a
ceasefire agreement.
BACKGROUND: 2008 constitution, 2010 elections, BGF, energy projects, and human
rights abuses |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | ALTSEAN-Burma |
| Format/size: | | pdf (139K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 09 June 2012 |
|
-
Armed conflict in Kachin State - displacement and the humanitarian situation
Individual Documents
| Title: | | IDPs in Kachin State - List of IDPs as of 31 August 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 31 August 3023 |
| Description/subject: | | By District, Camp; population figures by by age and gender |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Social Affairs Ministry office, KSG |
| Format/size: | | pdf (55K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 10 September 2012 |
|
| Title: | | FBR Report: Kachin Update – Photo set two; Attacks Against the Kachin are Sporadic but Displacement is Constant |
| Date of publication: | | 08 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "...although now there is sporadic fighting and shelling, but the Burma army is
strengthening its positions and
for the IDPs there is constant displacement. The Burma army is resupplying after two months of
airstrikes and ground assaults. On this mission the Burma army has been close all the time and have
built more camps and crept closer to Kachin positions and communities since we have been here. We
have reconed them in many places and they look well supplied, well fed, well
armed and motivated. They look like they are ready to attack again. In spite of this God is our hope and
we feel reinforced by your prayers and help..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers |
| Format/size: | | pdf (925K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.freeburmarangers.org/2013/03/08/kachin-update-photo-set-two-attacks-against-the-kachin-are-sporadic-but-displacement-is-constant/">http://www.freeburmarangers.org/2013/03/08/kachin-update-photo-set-two-attacks-against-the-kachin-a...
http://www.freeburmarangers.org |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | State terror in the Kachin hills - Burma Army attacks against civilians in Northern Burma |
| Date of publication: | | 28 February 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
"In late 2012, the Burma Army intensified military operations against strongholds of the
Kachin Independence Army (KIA). This culminated in a massive offensive on the KIA
headquarters at Laiza on the China-Burma border starting in mid-December. This month-long
assault involved repeated mortar shelling and aerial bombings in the Laiza area, populated by
20,000 civilians, over half of whom are internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were denied
refuge in China.
This report documents the killing or injury of 26 civilians, including women, children and the
elderly, in Burmese artillery attacks in five areas during the recent military operations. The
repeated authorization of artillery fire into areas populated by civilians, as well as deliberate
torching of villages and IDP shelters, represent serious breaches of international humanitarian
law, and are likely to amount to war crimes.
The humanitarian situation in Kachin areas remains critical, with 364 villages wholly or
partially abandoned, and over 100,000 people internally displaced. Hardly any international
aid has been provided to the 66,000 IDPs in Kachin-controlled areas.
There has been little international condemnation of the Burma Army aggression in Kachin
State. Foreign governments appear more interested in pursuing diplomatic and economic
engagement with Burma’s military-backed government. However, silence on the Burmese
military’s crimes risks plunging Burma deeper into civil war, by emboldening Burma’s rulers
to continue using force to crush the ethnic resistance movements. .
The international community must strongly condemn the crimes committed by the Burma
Army, and pressure the Burmese government to end all military aggression, begin troop
withdrawal from Kachin areas of Burma, and enter into political dialogue with the Kachin
Independence Army to address the demands for ethnic equality at the root of the conflict." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Kachin Women’s Association Thailand (KWAT) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | UN Urges Aid for Kachin IDPs in Rebel Areas |
| Date of publication: | | 07 December 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "A top United Nations official has urged the Burmese government to allow access to Kachin internally displaced persons (IDPs) in rebel-controlled areas of northernmost Burma.
Baroness Valerie Amos, the UN under-secretary-general for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told a press conference in Rangoon on Friday that conditions for displaced civilians remain dire and there was no reason to restrict access.
“The UN has asked to government to allow travel to rebel controlled areas to support the refugees there,” she told The Irrawaddy. “Because we cannot travel to the area, the UN cannot support these people.”
“We have substantial experience working in insecure environments. We are working in other places where the security situation is much worse. We hope the government will give us permission to travel to these areas and provide the aid that is so desperately needed.”..." |
| Author/creator: | | Nyein Nyein |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | "The Irrawaddy" |
| Format/size: | | html, pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 07 December 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Bulletin - Myanmar Issue: November 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | November 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Dire humanitarian needs P.1...
Access constraints P.2...
Funding requirements P.3...
Sector needs and responses P.4.....
HIGHLIGHTS
The Government reports that the total estimated number of IDPs in Rakhine reached 115,000 people, including over 36,000 newly displaced in late October.
Up to 75,000 people are estimated to have been displaced by insecurity in Kachin and northern Shan States which started in June 2011.
The Government indicates that at least 17 people were killed and 114 injured due to an earthquake in upper Myanmar. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) with humanitarian partners |
| Format/size: | | pdf (442K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 December 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Blood and Gold: Inside Burma's Hidden War (video) |
| Date of publication: | | 04 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Deep in the wilds of northern Myanmar's Kachin state a brutal civil war has intensified over the past year between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
People & Power sent filmmakers Jason Motlagh and Steve Sapienza to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to investigate why the conflict rages on, despite the political reforms in the south that have impressed Western governments and investors now lining up to stake their claim in the resource-rich Asian nation. |
| Author/creator: | | Jason Motlagh and Steve Sapienza |
| Language: | | English, Burmese, Kachin, (English subtitles |
| Source/publisher: | | People & Power (Al Jazeera) |
| Format/size: | | Adobe Flash (25 minutes), html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | From persecution to deprivation - International donors neglect 60,000 displaced Kachin on China-Burma border |
| Date of publication: | | 02 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "About 60,000 Kachin villagers fleeing Burma Army attacks and persecution, who are sheltering in
Kachin-controlled territory along the China-Burma border, have received almost no international aid since
conflict broke out in June 2011.
Data compiled from local relief groups shows that international aid agencies, including the UN, have
provided only 4% of basic food needs of this displaced population, who have been kept alive almost entirely
by private donations from local and overseas compatriots. Over 2 million US dollars are needed a month for
food.
Lack of official access and fears of aid diversion have been cited by international donors as reasons
for not responding to the crisis. However, well-established mechanisms exist to deliver aid accountably
through local community-based organizations.
Escalating conflict has caused numbers of displaced to triple over the past year, creating an untenable
burden for local communities. International donors must immediately step in to coordinate a large-scale
relief effort to address the needs of these displaced Kachin..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Kachin Women's Association Thailand (KWAT) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (412K-OBL version; 1.5MB-original) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.kachinwomen.com/images/stories/publication/from_persecution_deprivation.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Bulletin - Myanmar, September 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | September 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "Concurrent emergencies in Rakhine and Kachin. Approximately 150,000 persons remain displaced in Kachin and Rakhine States and many more have been affected in the two crises. These emergencies continue to place serious pressure on humanitarian partners to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, in an environment where resources are inadequate and access is challenging.
The number of IDPs in Kachin and northern Shan states increased to some 75,000 in September from approximately 70,000 in August, following the intensification of clashes in some areas and the forced return from China of some 5,900 people.
