DOCSLIB.ORG

Bullets in the Alms Bowl

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

BULLETS IN THE ALMS BOWL An Analysis of the Brutal SPDC Suppression of the September 2007 Saffron Revolution March 2008 This report is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives for their part in the September 2007 pro-democracy protests in the struggle for justice and democracy in Burma. May that memory not fade May your death not be in vain May our voices never be silenced Bullets in the Alms Bowl An Analysis of the Brutal SPDC Suppression of the September 2007 Saffron Revolution Written, edited and published by the Human Rights Documentation Unit March 2008 © Copyright March 2008 by the Human Rights Documentation Unit The Human Rights Documentation Unit (HRDU) is indebted to all those who had the courage to not only participate in the September protests, but also to share their stories with us and in doing so made this report possible. The HRDU would like to thank those individuals and organizations who provided us with information and helped to confirm many of the reports that we received. Though we cannot mention many of you by name, we are grateful for your support. The HRDU would also like to thank the Irish Government who funded the publication of this report through its Department of Foreign Affairs. Front Cover: A procession of Buddhist monks marching through downtown Rangoon on 27 September 2007. Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, the SPDC cracked down on protestors with disproportionate lethal force [© EPA]. Rear Cover (clockwise from top): An assembly of Buddhist monks stage a peaceful protest before a police barricade near Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon on 26 September 2007 [© Reuters]; Security personnel stepped up security at key locations around Rangoon on 28 September 2007 in preparation for further protests [© Reuters]; A Buddhist monk holding a placard which carried the message on the minds of all protestors, Sangha and civilian alike. [unknown]. Bullets in the Alms Bowl was published by HRDU; © HRDU March 2008. All contents of this report may be freely reproduced or distributed for non-commercial purposes or quoted for media and other related uses, provided that which is reproduced is properly acknowledged. This report was produced on a non-profit basis and is not for commercial sale. As a professional courtesy, HRDU would appreciate copies of any materials in which excerpts from this report are used. The Human Rights Documentation Unit (HRDU) is the research and documentation department of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). This report, along with all other reports published by the HRDU may be viewed on the NCGUB website at www.ncgub.net. Questions or comments can be submitted to the HRDU by email at [email protected]. BULLETS IN THE ALMS BOWL Table of Contents Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………….. 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations ………………………………………………… 3 Maps ………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Map of Burma Showing Protest Locations ………………………………….. 6 Map of Rangoon ………………………………………………………………. 7 I. Executive Summary ………………………………………………………….. 9 II. Government by Exploitation: The Burmese Way to Capitalism? ….... 15 Macroeconomic Policy ………………………………………………………... 17 Fiscal Policy …………………………………………………………………. 17 Monetary Policy …………………………………………………………….. 20 The Economic Cost of Militarization …………………………………………. 24 The Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back ……………………………………. 27 III. Growing Discontent: The Economic Protests ……..…………………... 31 Early Signs of Dissatisfaction ………………………………………………… 31 Protesting the Fuel Price Rise ……………………………………………….. 32 IV. The Saffron Revolution ………..…………………………………………… 37 The SPDC and the Sangha …………………………………………………... 37 Interdependence of the Monastic and Lay Communities …………………. 38 Pakokku and the Call of Excommunication ………………………………… 40 Nationwide Protests Declared ……………………………………………….. 43 V. Crackdown on the Streets ……...………………………………………….. 49 Wednesday, 26 September 2007 ……………………………………………. 49 Shwedagon Pagoda ………………………………………………………... 49 Downtown Rangoon ………………………………………………………... 54 Thakin Mya Park ……………………………………………………………. 56 Yankin Post Office ………………………………………………………….. 58 Thursday, 27 September 2007 ………………………………………………. 58 South Okkalapa Township ………………………………………………… 58 Sule Pagoda ………………………………………………………………… 62 Pansodan Road Bridge ……………………………………………………. 65 Thakin Mya Park ……………………………………………………………. 66 Tamwe Township State High School No.3 ………………………………. 67 Friday, 28 September 2007 …………………………………………………... 72 Pansodan Road ………………….…………………………………………. 74 Pazundaung Township …………………………………………………….. 74 Latha Township …………………………………………………………….. 75 Saturday, 29 September 2007, onwards ……………………………………. 75 1 Human Rights Documentation Unit VI. The Monastery Raids .