Since mid-July international humanitarian partners have not been permitted to reach some 54 percent of the IDPs (over 39,000 people). Between April and mid-July, access was officially granted to all but 14,000 IDPs in hard to reach areas. Humanitarian assistance provision is urgently required, especially for those who have been recently displaced. An additional concern is also the situation of some 8,000to 10,000 IDPs in or around Hpakan being stranded due to ongoing clashes with several civilian casualties being recorded. By mid-October, clashes moved out of urban areas and some of the civilians managed to return home. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (177K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 26 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | THE WAR IN KACHIN STATE: A YEAR OF MORE DISPLACEMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES |
| Date of publication: | | 08 June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | • In the past year, the Tatmadaw has deployed nearly 25% of its battalions to Kachin
State, escalating its war with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and bringing
further suffering to civilian populations in Kachin State and Northern Shan State.
• Tatmadaw soldiers have constantly targeted civilians in Kachin State and Northern
Shan States as part of their military operations against the KIA. Human rights abuses
have included extrajudicial killings, rape of women, arbitrary arrests, torture, forced
displacement, the use of human shields, forced labor, and the confiscation and
destruction of property. All of these systematic abuses would be considered war
crimes and/or crimes against humanity under international law.
• The ongoing conflict has displaced about 75,000 people, including at least 10,000
refugees who crossed the border into China. Despite the severity of the situation, the
regime has frustrated relief efforts, severely restricting humanitarian access to local
and international organizations.
• The KIA’s political leadership, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), has made
repeated attempts to negotiate a lasting peace in Kachin State. However, the regime
has rejected the KIO’s request to discuss long-term political solutions prior to a
ceasefire agreement.
BACKGROUND: 2008 constitution, 2010 elections, BGF, energy projects, and human
rights abuses |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | ALTSEAN-Burma |
| Format/size: | | pdf (139K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 09 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Fighting and Ongoing Displacement in Kachin State, Burma: Update |
| Date of publication: | | 01 June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
"While ceasefire negotiations are taking place in some ethnic areas, attacks continue in Kachin State, Northern Burma. The Burma Army is pressing its attacks in Kachin State with over 100 battalions deployed. There are over 50,000 Kachin people displaced, over 60 Kachin civilians killed and 100 Kachin soldiers killed. Burma Army casualties are unknown, but estimated at 1,000 wounded and killed. Along with the KIO, WPN, Partners and other organizations, the Kachin FBR teams are helping those in need" |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin Response Plan March 2012-February 2013 (June 2012 revision) |
| Date of publication: | | June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary: "Instability that started in June 2011 across Kachin
and northern Shan states has resulted in displace‐
ment, damage of infrastructure and loss of lives and
livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiations be‐
tween parties to the conflict, incidents continue to
be reported.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
has been steadily increasing since the beginning of
the conflict to an estimated 65,000 IDPs in July
2012. These people sought refuge in camps, in pub‐
lic buildings, with host families or in the forest. In
addition, an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 persons have
reportedly sought refuge in China. The numbers of
IDPs continue to fluctuate and in some locations, a
small number of IDPs temporarily returned to their
villages to attempt savaging some of their liveli‐
hood, leaving some of their family members in
camps or with relatives. Available information indi‐
cates that these returns are not permanent or sub‐
stantial in numbers, as IDPs continue to be con‐
cerned over ongoing tensions and instability as well
as presence of landmines...In an effort to improve the level of assistance and co‐
ordination, local and international partners undertook
an analysis of the situation in November 2011 and
identified scenarios for the coming six months, against
which sectoral plans and priorities were identified. The
plan was revised in February 2012, and again in June
2012 taking into account the rapidly changing situa‐
tion, protracted displacement and ongoing discussions
around return planning.
The revised planning document includes an analysis of
the assistance provided to date, of the scenario in the
coming year (March 2012‐February 2013), and a re‐
view of sectoral requirements, including those to cater
for existing gaps and expected need for additional re‐
sources for the provision of life‐saving relief assistance
as well as to support pockets of return for a total of up
to 85,000 people affected by the ongoing instability.
This follows the steady increase in the numbers of IDPs
across Kachin and Northern Shan States, partly in re‐
sponse to ongoing incidents and insecurity in these
areas. It also takes into consideration the additional
needs caused by the monsoon rains.
Partners estimated that relief assistance would be re‐
quired even if the situation was to normalize in the
coming months, as most of the IDPs lost their posses‐
sions, their sources of livelihood, the planting season
and social services would take some time to become
fully functional again. In addition, the monsoon season
has an adverse impact on the already challenging shel‐
ter and WASH conditions in the IDP locations, as well
as on the logistical situation. Road conditions are con‐
tinuously deteriorating due to the heavy rains, making
the provision of assistance all the more important.
In line with the previous version of the document de‐
veloped in March 2012, the plan concentrates on the
immediate relief requirements for one year (March
2012‐February 2013). The requirements articulated in
the plan include remaining needs of up to 85,000
people either currently displaced or likely be dis‐
placed in the months to come. Humanitarian part‐
ners predict that a total of US$35.8 million are re‐
quired to cover the humanitarian needs for the pe‐
riod of March 2012 to February 2013. Priorities for
sectoral interventions include:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (987K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 28 September 2012 |
|
| Title: | | MYANMAR: Cross-line NGOs in Kachin need support...MYANMAR: Les ONG qui travaillent des deux côtés du conflit ont besoin d’aide |
| Date of publication: | | 11 April 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Thousands of displaced remain in need...
YANGON, 11 April 2012 (IRIN) - "Local NGOs in northern Myanmar with access to both sides of an ongoing conflict between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) are playing a key role in addressing the needs of thousands of displaced.
There are four local cross-line Burmese NGOs and community-based groups: Karuna Myanmar Social Services (KMSS), the Metta Development Foundation, the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) and the Shalom Foundation.
“We are working between two warring parties - this is the biggest challenge we face,” Win Tun Kyi, programme coordinator for KMSS, a faith-based group affiliated with the Catholic Church, told IRIN.
“It’s already been 10 months [of being displaced] - these people have suffered too much,” said Sai Sam Kham, executive director of Metta, citing food, shelter, water and sanitation, and psychosocial support as the primary needs.
The UN estimates that up to 55,000 people have been displaced by fighting inside Myanmar between government forces and the KIA, since the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire between the two sides in June 2011.
The KIA has been fighting for greater autonomy from the country’s central government since 1961.
Around 20,000 of the displaced are living in government-controlled areas, up to 35,000 more are in KIA-controlled areas; mostly in camps, and another several thousand are believed to be staying with host families across the border in China..."..."...Les organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) locales qui ont accès aux victimes des deux côtés du conflit opposant les forces gouvernementales à l’Armée pour l’indépendance du Kachin (KIA) dans le nord du Myanmar jouent un rôle clé dans la réponse aux besoins de milliers de personnes déplacées.
Quatre ONG locales et groupes communautaires birmans interviennent auprès des victimes des deux côtés du conflit : Karuna Myanmar Social Services (KMSS), la Metta Development Foundation, la Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) et la Shalom Foundation.