……………………………………………………… 79 Invitations to ‘Breakfast’ ………………………………………………………. 81 Maggin Monastery …………………………………………………………….. 81 Ngwe Kyar Yan Monastery …………………………………………………… 83 Additional Raids in Okkalapa ………………………………………………… 86 Thaketa Township …………………………………………………………….. 88 Raids in Other Locations around the Country ……………………………… 89 Arakan State ………………………………………………………………… 89 Mandalay Division ………………………………………………………….. 89 Kachin State ………………………………………………………………… 90 Continued Raids ……………………………………………………………….. 92 VII. A Witch Hunt ……………….……………………………………………….. 93 Night Time Abductions ………………………………………………………... 95 Arrested for Harbouring ………………………………………………………. 99 Arrests in Lieu Of Others ……………………………………………………… 101 Collective Punishment of Entire Neighbourhoods …………………………. 103 Release of Detainees …………………………………………………………. 106 Continuing Arrest and Detention of Political Activists …………...………… 109 VIII. Judicial Procedure and Conditions of Detention ……………………. 111 Prolonged Detention without Charge ………………………………………... 112 Judicial Procedure …………………………………………………………….. 116 Conditions of Detention ……………………………………………………….. 119 Interrogation and Torture of Detainees ……………………………………… 123 Denial of Medical Care ………………………………………………………... 131 Deaths in Custody …………………………………………………………….. 133 Treatment of Monks ……………………………………………………………. 136 IX. Analysis of the Crackdown: Intent to Brutalise, Cover Up and Discredit 139 Hired Thugs ……………………………………………………………………. 143 Targeted and Intentional Killings …………………………………………….. 147 Removal of the Dead and Wounded ………………………………………… 149 Treatment of the Injured ………………………………………………………. 150 Secret Cremations …………………………………………………………….. 153 Suppression of Information …………………………………………………… 156 The Internet …………………………………………………………………. 156 Telephone Networks Severed …………………………………………….. 159 The National Press …………………………………………………………. 159 Deliberate Targeting of Journalists ……………………………………….. 161 Providing Information to the Media ……………………………………….. 164 Defamation of the Sangha ……………………………………………………. 165 The Pro-SPDC Rallies ………………………………………………………… 167 X. Conclusion ………………...………………………………………………….. 169 XI. Recommendations ………………………….…..…………………………… 175 2 BULLETS IN THE ALMS BOWL Acronyms and Abbreviations Acronyms AAPPB Assistance Association for Political Prisoners in Burma ABFSU All Burma Federation of Student Unions ABMA All Burma Monks Alliance ADB Asian Development Bank AFP Agence France Presse AHRC Asian Human Rights Commission AI Amnesty International AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AP Associated Press APPPB Asia Pacific Peoples Partnership on Burma ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations BBC British Broadcasting Corporation BCUK Burma Campaign UK BEW Burma Economic Watch BSI Bureau of Special Investigation BSPP Burmese Socialist Program Party CCSDPT Committee for the Coordination of Services for Displaced Persons in Thailand CID Criminal Investigation Department CNG Compressed Natural Gas CNN Cable News Network DVB Democratic Voice of Burma EPA European Pressphoto Agency EU European Union FIDH International Federation for Human Rights GDP Gross Domestic Product GTI Government Technical Institute HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HRC Human Rights Council HRDP Human Rights Defenders and Promoters HRDU Human Rights Documentation Unit HRW Human Rights Watch IB Infantry Battalion ILO International Labour Organization IMF International Monetary Fund IMNA Independent Mon News Agency INGO International Non-Government Organization IPS Inter Press Service ISP Internet Service Provider ITUC International Trade Union Confederation KHRG Karen Human Rights Group KNG Kachin News Group KNLA Karen National Liberation Army KNU Karen National Union 3 Human Rights Documentation Unit LID Light Infantry Division MDC Myanmar Development Committee MEC Myanmar Economic Corporation MIC Myanmar Investment Commission NaSaKa Burma Border Security Force (Western border) NCGUB National Coalition Government Of The Union Of Burma NDD Network for Democracy and Development NGO Non-Government Organization NLD National League for Democracy NLM New Light of Myanmar NPED National Planning and Economic Development OHCHR Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights PDC Political Defiance Committee PSRD Press Scrutiny and Relations Department RFA Radio Free Asia RSF Reporters Sans Frontieres SAS Swan Arr Shin; ‘masters of physical force’ SaYaPa Military Security Force military intelligence SB Special Branch (of police) SCUK Save the Children Foundation - UK SEAPA South East Asian Press Alliance SESG Special Envoy of the Secretary General SHAN Shan Herald Agency for News SMNC Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee SPDC State Peace and Development Council TPDC Township Peace and Development Council UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights UMEH Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Program
Recommended publications
  • Crimes in Burma