« Nous sommes pris entre les parties en conflit – C’est le plus grand défi auquel nous sommes confrontés », a dit à IRIN Win Tun Kyi, coordinateur de programme auprès de KMSS, un groupe confessionnel catholique.
« Cela fait déjà dix mois [qu’elles sont déplacées] – ces populations ont beaucoup trop souffert », a dit Sai Sam Kham, directeur exécutif de Metta, qui a indiqué que les besoins de bases incluent la nourriture, les abris, l’eau, l’hygiène et les soutiens psychologiques.
Les Nations Unies estiment que plus de 60 000 personnes ont été déplacées par les combats entre les forces gouvernementales et la KIA depuis la fin d’un cessez-le-feu vieux de 17 ans entre les deux camps en juin 2011.
Depuis 1961, la KIA lutte pour obtenir une plus grande autonomie par rapport au gouvernement central du Myanmar.
Quelque 20 000 personnes déplacées vivent dans les zones contrôlées par le gouvernement et jusqu’à 40 000 sont installées dans les zones tenues par la KIA ; la plupart d’entre elles résident dans des camps, et quelques milliers d’autres seraient accueillies par des membres de leur famille en Chine..." |
| Language: | | English, Français, French, |
| Source/publisher: | | IRIN |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.irinnews.org/fr/Report/95278/MYANMAR-Les-ONG-qui-travaillent-des-deux-c%C3%B4t%C3%A9s-du... |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 May 2012 |
|
| Title: | | MYANMAR: UN convoy reaches Kachin displaced |
| Date of publication: | | 25 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "YANGON, 25 March 2012 (IRIN) - A UN convoy of urgently needed humanitarian assistance has reached conflict-affected areas of Myanmar’s northern Kachin State.
"This is a major step forward and follows sustained advocacy on the part of the UN with both the government and Kachin Independence Organization [KIO],” UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ashok Nigam told IRIN in Yangon.
The convoy (four trucks and two UN vehicles) arrived in the KIO-controlled township of Sadang from the government-controlled town of Myitkyina on 24 March.
Food assistance for more than 1,000 people for one month is being provided, along with a variety of non-food items ahead of the upcoming monsoon season in May.
This is the second time the Burmese government has allowed the UN to access KIO-controlled areas since the armed conflict between government troops and the Kachin Independence Army broke out June. The last convoy allowed into the area was in December.
“We now need to make these convoys a regular occurrence,” Nigam said..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | IRIN |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 27 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Untold Miseries - Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Burma’s Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 19 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | 'When Burmese President Thein Sein took office in March 2011, he said that over 60 years of armed conflict have put Burma’s
ethnic populations through “the hell of untold miseries.” Just three months later, the Burmese armed forces resumed military
operations against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), leading to serious abuses and a humanitarian crisis affecting tens of
thousands of ethnic Kachin civilians.
“Untold Miseries”: Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Kachin State is based on over 100 interviews in Burma’s Kachin
State and China’s Yunnan province. It details how the Burmese army has killed and tortured civilians, raped women, planted
antipersonnel landmines, and used forced labor on the front lines, including children as young as 14-years-old. Soldiers have
attacked villages, razed homes, and pillaged properties. Burmese authorities have failed to authorize a serious relief effort in
KIA-controlled areas, where most of the 75,000 displaced men, women, and children have sought refuge. The KIA has also been
responsible for serious abuses, including using child soldiers and antipersonnel landmines.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Burmese government to support an independent international mechanism to investigate
violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to Burma’s ethnic armed conflicts. The government
should also provide United Nations and humanitarian agencies unhindered access to all internally displaced populations, and
make a long-term commitment with humanitarian agencies to authorize relief to populations in need.' |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Watch |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1.7MB - OBL version; 2.25MB - original)) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/burma0312ForUpload_1.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Situation and Response Plan in Kachin - March 2012 update |
| Date of publication: | | 12 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Between June 2011 and February 2012, instability
across Kachin and northern Shan states resulted in
displacement, damage of infrastructure and loss of
lives and livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiation
between parties to the conflict, incidents
continue to be reported. Additionally, there are
indications that a number of people fled just across
the Myanmar-China border and live with relatives
or in temporary makeshift camps, but information is
still unclear and cannot be independently verified.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
steadily increased from September 2011 (approx
20,000 people) to an estimated 50-55,000 people at
present. These people sought refuge in camps, in
public buildings, in host families or in the jungle.
The numbers of IDPs continue to fluctuate and in
some locations, some IDPs temporarily return to
their villages to attempt salvaging some of their livelihood,
leaving some of their family members in
camps or with relatives. Available information indicates
that these returns are not permanent or substantial
in numbers, as IDPs continue to be concerned
over ongoing tensions and instability as well
as presence of landmines.
Whilst the Kachin State Government started a planning
exercise encompassing return and recovery
operations, the Union Government and the Kachin
State Government have clearly stated that only
those who wish to return should do so, and that
assistance in camps must continue. The State Government
indicated relief aid and recovery operations
will require support from the aid community
well into 2013.
Whilst partners are able to provide a wide range of
assistance to some 19,000 Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) located in fully accessible towns of Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Putao and Shwegu, some (mostly local) partners do
have some degree of access to population in other
locations. Limited ability for a wide range of partners
to reach all those in need resulted in further
suffering, as gaps and inequality in assistance is a
fact of life for a significant portion of the affected
people..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (595K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar - Monthly Humanitarian Update. Issue: December 2011 / January 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | January 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Key Developments:
• Displacement and humanitarian needs continue to increase in Kachin State due to continued instability.
A UN team visited Laiza in Kachin State and provided household family kits to IDPs...
• Serious concern over southern Chin State Food insecurity. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (3.4MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar: Displacement in Kachin State - 28 December 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | 28 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES:
• Displacement and humanitarian needs continue to increase. The urgent needs include shelter, NFIs,
WASH, vaccines and psychosocial support, among others...
• The UN team visited Laiza and provided NFI assistance to IDPs. Advocacy for follow up missions across all
affected areas continues |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (329K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Army Kills Woman and Continues Attacks in Ba Maw District, Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 27 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | The Burma Army continues to attack people in three townships of Ba Maw District, Kachin State: Mun Si Township, Shwegu Township and Ba Maw Township. On 16 December 2011, Burma Army soldiers killed a woman from Prang Kawng Village. The woman, 30-year-old Lamung Kaw Seng, suffered from a mental disability. As Burma Army troops approached the village, all the villagers fled except for Lamung Kaw Seng. When the soldiers found her, they killed her and threw her into a toilet pit. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Situation and Response Plan in Kachin - 13 December 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | 13 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | CURRENT SITUATION: "Instability in Kachin and Shan States restarted in early June 2011 and resulted in the displacement of populations, loss of lives and livelihoods and dam-ages to infrastructure. Following a Government invi-tation, an inter-agency rapid needs assessment was conducted from 20-26 September in 39 locations in some IDPs sites (camps, host families, public build-ings) of five townships (Bhamo, Momauk, Myitky-ina, Khaunglanhpu and Waingmaw) targeting 5,925 IDPs. Two townships Mansi and Shwegu could not be assessed due to security concerns. Of the as-sessed beneficiaries, some 4% were vulnerable, be-sides there were 56% children under 18 years of age, 17% of children under 5 and 12.5% female or child headed IDP families.
Although figures of displaced population continue to fluctuate and are reportedly increasing on a daily basis, it is currently estimated that between 35,000 and 40,000 IDPs may have left their homes and sought refuge in camps, with friends and relatives or into the forest across the affected region. As an
indication of the rapidly increasing caseload, accord-ing to the Kachin State authorities, between Sep-tember and the end of November 2011, the number of IDPs living in Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk and Shwegu has increased from 5,900 to 10,000 IDPs. Across all affected areas, available –albeit not independently verified - infor-mation indicate that, in the same period, the num-ber of displaced passed from 20,000 to 35-40,000 persons..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (765K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Under Siege in Kachin State, Burma |
| Date of publication: | | November 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary:
"In September 2011, as the international community discussed easing sanctions on Burma’s
military-backed civilian government, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) conducted an emergency
investigation in Burma’s Kachin State in response to reports of grave human rights violations
in the region. The aims of the study were
1. to independently investigate reported human rights abuses and war crimes; and
2. to assess the humanitarian situation and nutritional status of internally displaced
persons (IDPs) displaced by conflict in 2011.
This report provides the first humanitarian assessment of some of the IDPs living in areas of
Kachin State that are not controlled by the Burmese government. The United Nations Office for
the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) recently released a report on the health
situation of 5900 IDPs in urban and peri-urban areas of Kachin state that are under Burmese
government control. But no mention was made of the estimated 22,000 displaced people in
other areas of the state. PHR conducted its investigation entirely in these areas; this report will
help to build a more complete picture of the humanitarian situation among internally displaced
persons in politically contested areas in Kachin State.
The human rights investigation provides compelling evidence that the Burmese army (the
Tatmadaw) has committed multiple human rights violations in Kachin State. Between June and
September 2011, the Burmese army looted food from civilians, fired indiscriminately into villages,
threatened villages with attacks, and used civilians as porters, human minesweepers,
and impressed guides. Our findings are consistent with similar reports of human rights abuses
in other ethnic states, and suggest that violations of rights of ethnic nationalities in the country
by the central government are systematic and widespread.
In addition to the human rights investigation, PHR visited six camps and four shelters for displaced
Kachin civilians on the Sino-Burmese border and conducted health and nutrition assessments
from 22-30 September, 2011. The camps fail to meet multiple minimum humanitarian
standards outlined in the Sphere humanitarian guidelines. Camps are overcrowded and there
are insufficient numbers of latrines and water supply points. Camp medical staff reported that
upper respiratory infections and diarrhea were the most common reasons for clinic visits, and
that they experienced shortages in medicine for infants.
Key human rights findings of this report:
• The Burmese army forced Kachin civilians to guide combat units and walk in front of army
columns to trigger landmines. This practice puts civilians at extreme risk of injury and
death and is a war crime.
• The Burmese army regularly pillaged food and supplies from civilians. This practice is
prohibited under customary international humanitarian law.
• The Burmese army fired automatic weapons directly into a civilian village, striking nonmilitary
targets. The intentional direction of attacks against civilians is also recognized as
a war crime in the Rome Statute1, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court.
1. Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, art. 8(2), 17 Jul. 1998, 2187 U.N.T.S. 90, entered into force 1 Jul,
2002.
4
Under Siege in Kachin State, Burma
Key related humanitarian concerns:
• IDP camps are overcrowded and the numbers of latrines and water supply points are
insufficient to ensure that residents’ human rights to clean food and water are met. Camp
medical staff reported insufficient supplies of medicine for infants.
• Eleven percent of children under five years old in one camp in Laiza were found to be
severely or moderately malnourished, a situation that the World Health Organization
(WHO) classifies as “severe” and warrants targeted supplementary feeding programs.
• Very little aid reaches IDP camps, and groups caring for them face challenges in providing
food, medicine, and shelter. The most vulnerable populations—those in rural areas and
near the border—have not received any official humanitarian aid; they are only receiving
aid from community-based organizations, which have largely been ignored by the
international donor community.
This investigation suggests that the incremental political changes in central Burma have not
translated into improved livelihoods or improved the human rights situation of ethnic populations
living along Burma’s frontiers. The government of Burma has announced greater freedoms,
including unblocking some internet websites and limiting censorship in the press, and
releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and a fraction of the other political prisoners in the country. Some
in the international community have asserted that political change has come to Burma; however,
these changes largely are confined to the urban, primarily ethnic Burman, population. For
many of the peoples of Burma facing conflict and abuse, including the Kachin peoples, the brutality
of the old regime remains an omnipresent threat.
PHR’s findings come at a crucial moment when the international community is considering
easing sanctions on Burma in response to its positive steps towards what Senior General Than
Shwe has called “disciplined democracy.” PHR welcomes the stated commitment of the government
to greater openness and urges the international community to ensure that the rhetoric
translates into positive action for all people in Burma. The Kachin and other groups continue to
endure grave human rights violations at the hands of the Burmese army. True progress must be
measured by thorough analysis of the extent of the government’s abuses and by establishing a
system through which perpetrators are held accountable for their actions..." |
| Author/creator: | | Bill Davis, MA, MPH |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Physicians for Human Rights |
| Format/size: | | pdf (554K - 0riginal; 458K - OBL version) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs12/Under_Seige_in_Kachin_State_Burma-2011-11-red.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 December 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar: Displacement in Kachin State - Humanitarian Update No. 1 |
| Date of publication: | | 26 October 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | • The instability in Kachin State that started in early June 2011 has resulted in the displacement of
populations, loss of livelihoods and damages to infrastructure...
• The recently-completed joint assessment in 39 locations in Kachin State reveals urgent needs in several
sectors, including food, education, shelter, health, NFIs and water and sanitation...
• Access and delivery of assistance remain challenging |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (218K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin Rapid Assessment |1 |
| Date of publication: | | September 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary: "The instability in Kachin and Shan States that started in
early June 2011 has resulted in the displacement of
populations, loss of lives and livelihoods and damages
to infrastructure. The Kachin State government, local
and community]based organizations have been providing
some assistance to the displaced since the outset of
the conflict. International organizations have been
providing limited assistance through support to local
and community]based organizations, while continuing
to advocate for humanitarian assistance to be provided
to all civilians in need.
Following a Government invitation, a rapid needs assessment
was conducted in 39 locations in some areas
of five townships: Bhamo, Momauk, Myitkyina,
Khaunglanhpu and Waingmaw, and targeted 5,925
internally displaced persons (IDPs). Two townships ]
Mansi and Shwegu ] could not be assessed due to security
reasons. Of the total assessed population, the assessment
findings indicate that 57% are female and
56% under]18. The IDPs are temporarily residing in
community buildings, temporary camps/shelters or
with host families. Most of the IDPs are located in urban
areas, while those in rural areas are primarily being
sheltered by host families. While the number of
IDPs is fluctuating on a daily basis, the assessment
found that a large majority of those assessed ] 4,026 ]
has been displaced for over two months. Among people
with special needs the survey identified 70 unaccompanied
minors, 196 female] or child]headed households,
40 chronically ill and 36 persons with disabilities.