    Crimes in Burma

    Crimes in Burma A Report By Table of Contents Preface iii Executive Summary 1 Methodology 5 I. History of Burma 7 A. Early History and Independence in 1948 7 B. Military Rule: 1962-1988 9 C. The 1988 Popular Uprising and Democratic Elections in 1990 11 D. Military Rule Since 1988 12 II. International Criminal Law Framework 21 A. Crimes Against Humanity: Chapeau or Common Elements 24 B. War Crimes: Chapeau or Common Elements 27 C. Enumerated or Prohibited Acts 30 III. Human Rights Violations in Burma 37 A. Forced Displacement 39 B. Sexual Violence 51 C. Extrajudicial Killings and Torture 64 D. Legal Evaluation 74 ii Preface IV. Precedents for Action 77 A. The Security Council’s Chapter VII Powers 78 B. The Former Yugoslavia 80 C. Rwanda 82 D. Darfur 84 E. Burma 86 Conclusion 91 Appendix 93 Acknowledgments 103 Preface For many years, the world has watched with horror as the human rights nightmare in Burma has unfolded under military rule. The struggle for democracy of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners since 1988 has captured the imagination of people around the world. The strength of Buddhist monks and their Saffron Revolution in 2007 brought Burma to the international community’s attention yet again. But a lesser known story—one just as appalling in terms of human rights—has been occurring in Burma over the past decade and a half: epidemic levels of forced labor in the 1990s, the recruitment of tens of thousands of child soldiers, widespread sexual violence, extrajudicial killings and torture, and more than a million displaced persons.
  • Q&A on Elections in BURMA

    Q&A on Elections in BURMA

    Q&A ON ELECTIONS IN BURMA PHOTOGRapHS BY PLATON Q&A ON ELECTIONS IN BuRma INTRODUCTION PHOTOGRapHS BY PLATON Burma will hold multi-party elections on November 7, 2010, the first in 20 years. Some contend the elections could spark a gradual process of democratization and the opening of civil society space in Burma. Human Rights Watch believes that the elections must be seen in the context of the Burmese military government’s carefully manufactured electoral process over many years that is designed to ensure continued military rule, albeit with a civilian façade. The generals’ “Road Map to Disciplined Democracy” has been a path filled with human rights violations: the brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in 2007, the doubling of the number of political prisoners in Burma since then to more than 2000, the marginalization of WIN MIN, CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER ethnic minority communities in border areas, a rewritten constitution that A medical student at the time, Win undermines rights and guarantees continued military rule, and carefully Min became a leader of the 1988 constructed electoral laws that subtly bar the main opposition candidates. pro-democracy demonstrations in Burma. After years fighting in the jungle, Win Min has become one of the This political repression takes place in an environment that already sharply restricts most articulate intellectuals in exile. freedom of association, assembly, and expression. Burma’s media is tightly controlled Educated at Harvard University, he is by the authorities, and many media outlets trying to report on the elections have been now one of the driving forces behind an innovative collective called the Vahu (in reduced to reporting on official announcements’ and interviews with party leaders: no Burmese: Plural) Development Institute, public opinion or opposition is permitted.
  • 5D4n Magnificent Mandalay

    5D4n Magnificent Mandalay

    5 Days 4 Nights Magnificent Mandalay TOUR CODE: MAI - MDL Day 01 Singapore - Yangon (Dinner) Upon arrival, a warm welcome by our local guide at the arrival hall where she will assist and arrange your transfers to your selected hotel for check in. After check-in, a wonderful dinner invitation awaits you at a restaurant located on the Royal Lake. It is built in the style of Royal Barge used by Myanmar Kings for official functions and festivities. Day 02 Yangon - Mandalay (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Early in the morning to start to catch your domestic flight to Mandalay - the old and historic capital of Myanmar last Kingdom and their monarchs and be treated to a full day sightseeing by coach. Tour highlights includes Gold Leaf Hammering, and Mandalay’s Mahamuni Pagoda (it also known as Payagyi (Big Paya) or Rakhaing Paya)- with its spectacular Buddha image completely covered in 15cm thick layers of gold leaf, it is a must see on your list! Lunch at a local Burmese restaurant will brighten and energies all. Your exclusive tour continues with a visit to Myanmar ancient monarchs Royal Palace. Another must visit the Shwenandaw Monastery - noted for its exquisite wood carvings, Atumashi Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda - known as the world’s largest book from its 729 marble engraved with Buddhist scriptures will definitely offer an awe inspiring experience for one and all. The evening ends with a breath taking view offered at Mandalay Hill, where almost all Burmese come for a panoramic view of the city. Another sumptuous dinner prepared with you in mind at a local restaurant.
  • B U R M a B U L L E T

    B U R M a B U L L E T

    B U R M A B U L L E T I N ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞A month-in-review of events in Burma∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A campaigns, advocacy & capacity-building for human rights & democracy Issue 20 August 2008 • Fearing a wave of demonstrations commemorating th IN THIS ISSUE the 20 anniversary of the nationwide uprising, the SPDC embarks on a massive crackdown on political KEY STORY activists. The regime arrests 71 activists, including 1 August crackdown eight NLD members, two elected MPs, and three 2 Activists arrested Buddhist monks. 2 Prison sentences • Despite the regime’s crackdown, students, workers, 3 Monks targeted and ordinary citizens across Burma carry out INSIDE BURMA peaceful demonstrations, activities, and acts of 3 8-8-8 Demonstrations defiance against the SPDC to commemorate 8-8-88. 4 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 4 Cyclone Nargis aid • Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is allowed to meet with her 5 Cyclone camps close lawyer for the first time in five years. She also 5 SPDC aid windfall receives a visit from her doctor. Daw Suu is rumored 5 Floods to have started a hunger strike. 5 More trucks from China • UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma HUMAN RIGHTS 5 Ojea Quintana goes to Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana makes his first visit to the 6 Rape of ethnic women country. The SPDC controls his meeting agenda and restricts his freedom of movement.
  • Report (The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar Crisis)

    Report (The UK Government's Response to the Myanmar Crisis)

    House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee The UK Government’s Response to the Myanmar Crisis Fourth Report of Session 2021–22 Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 13 July 2021 HC 203 Published on 16 July 2021 by authority of the House of Commons The Foreign Affairs Committee The Foreign Affairs Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and its associated public bodies. Current membership Tom Tugendhat MP (Conservative, Tonbridge and Malling) (Chair) Chris Bryant MP (Labour, Rhondda) Neil Coyle MP (Labour, Bermondsey and Old Southwark) Alicia Kearns MP (Conservative, Rutland and Melton) Stewart Malcolm McDonald MP (Scottish National Party, Glasgow South) Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative, Romford) Bob Seely MP (Conservative, Isle of Wight) Henry Smith MP (Conservative, Crawley) Royston Smith MP (Conservative, Southampton, Itchen) Graham Stringer MP (Labour, Blackley and Broughton) Claudia Webbe MP (Independent, Leicester East) Powers The Committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk. Publication © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021. This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament Licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright-parliament/.
  • B COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 194/2008 of 25