In general, due to the easier accessibility and the presence
of a larger number of aid agencies, the IDPs in
Myitkyina and Waingmaw have been receiving more
assistance than those in Bhamo and Momauk. Access
and delivery of assistance for many of the locations
continue to be a major challenge, particularly in the
southern townships of Bhamo, Momauk, Mansi and
Shwegu given the security situation and damage to
infrastructure, including access routes.
Living conditions, particularly in larger temporary
camps/shelters and community buildings where the
population density is high, are challenging. The assessment
found that 20 of the 39 surveyed locations are in
urgent need of additional shelter assistance. Temporary
camps/shelters would need to be upgraded with
improved roofing, more durable and safer shelters,
additional numbers of tents to lessen the population
density, allocation of cooking spaces and relocation of
latrines further away from the living quarters. These
measures would make the temporary camps/shelters
healthier and safer for children and women. IDPs in
community buildings such as churches and community
halls also suffer from over]population and the resulting
lack of adequate sleeping space as well as lack of privacy
for families.
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY While some non]food items (NFIs) have been provided
by the Government and local and community]based
organizations, to date, most of the IDPs require additional
NFI support, including plastic sheeting, cooking
utensils, blankets and clothes. These needs are most
urgent in Bhamo and Momauk.
Over half of IDPs in temporary camps/shelters and
community buildings are facing food access issues.
While food assistance has temporarily alleviated concern
over immediate food shortages in over half of the
locations that reported food access difficulties, a number
of camps have yet to receive food assistance. The
food security situation in Khaunglanhpu]La Jar camp in
Khaunglanhpu and AungThar Baptist Church in Bhamo
is of concern, and food assistance should be considered.
People staying in host families in Momauk, in
Momauk Baptist Church and 3]mile Kachin Baptist
Church in Bhamo are experiencing lack of food stocks,
and the food security situation in these locations would
need to be explored further. Overall, the IDPs indicated
a need for more diversified food assistance, which
should be explored given the reported observable malnutrition
in the locations assessed. The assessment
suggests that the nutritional status of children needs to
be further investigated.
While access to water for domestic and hygiene uses is
sufficient, availability of drinking water is an issue, with
only 40% of IDPs having access to sufficient quantities
of safe drinking water. The issue is particularly critical
in Bhamo where all locations reported insufficient access
to drinking water. Latrine use is wide]spread and
aid agencies have provided basic sanitary facilities in
all temporary camps/shelters and community buildings.
However, some of the locations with larger number of
IDPs need more latrines. Some latrines would need to
be upgraded for sanitary and safety reasons. Hygiene
promotion would be needed in a majority of the assessed
locations, along with provision of hygiene items.
There has been no report of disease outbreak or mortality
cases since June 2011 in surveyed locations. Over
half of the sites currently have access to health care
services provided by basic health staff, while the others
Kachin Rapid Assessment |1 5
in 14 locations only receive minimal health support
through community health workers. Measles immunization
campaign is needed in 31 locations, where a
limited number of under]2 children has records of having
had measles vaccination. Bed nets are needed in a
majority of the locations. Essential medical supplies
are needed in 35 out of the 39 locations.
Some 1,055 primary school children and 1,249 secondary
to high school children were identified amongst
the assessed IDPs. Primary school children in all locations
have access to varying degree of schooling support
] either access to nearby school facilities or to
temporary learning spaces ] which they regularly attend.
However, only a few secondary and high school
children seem to attend school, due to lack of access
and their contribution to household chores, particularly
in the absence of household heads.
Education materials are in short supply at all locations.
Temporary learning spaces are not sufficiently
equipped. A majority of the schools do not have adequate
water and sanitation facilities. Early Childhood
Development (ECD) centers have been established in
six locations, benefiting 201 or 20% of all under]five
IDP children. Efforts to construct additional ECD centers
are currently ongoing.
The number of under]18 separated or unaccompanied
children was 221 at the time of the assessment, while
12.5% of households are either female] or childheaded.
This points to the need for preventative measures
to mitigate potential risk factors. Extra measures
for ensuring the safety of women and children would
need to be taken, particularly in the temporary camps/
shelters, including improved lighting at night, separate
bathing spaces and latrines for men and women and
appointment of security focal points.
Needs of those with special needs such as the elderly
and persons with disabilities would need to be taken
into account. Fear and anxiety over the current, uncertain
situation were voiced." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UNOCHA, Humanitarian Partners in Kachin |
| Format/size: | | pdf (2.8MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 December 2011 |
|
-
Armed conflict in Kachin State - economic factors associated with the conflict
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Blood and Gold: Inside Burma's Hidden War (video) |
| Date of publication: | | 04 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Deep in the wilds of northern Myanmar's Kachin state a brutal civil war has intensified over the past year between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
People & Power sent filmmakers Jason Motlagh and Steve Sapienza to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to investigate why the conflict rages on, despite the political reforms in the south that have impressed Western governments and investors now lining up to stake their claim in the resource-rich Asian nation. |
| Author/creator: | | Jason Motlagh and Steve Sapienza |
| Language: | | English, Burmese, Kachin, (English subtitles |
| Source/publisher: | | People & Power (Al Jazeera) |
| Format/size: | | Adobe Flash (25 minutes), html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Untold Miseries - Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Burma’s Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 19 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | 'When Burmese President Thein Sein took office in March 2011, he said that over 60 years of armed conflict have put Burma’s
ethnic populations through “the hell of untold miseries.” Just three months later, the Burmese armed forces resumed military
operations against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), leading to serious abuses and a humanitarian crisis affecting tens of
thousands of ethnic Kachin civilians.
“Untold Miseries”: Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Kachin State is based on over 100 interviews in Burma’s Kachin
State and China’s Yunnan province. It details how the Burmese army has killed and tortured civilians, raped women, planted
antipersonnel landmines, and used forced labor on the front lines, including children as young as 14-years-old. Soldiers have
attacked villages, razed homes, and pillaged properties. Burmese authorities have failed to authorize a serious relief effort in
KIA-controlled areas, where most of the 75,000 displaced men, women, and children have sought refuge. The KIA has also been
responsible for serious abuses, including using child soldiers and antipersonnel landmines.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Burmese government to support an independent international mechanism to investigate
violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to Burma’s ethnic armed conflicts. The government
should also provide United Nations and humanitarian agencies unhindered access to all internally displaced populations, and
make a long-term commitment with humanitarian agencies to authorize relief to populations in need.' |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Watch |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1.7MB - OBL version; 2.25MB - original)) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/burma0312ForUpload_1.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | KIO warns China: Myitsone Dam could spark ‘civil war’ |
| Date of publication: | | 20 May 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | "In an open letter sent to Chinese President Hu Jintao, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has asked China to stop the planned Myitsone Dam to be built in Burma’s northern Kachin state, warning that the controversial project could lead to civil war.
The English-language letter dated March 16 but only recently made public and obtained by Mizzima states that the KIO ‘informed the military government that KIO would not be responsible for the civil war if the war broke out because of this hydropower plant project and the dam construction’..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Mizzima |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 May 2011 |
|
| Title: | | KIO Open Letter to the People's Republic of China |
| Date of publication: | | 16 March 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Text of the open letter sent to Chinese President Hu Jintao, in which the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) asks China to stop the planned Mali Nmai Concluence (Myitsone) Dam Project to be built in Burma’s northern Kachin state, warning that the controversial project could lead to civil war |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (878K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 May 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Dam Nation |
| Date of publication: | | April 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "Burma and China prepare to build seven hydroelectric dams in Kachin State that will not provide the people of Burma with jobs, security or even electricity
Large-scale hydroelectric dams have long been decried for the immense damage they do to the environment and rural communities. Not everyone agrees, however, that the problems associated with mega-dams outweigh their benefits. After all, say pragmatists, dams are a reliable supply of electricity, without which no country can hope to survive in the modern world.
(Illustration: Harn lay / The irrawaddy)
But in Burma, such arguments fall flat. Not only do massive dam-building projects take an especially high toll on people’s lives—besides destroying villages and the environment, they result in intensifying human rights abuses and make diseases such as malaria more prevalent—they also come without a payoff for the general population.
At the end of the day, the electricity they generate—the only benefit the Burmese people can expect to get from them—remains as scarce as ever..." |
| Author/creator: | | David Paquette |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 18, No. 4 |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 19 April 2010 |
|
-
Armed conflict in Karen State
-
Armed conflict in Karen State - military activities and their impact on village life, including livelihood, health, education and land tenure security
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho Township, July to October 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 11 April 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in November 2012 by a community member describing events occurring in Papun District, during the period between July 2012 to October 2012. It specifically discusses forced labour, torture, the activity of major armed groups in the Bu Tho Township area, including the KNLA, DKBA, Tatmadaw and BGF, as well as villagers' healthcare, education and livelihood problems. The report describes how BGF Battalion #1014, led by Commander Maw Hsee, continues to demand materials and forced labour from villagers in order to build army camps. The report also provides details about a 50-year-old L--- villager, named Maung P---, who was arrested and tortured by the Tatmadaw Military Operation Command Column #2, which is under Battalion #44 and commanded by Hay Tha and Aung Thu Ra, because he asked other villagers to deliver a letter that the Tatmadaw demanded he deliver. The report includes information about the different challenges villagers face in Burma government and non-government controlled areas, as well as the ways villagers access healthcare from the KNU or the Burma government. According to the community member, civilians continue to face problems with their livelihood, which are caused by BGF and DKBA activities, but are improving since the ceasefire; also described are problems faced by villagers caused by natural factors, such as unhealthy crops and flooding. In order to improve crop health, farmers are using traditional remedies, but the community member mentions that those remedies do not address the problems well. Moreover, this report mentions how villagers pursue alternative livelihoods during intervals between farming and to cope with food shortages, including logging and selling wood..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (271K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b18.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 30 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Nyaunglebin Situation Update: Ler Doh Township, November 2012 to January 2013 |
| Date of publication: | | 09 April 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in January 2013 by a community member describing events occurring in Nyaunglebin District during the period between November 2012 and January 2013. Specifically, it describes the confiscation of more than 2375.14 acres of villagers' land by Tatmadaw Infantry Battalion #60. One villager was required by Light Infantry Battalion #264 soldiers to collect 250,000 kyat per month from the villagers who operate gold ore processing machines. The community member also describes how, despite the January 2012 ceasefire being in effect, the Tatmadaw continues to increase resupply missions in the area, which has created alarm amongst local civilians. As part of a CIDKP pilot project, 173 sacks of rice have been distributed to Muh Theh villagers. The community member reports that there was an increase in medical care in the area, where Tatmadaw medics travelled with armed soldiers to three towns in KNU-controlled areas in Kyauk Kyi Township, while FBR medics travelled with unarmed KNLA soldiers to Tatmadaw-controlled areas. In response to the land confiscation, villagers' reported their complaints by submitting a letter to the Burma government, however, no response had been received as of January. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (462K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b17.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 30 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Landmines shatter peace for villagers in eastern Burma |
| Date of publication: | | 08 April 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "To mark International Mine Awareness Day, Karen Human Rights Group published new data collected by community members in eastern Burma that describes the ongoing devastation caused by landmines. Each year the United Nations International Mine Awareness Day draws attention to the global impact of landmines and notes progress towards their eradication.
Landmines continue to disrupt the potential for civilians to return to their way of life even after the conflict has subsided. Old landmines pose serious restrictions on villagers' ability to travel safely or resume farming and reconstruction of previously abandoned homes. Fatalities and injuries to people and livestock occur frequently, especially when there is no prior knowledge of the mined areas, making displaced communities particularly vulnerable." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (274K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13_landmine.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 30 April 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Incident Report: Violent abuse in Papun District, October 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 01 April 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "...The incident occurred on October 15th 2012 in Htee Th'Daw Hta village tract, Bu Tho Township, Papun District, when Saw P--- allowed his cow to graze on a vehicle road that had been closed by Saw Pah Mee, a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Commander. Upon encountering Saw P--- in the area under his control, Commander Saw Pah Mee blindfolded, punched, and left Saw P--- tied up overnight, as well as shooting one of his cows. The incident report also mentions the violent abuse of a Muslim villager, Saw L---, by Border Guard Commander #1014 Commander Maw Nee Hseh; details of this incident were described by the same community member in a previously published report: "Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho and Dwe Lo townships, September to December 2012," KHRG, March 2013..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (273K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b15.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 May 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho and Dwe Lo townships, September to December 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 08 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in January 2013 by a community member, who describes events occurring in Papun District during December 2012. Specific abuses include arbitrary arrest of a villager by a KNLA officer, Border Guard demands for money, labour, and items, religious discrimination by the Border Guard and a Buddhist monk, violent abuse, looting and movement restrictions through road closures. The community member reports how one KNLA Commander named Saw Hpah Mee arrested and tortured villager Saw M---, as well as shooting one of his cows, while Saw M--- was travelling to trade cows in Bu Tho Township, on the Thailand-Burma border, but was unaware that the road he used was closed. This report also describes how Border Guard Battalion #1014 soldiers arrested a Muslim villager who was selling his cows on the Thai border, and subsequently looted his money, and how Border Guard Battalion #1013 soldiers forced villagers to work for them and restricting them from trading. Also described in the report is a meeting held on September 10th 2012, during which a Buddhist monk informed villagers of four rules that were created to prohibit Buddhists from interacting with Muslims, which were distributed by the Border Guard. Villagers then reported this to the KNLA and the Tatmadaw, who subsequently held a meeting regarding the rules and explained that religious discrimination should not happen. Details on the incident are published in "Incident Report: Religious discrimination and restrictions in Papun District, September 2012," KHRG, March 2013. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (271K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b7.