    B COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 194/2008 of 25

    2008R0194 — EN — 23.12.2009 — 004.001 — 1 This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents ►B COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 194/2008 of 25 February 2008 renewing and strengthening the restrictive measures in respect of Burma/Myanmar and repealing Regulation (EC) No 817/2006 (OJ L 66, 10.3.2008, p. 1) Amended by: Official Journal No page date ►M1 Commission Regulation (EC) No 385/2008 of 29 April 2008 L 116 5 30.4.2008 ►M2 Commission Regulation (EC) No 353/2009 of 28 April 2009 L 108 20 29.4.2009 ►M3 Commission Regulation (EC) No 747/2009 of 14 August 2009 L 212 10 15.8.2009 ►M4 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1267/2009 of 18 December 2009 L 339 24 22.12.2009 Corrected by: ►C1 Corrigendum, OJ L 198, 26.7.2008, p. 74 (385/2008) 2008R0194 — EN — 23.12.2009 — 004.001 — 2 ▼B COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 194/2008 of 25 February 2008 renewing and strengthening the restrictive measures in respect of Burma/Myanmar and repealing Regulation (EC) No 817/2006 THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 60 and 301 thereof, Having regard to Common Position 2007/750/CFSP of 19 November 2007 amending Common Position 2006/318/CFSP renewing restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar (1), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) On 28 October 1996, the Council, concerned at the absence of progress towards democratisation and at the continuing violation of human rights in Burma/Myanmar, imposed certain restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar by Common Position 1996/635/CFSP (2).
  • Burma – Myanmar

    Burma – Myanmar

    BURMA COUNTRY READER TABLE OF CONTENTS Jerome Holloway 1947-1949 Vice Consul, Rangoon Edwin Webb Martin 1950-1051 Consular Officer, Rangoon Joseph A. Mendenhall 1955-1957 Economic Officer, Office of Southeast Asian Affairs, Washington DC William C. Hamilton 1957-1959 Political Officer, Rangoon Arthur W. Hummel, Jr. 1957-1961 Public Affairs Officer, USIS, Rangoon Kenneth A. Guenther 1958-1959 Rangoon University, Rangoon Cliff Forster 1958-1960 Information Officer, USIS, Rangoon Morton Smith 1958-1963 Public Affairs Officer, USIS, Rangoon Morton I. Abramowitz 1959 Temporary Duty, Economic Officer, Rangoon Jack Shellenberger 1959-1962 Branch Public Affairs Officer, USIS, Moulmein John R. O’Brien 1960-1962 Public Affairs Officer, USIS, Rangoon Robert Mark Ward 1961 Assistant Desk Officer, USAID, Washington, DC George M. Barbis 1961-1963 Analyst for Thailand and Burma, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Washington DC Robert S. Steven 1962-1964 Economic Officer, Rangoon Ralph J. Katrosh 1962-1965 Political Officer, Rangoon Ruth McLendon 1962-1966 Political/Consular Officer, Rangoon Henry Byroade 1963-1969 Ambassador, Burma 1 John A. Lacey 1965-1966 Burma-Cambodia Desk Officer, Washington DC Cliff Southard 1966-1969 Public Affairs Officer, USIS, Rangoon Edward C. Ingraham 1967-1970 Political Counselor, Rangoon Arthur W. Hummel Jr. 1968-1971 Ambassador, Burma Robert J. Martens 1969-1970 Political – Economic Officer, Rangoon G. Eugene Martin 1969-1971 Consular Officer, Rangoon 1971-1973 Burma Desk Officer, Washington DC Edwin Webb Martin 1971-1973 Ambassador, Burma John A. Lacey 1972-1975 Deputy Chief of Mission, Rangoon James A. Klemstine 1973-1976 Thailand-Burma Desk Officer, Washington DC Frank P. Coward 1973-1978 Cultural Affairs Officer, USIS, Rangoon Richard M.
  • In Burma, Transition Neglects Press Freedom a Special Report by the Committee to Protect Journalists

    In Burma, Transition Neglects Press Freedom a Special Report by the Committee to Protect Journalists

    In Burma, transition neglects press freedom A special report by the Committee to Protect Journalists Committee to Protect Journalists In Burma, transition neglects press freedom Thein Sein’s new civilian government has promised reform, but authorities continue to censor and imprison journalists. Those who report for critical, exile-run media remain at great risk. A CPJ special report by Shawn W. Crispin Burma is at a crossroads between a tradition of military control and prospects for a democratic future. (AP/Khin Maung Win) Published September 20, 2011 Away from the probing surveillance of Special Branch intelligence agents, a Burmese editor ticks off the recent stories the Press Scrutiny and Registration Department, Burma’s powerful state censorship body, would not allow him to publish. The banned topics were wide-ranging: volatility in fuel prices; recent land purchases by Chinese investors around the city of Mandalay; a shortage of fresh water near a southern coast development. After his paper published a seemingly innocuous story about the falling price of SIM cards—without the censors’ approval—authorities reacted swiftly in suspending the publication for two weeks. “We are pushing the limits as much as we can,” said the editor during a recent trip to Bangkok. As a small sign of success, he pointed to the publication of a recent series on the struggles of farmers facing high debts. But the censorship process remains arbitrary, intensive, and highly restrictive. “It’s like fighting with a spear while on horseback to get news published. … We must prepare many extra stories each week to fill the spaces for stories that will inevitably be cut,” said the editor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of government reprisal.
  • The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH

    The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH

    Burma HUMAN The Resistance of the Monks RIGHTS Buddhism and Activism in Burma WATCH The Resistance of the Monks Buddhism and Activism in Burma Copyright © 2009 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 1-56432-544-X Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th floor New York, NY 10118-3299 USA Tel: +1 212 290 4700, Fax: +1 212 736 1300 [email protected] Poststraße 4-5 10178 Berlin, Germany Tel: +49 30 2593 06-10, Fax: +49 30 2593 0629 [email protected] Avenue des Gaulois, 7 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: + 32 (2) 732 2009, Fax: + 32 (2) 732 0471 [email protected] 64-66 Rue de Lausanne 1202 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 738 0481, Fax: +41 22 738 1791 [email protected] 2-12 Pentonville Road, 2nd Floor London N1 9HF, UK Tel: +44 20 7713 1995, Fax: +44 20 7713 1800 [email protected] 27 Rue de Lisbonne 75008 Paris, France Tel: +33 (1)43 59 55 35, Fax: +33 (1) 43 59 55 22 [email protected] 1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, DC 20009 USA Tel: +1 202 612 4321, Fax: +1 202 612 4333 [email protected] Web Site Address: http://www.hrw.org September 2009 1-56432-544-X The Resistance of the Monks Buddhism and Activism in Burma I. Summary and Key Recommendations....................................................................................... 1 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 26 II. Burma: A Long Tradition of Buddhist Activism ....................................................................... 27 Buddhism in Independent Burma During the Parliamentary Period ...................................... 33 Buddhism and the State After the 1962 Military Takeover ...................................................
  • Myanmar-Government-Projects.Pdf