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 March 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Lu Thaw Township, March to November 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 25 February 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in November 2012 by a community member describing events occurring in Lu Thaw Township, Papun District during the period between July 2012 and November 2012. It describes how the Tatmadaw continues to resupply and repair military infrastructure despite ongoing ceasefire talks with the KNU, as well as make new preparations for gold extraction projects. The Tatmadaw also tried to build relations with civilians by providing free food placed beside vehicle roads, but fears of poisoned food and mistrust prevented the civilians from accepting the food. On March 19th 2012, soldiers from the Tatmadaw LID #66 killed two villagers, 30 year-old Saw K--- and 19 year-old Saw E---, and injured one, 28 year-old Saw N---, when they crossed a road in K'Kyay Hta; the Tatmadaw took the 160,000 kyat that the victims were carrying. The civilians in the internally displaced persons areas still do not dare to show themselves to the Tatmadaw, and continue to monitor troop movement along vehicle roads. The situation update also discusses villagers' concerns regarding the ceasefire, describing how civilians want peace so that they can return to work on their land. Currently, heavy rains in 2011 and crop maladies have caused food security problems for many communities. In response, communities support one another with food transportation and use of traditional medicine cooperatives, which are still developing local involvement and action plans..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (410K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b2.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 March 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho Township, June 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 12 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in June 2012 by a community member describing events occurring in Papun District, during June 2012. Specifically discussed are Nay Pyi Daw military operations along Papun-Ka' Ma Moo vehicle road. It includes details on the location and names of the different NPD military camps that are based along the Papun-K'Ma Moh vehicle road. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (252K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12b79.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 November 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Northern Lu Thaw Township, March to June 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 05 September 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in June 2012 by a community member describing events occurring in Papun District, during the period between March and June 2012. Specifically described is the location of Tatmadaw operations in the twelve village tracts inside the Northern Lu Thaw Township, and the living conditions of the villagers from those village tracts. This report details military activities, such as sending rations and repairing bridges, and it also includes concerns the villagers have related to the military's activities and the permanence of the 2012 ceasefire. Other detailed information about the livelihood, healthcare, education, and the responsive strategies of the villagers, is also provided." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (268K); html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12b75.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 November 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho Township, received April 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 10 June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in April 2012 by a community member trained by KHRG describing events occurring in Bu Tho Township, Papun District, prior to April 2012. It contains updated information concerning an increase in Tatmadaw and Border Guard military activity since the January 2012 ceasefire agreement with the KNU, including more frequent transportation of rations, building materials and weapons, and an increase in troop deployment. It describes how Tatmadaw LIB #341, #434, #340, and #642 have established permanent bases by the Papun vehicle road, and how troops reportedly remain stationed at numerous bases along the Thailand-Burma border. Land confiscation for infrastructure projects and the construction of military bases and plantations is highlighted as a significant issue, and continued natural resource extraction also serves to limit the amount of cultivatable land available. State-led development projects at the village level are also cited as contributing to land confiscation as a result of demands for land from government officials involved. Information is also provided on the construction of a new village in Meh Pree Township by a monk in command of approximately 20-30 soldiers. Villagers continue to face demands for food and goods, such as thatch shingles, and demands for forced labour. Significantly, demands for money, or for villagers to serve as soldiers and guides or to perform sentry duty, has reportedly ceased, and there has been a reduction in travel restrictions since January 2012. Some limited landmine clearance is reported to have occurred after villagers discussed the problem with a Tatmadaw officer. Other villagers have adapted to the reduction of suitable farmland by trading livestock and transporting food to sell. Villagers also refused to comply with demands for land in exchange for electricity, and confronted officials over the issue." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (566K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 July 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Sustained Tatmadaw resupply operations in Thaton, Nyaunglebin and Papun during ceasefire |
| Date of publication: | | 31 May 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "During the first three months after the January 2012 ceasefire between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Burma government, villagers in Thaton, Nyaunglebin and Papun districts have raised concerns about Tatmadaw activity related to resupply operations, troop reinforcements and the transport of heavy artillery. LID #44 soldiers were deployed for road security purposes during military resupply operations at the end of January along the Bilin riverbank in Thaton District, while further north in Nyaunglebin District, LIB #702 transported rations, mortars and troop reinforcements, while Tatmadaw soldiers burned the vehicle road near three army camps. In Papun District, the vehicle road was repaired in early February before Tatmadaw soldiers transported supplies and troop reinforcements to camps in the area around Wa Klee Koo. The restricted scope of Tatmadaw operations since the ceasefire negotiations in January has allowed some villagers in Papun District to return to previously abandoned agricultural land. Villagers nonetheless complained of movement restrictions during military resupply operations, and expressed concerns that, because Tatmadaw troops have been reinforced and are now well-supplied, they will be in an advantageous position if the current ceasefire is broken." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (578K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12b51.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 25 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Incident report: Four villagers forced to guide Tatmadaw troops in Thaton District |
| Date of publication: | | 19 January 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "The following incident report was written by a villager trained by KHRG to document human rights abuses, and details an incident that occurred in May 2011 during which Tatmadaw soldiers from LIB #216 arrested four villagers in Bilin Township, including two village headwomen, and forced them to accompany troops on active patrol. The two village headwomen told the villager who wrote this report that the Tatmadaw soldiers did not provide them with water nor allow them to return to their own village at night, forcing them to sleep in a monastery with the soldiers. One of the women said that the Tatmadaw soldiers told her that they were afraid they were going to be shot at by KNLA soldiers at the time she was forced to accompany them. The following morning, the four villagers successfully negotiated with the Tatmadaw commanding officers to secure their release and received 8,000 kyat (US $ 10.39) split unevenly between the four of them as compensation." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | html, pdf (269K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12b5.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 23 January 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Dooplaya Situation Update: August 2011 to September 2011 [News Bulletin] |
| Date of publication: | | 09 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in September 2011 by a villager describing events and military activities occurring in Kawkareik Township, Dooplaya District, during the period between August and September 2011. The villager describes the shelling of civilian areas by DKBA troops resulting in the destruction of a villager’s house, and villagers’ fears of violence by DKBA forces following the defection of a DKBA soldier to Tatmadaw Border Guard troops and his transport through the area around their community. The report also details demands for payment issued by KNU/KNLA Peace Council soldiers; discusses the death of a KNU/KNLA Peace Council officer by natural causes; and raises villagers’ concerns about the flooding of bean and corn plantations along the Moei River at the beginning of September which resulted in destruction of farmers’ seeds and crops." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | html, pdf (203K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2011/khrg11b53.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 January 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Villagers flee to avoid fighting and portering: Conflict continues to impact civilians in Dooplaya District |
| Date of publication: | | 04 December 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "Civilians in Dooplaya District continue to be impacted by conflict between the Tatmadaw and armed Karen groups, who have increased fighting in the area since November 7th 2010. The situation around Palu village remains highly unstable; in order to avoid conflict and conflict-related abuse, civilians are moving frequently between their homes and fields, more secure locations outside the village and along the Moei River, and both official and unofficial locations in Thailand's Phop Phra District. Residents of the community have told KHRG that they believe male villagers face a serious threat of being forcibly recruited as porters to support re-supply operations of Tatmadaw units deployed in the area, and that men in Palu are actively avoiding encountering Tatmadaw troops." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (494K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2010/khrg10b16.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 19 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Karen rebels go on offensive in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 16 November 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | While Myanmar's generals held their stage-managed elections, an ethnic rebel group forcibly seized control of two border towns and highlighted immediately the polls' ineffectiveness at achieving national reconciliation.