    Myanmar-Government-Projects.Pdf

    Planned Total Implementing Date Date Last Project Project Planned Funding Financing Tender Developer Sector Sr. Project ID Description Expected Benefits End Project Government Ministry Townships Sectors MSDP Alignment Project URL Created Modified Title Status Start Date Sources Information Date Name Categories Date Cost Agency The project will involve redevelopment of a 25.7-hectare site The project will provide a safe, efficient and around the Yangon Central Railway Station into a new central comfortable transport hub while preserving the transport hub surrounded by housing and commercial heritage value of the Yangon Central Railway Station amenities. The transport hub will blend heritage and modern and other nearby landmarks. It will be Myanmar’s first development by preserving the historic old railway station main ever transit-oriented development (TOD) – bringing building, dating back in 1954, and linking it to a new station residential, business and leisure facilities within a constructed above the rail tracks. The mixed-use development walking distance of a major transport interchange. will consist of six different zones to include a high-end Although YCR railway line have been upgraded, the commercial district, office towers, condominiums, business image and performance of existing railway stations are hotels and serviced apartments, as well as a green park and a still poor and low passenger services. For that railway museum. reason, YCR stations are needed to be designed as Yangon Circular Railway Line was established in 1954 and it has attractive, comfortable and harmonized with city been supporting forYangon City public transportation since last development. On the other hand, we also aligned the 60 years ago.
  • IPNI Library As References

    IPNI Library As References

    International Plant Nutrition Institute Regional Office • Southeast Asia Date: September 15, 2017 Page: 1 of 109 New Entries to IPNI Library as References [1] J. Hawksworth, H. Audino, R. Clarry, Secondary J. Hawksworth, H. Audino, R. Clarry. 2017. The Long View: How will the global economic order change by 2050? Page 1 - 72. Reference ID: 23486 Note: H 8.1.1.5 #23486e Abstract: After a year of major political shocks with the Brexit vote and the election of President Trump, it might seem brave to opine on economic prospects for 2017, let alone 2050. However, I still think it is important to take a longer term view of global economic prospects that looks beyond the short-term ups and downs of the economic and political cycle, which are indeed very difficult to forecast. Instead our approach in this report, based on a rigorous modelling approach, focuses on the fundamental drivers of growth: demographics and productivity, which in turn is driven by technological progress and diffused through international trade and investment. Such forces saw America progress through the 19th and early 20th centuries to become the largest economy in the world despite a civil war, various other conflicts with foreign powers, three presidential assassinations, and numerous economic and financial crises. These forces also helped global economic growth to bounce back strongly from two world wars and a Great Depression to reach record levels in the post-war decades. Looking ahead, we think they will see emerging economies come to dominate the 21st century. By 2050 we project China will be the largest economy in the world by a significant margin, while India could have edged past the US into second place and Indonesia have risen to fourth place.
  • UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, IRVINE The

    UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, IRVINE The

    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE The Intersection of Economic Development, Land, and Human Rights Law in Political Transitions: The Case of Burma THESIS submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in Social Ecology by Lauren Gruber Thesis Committee: Professor Scott Bollens, Chair Associate Professor Victoria Basolo Professor David Smith 2014 © Lauren Gruber 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF MAPS iv LIST OF TABLES v ACNKOWLEDGEMENTS vi ABSTRACT OF THESIS vii INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER 1: Historical Background 1 Late 20th Century and Early 21st Century Political Transition 3 Scope 12 CHAPTER 2: Research Question 13 CHAPTER 3: Methods 13 Primary Sources 14 March 2013 International Justice Clinic Trip to Burma 14 Civil Society 17 Lawyers 17 Academics and Politicians 18 Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations 19 Transitional Justice 21 Basic Needs 22 Themes 23 Other Primary Sources 23 Secondary Sources 24 Limitations 24 CHAPTER 4: Literature Review Political Transitions 27 Land and Property Law and Policy 31 Burmese Legal Framework 35 The 2008 Constitution 35 Domestic Law 36 International Law 38 Private Property Rights 40 Foreign Investment: Sino-Burmese Relations 43 CHAPTER 5: Case Studies: The Letpadaung Copper Mine and the Myitsone Dam -- Balancing Economic Development with Human ii Rights and Property and Land Laws 47 November 29, 2012: The Letpadaung Copper Mine State Violence 47 The Myitsone Dam 53 CHAPTER 6: Legal Analysis of Land Rights in Burma 57 Land Rights Provided by the Constitution 57