Government forces on Tuesday forced the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) out of Myawaddy and Pyathounzu towns, but the attacks already had significant repercussions for the transition from military to civilian rule. |
| Author/creator: | | Brian McCartan |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asia Times Online |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 15 November 2010 |
|
-
Armed conflict in Karen State - negotiations and ceasefire talks
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Steps towards peace: Local participation in the Karen ceasefire process |
| Date of publication: | | 07 November 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "This commentary considers Karen villagers' perspectives on impacts of the ceasefire between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Government of the Union of Myanmar. In light of their concerns, this commentary makes workable recommendations about what the most effective next steps could be for negotiating parties and for stakeholders in the ceasefire process. Building on KHRG's previous analysis in Safeguarding human rights in a post-ceasefire in eastern Burma, published in January 2012, this commentary brings to light new evidence of villagers' perspectives. Documentation received since the ceasefire reveals some positive changes, but also raises concerns about ongoing human rights abuses in the post-conflict environment, as a result of ingrained abusive practices and a lack of accountability, particularly in areas where there has been an increase in business, development, natural resource extraction, accompanied by a continued military presence. KHRG believes that the perpetration of abuses is exacerbated, and villagers' options to respond effectively limited, both by the lack of opportunities for genuine local input and a dearth of information-sharing concerning new developments. Analysis for this commentary was prepared based on a collaborative workshop held between all staff members at KHRG's administrative office, as well as field documentation and oral testimony received since January 2012 from villagers in all KHRG research areas, which incorporate all or parts of Kayin and Mon States, and Bago and Tanintharyi Regions..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (66K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2012/khrg12c3.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 07 November 2012 |
|
| Title: | | The Karen National Union Negotiations 1949-2012 |
| Date of publication: | | June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "Since the beginning of hostilities officially declared on the 31st January 1949, the Karen National Union has consistently attempted to find an accommodation with the successive governments of Burma.
While initial discussions centred on the recognition of a free Karen state of ‘Kawthoolei’ and the need to retain arms. Later talks, primarily those that began in 2004, sought merely to protect the Karen populace from further abuses at the hands of the Burmese army, the tatmadaw, and preserve some form of role for the organisation.
This paper examines the various peace processes that have taken place since the outbreak of conflict and provides insight regarding the many KNU peace talks that have been held since 1949." |
| Author/creator: | | Paul Keenan |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies (Working Paper No. 2) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1MB-OBL version; 3.2MB - original) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmaethnicstudies.net/pdf/BCES-WP-2.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 June 2012 |
|
-
Armed groups operating in Karen State (military activities and impact on villagers)
-
Border Guard Forces (BGF)
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Hpa-an Situation Update: T'Nay Hsah Township, November to December 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 29 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | This report includes a situation update submitted to KHRG in December 2012 by a community member describing events occurring in Hpa-an District, between November and December 2012. The report details the concerns of villagers in T'Nay Hsah Township, who have faced significant declines in their paddy harvest due to bug infestation. The community member also raises villagers' concerns regarding the cutting down of teak-like trees by developers, for the establishment of rubber plantations. The report describes how this activity seriously threatens villagers' livelihoods, and takes place via the cooperation of companies and wealthy individuals with the Burma government. The report goes on to detail demands placed upon villagers by the Border Guard Force (BGF) to contribute money to pay soldiers' salaries. Though the community member reports that these demands are not as forcibly implemented as in the past; villagers still face threats if they do not comply. Many villagers in the area, however, have chosen not to pay the money requested of them by the BGF. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (129K), html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 May 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Incident Report: Forced Labour in Papun District #2, February 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 29 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "The following incident report was submitted to KHRG in May 2012 by a community member describing an incident that began on February 22nd 2012 in Dwe Lo Township, Papun District, where Border Guard Force (BGF) Battalion #1014 soldiers forced between 70 or 80 villagers to construct their army camp without providing any wage, the necessary building materials for construction or medical care for villagers who became sick while labouring. According to the community member who wrote this report, forced labour demands continue, but are described by villagers as having decreased to a level with which the demands do not significantly infringe upon their normal routine and less precautions are taken..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (161K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b13.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 May 2013 |
|
| Title: | | Border Guard #1014 demands for labour and goods in Papun District, May 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 25 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "This report is based on information submitted to KHRG in May 2012 by a community member[1] describing events occurring in Papun District, in May 2012, involving soldiers from Border Guard Battalion #1014, which is based out of K'Ter Tee and Hpaw Htee Hku villages. Commander Nyunt Thein and his Battalion Commander Maung Chit from the Battalion #1014 were identified, by name, as the ones who committed the abuses. Villagers were forced to build a camp for the Battalion #1014, which was also reported to have looted items from the villagers and forced them to do the camp's work, all of which is uncompensated..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (254K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b9.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 May 2013 |
|
-
Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Incident Report: Violent abuse in Papun District, October 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 01 April 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | "...The incident occurred on October 15th 2012 in Htee Th'Daw Hta village tract, Bu Tho Township, Papun District, when Saw P--- allowed his cow to graze on a vehicle road that had been closed by Saw Pah Mee, a Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Commander. Upon encountering Saw P--- in the area under his control, Commander Saw Pah Mee blindfolded, punched, and left Saw P--- tied up overnight, as well as shooting one of his cows. The incident report also mentions the violent abuse of a Muslim villager, Saw L---, by Border Guard Commander #1014 Commander Maw Nee Hseh; details of this incident were described by the same community member in a previously published report: "Papun Situation Update: Bu Tho and Dwe Lo townships, September to December 2012," KHRG, March 2013..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (273K), html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.khrg.org/khrg2013/khrg13b15.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 May 2013 |
|
-
Armed conflict in Karenni State
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Analysis paper on the ceasefire process between the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Burmese government in the last six months |
| Date of publication: | | 31 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "...KCSN believes that only through negotiation between both parties to seek solutions to the problems in Karenni State, as agreed during the State Level and Union Level talks, can genuine and permanent peace be achieved. To reach sustainable peace, there must be mutual respect, mutual trust building, and cooperation in implementing the ceasefire agreements, not only in words but through practical action.
During President Thein Sein’s inaugural speech, he laid down plans for reform and stated that to establish lasting peace in the country, the three basic principles of peace, stability, and development must be accepted and established to pave the way for reform.
However, unless there is genuine peace that ensures long-term stability, development projects will bring no sustainable benefit to the people. In Kachin State, during 17 years of ceasefire, large numbers of development projects were set up in Kachin State, but after the breakdown of the ceasefire, a total of 25 bridges were destroyed, 100,000 refugees and IDPs had to flee from their homes, and more than 50 schools had to be closed down. Based on the Kachin people’s experience, it can be concluded that without political settlement that ensures equality for everyone, there can be no sustainable development for the people of Burma..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karenni Civil Societies Network (KCSN) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (319K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 November 2012 |
|
|