Hpakant's Tragedy
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Covid-19 Response Situation Report 3 | 1 May 2020
IOM MYANMAR COVID-19 RESPONSE SITUATION REPORT 3 | 1 MAY 2020 2,500 migrant per day to be allowed to return through the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border gate 16,324 migrants registered online in preparation to return through the Myawaddy-Mae Sot border gate 3,125 international migrants returned to Kachin State mainly from the People’s Republic of China Migrants preparing to return to their communities of origin following 21 days of quarantine at Myawaddy, Kayin State. © IOM 2020 SITUATION OVERVIEW The border with Thailand was expected to re-open on 1 May of China and through the Lweje border gate, according to data to allow a second large influx of migrants (estimated 20,000 from the Kachin State Government (695 internal migrants also to 50,000 returns). The Myanmar Government requested to returned from other states and regions of Myanmar). the Thai Government to only allow 2,500 returnees per day Returnees are being transported to Myitkyina, and from there, through the Myawaddy border gate; however, due to the to their communities of origin where they will stay in extension of the Emergency Decree in Thailand until 31 May, community-based facility quarantine centres. returns are delayed for a few more days to allow for the necessary arrangements to be put in place by Thai authorities. Government Ministries and Departments, the State Government, UN agencies and other actors supporting the COVID-19 response are closely observing the situation in order to quickly respond to potential large scale returns in the coming days. It is expected that approximately 2,000 returning migrants will be quarantined in Myawaddy, while the remainder will be transported from the border to their home communities for community-based quarantine. -
8.2.1.6 Zhejiang Fangyuan Wood Co., Ltd. 8.2.1.7 Shanghai New Sihe Wood Co., Ltd
Part A Global Witness Research and Investigations in China 2006-09 / 8 The Trade in Burmese Timber on China’s Eastern Seaboard 8.2.1.6 Zhejiang Fangyuan Wood Co., Ltd. 8.2.1.7 Shanghai New Sihe Wood Co., Ltd. “Discipline and Flexibility, the unity of the dichotomy in Shanghai New Sihe Wood Co., Ltd. is one of China’s Chinese traditional wisdom, reminds us of the enclosed largest producers of engineered flooring with an annual square doors in ancient courtyards that stand erect firmly output of 200,000 m2, at the time of Global Witness’ and persistently, which only when guided with a pair of 2 round knockers can open to a more capacious space.” visit, and planned to increase this to 500,000 m from Fangyuan company brochure, 2006 October 2006. All of the company’s production was destined for the export market. Production was focused Fangyuan is one of the leading companies in Nanxun on oak, padauk (Pterocarpus macrocarpus)e7 and teak Town, outside Shanghai, where about 200 companies from Burma, sourced by the Burma-China border and manufacturing wood products are located. In 2006, available at the time of Global Witness’ visit. One of Fangyuan specialised in flooring made from timber the company’s sales representatives explained that while sourced in Burma; 50% of its supply originated in New Sihe Wood had faced some problems with supply, Burma. It was also one of the few companies that due to the restrictions imposed by the Burmese told Global Witness that it had found it very difficult government, it was, “almost okay now”.212 to import timber across the Burma-China border As for certificates for legality or sustainability, the following the new restrictions. -
Grave Diggers a Report on Mining in Burma
GRAVE DIGGERS A REPORT ON MINING IN BURMA BY ROGER MOODY CONTENTS Abbreviations........................................................................................... 2 Map of Southeast Asia............................................................................. 3 Acknowledgments ................................................................................... 4 Author’s foreword ................................................................................... 5 Chapter One: Burma’s Mining at the Crossroads ................................... 7 Chapter Two: Summary Evaluation of Mining Companies in Burma .... 23 Chapter Three: Index of Mining Corporations ....................................... 29 Chapter Four: The Man with the Golden Arm ....................................... 43 Appendix I: The Problems with Copper.................................................. 53 Appendix II: Stripping Rubyland ............................................................. 59 Appendix III: HIV/AIDS, Heroin and Mining in Burma ........................... 61 Appendix IV: Interview with a former mining engineer ........................ 63 Appendix V: Observations from discussions with Burmese miners ....... 67 Endnotes .................................................................................................. 68 Cover: Workers at Hpakant Gem Mine, Kachin State (Photo: Burma Centrum Nederland) A Report on Mining in Burma — 1 Abbreviations ASE – Alberta Stock Exchange DGSE - Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration (Burma) -
THE STATE of LOCAL GOVERNANCE: TRENDS in KACHIN Photo Credits
Local Governance Mapping THE STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE: TRENDS IN KACHIN Photo credits Mike Adair Emilie Röell Myanmar Survey Research A photo record of the UNDP Governance Mapping Trip for Kachin State. Travel to Tanai, Putao, Momauk and Myitkyina townships from Jan 6 to Jan 23, 2015 is available here: http://tinyurl.com/Kachin-Trip-2015 The views expressed in this publication are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of UNDP. Local Governance Mapping THE STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE: TRENDS IN KACHIN UNDP MYANMAR Table of Contents Acknowledgements II Acronyms III Executive Summary 1 1. Introduction 5 2. Kachin State 7 2.1 Kachin geography 9 2.2 Population distribution 10 2.3 Socio-economic dimensions 11 2.4 Some historical perspectives 13 2.5 Current security situation 18 2.6 State institutions 18 3. Methodology 24 3.1 Objectives of mapping 25 3.2 Mapping tools 25 3.3 Selected townships in Kachin 26 4. Governance at the front line – Findings on participation, responsiveness and accountability for service provision 27 4.1 Introduction to the townships 28 4.1.1 Overarching development priorities 33 4.1.2 Safety and security perceptions 34 4.1.3 Citizens’ views on overall improvements 36 4.1.4 Service Provider’s and people’s views on improvements and challenges in selected basic services 37 4.1.5 Issues pertaining to access services 54 4.2 Development planning and participation 57 4.2.1 Development committees 58 4.2.2 Planning and use of development funds 61 4.2.3 Challenges to township planning and participatory development 65 4.3 Information, transparency and accountability 67 4.3.1 Information at township level 67 4.3.2 TDSCs and TMACs as accountability mechanisms 69 4.3.3 WA/VTAs and W/VTSDCs 70 4.3.4 Grievances and disputes 75 4.3.5 Citizens’ awareness and freedom to express 78 4.3.6 Role of civil society organisations 81 5. -
Background Report for Identifying the Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Myanmar
Background report for identifying the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Myanmar 8 February 2017 Author: Gabrielle Kissinger Contributors: Phyu Phyu San, Franz Arnold, Dr. Myat Su Mon, Daw Naw Ei Ei Min Acknowledgements: The author would like to recognize the thoughtful contributions made by the following peer reviewers: Dr. Thaung Naing Oo, Dr. Myat Su Mon, and the members of the Members of Driver and Strategies TWG, including: Daw Aye Win, Daw Thida Aye, U Mg Mg Lwin, Daw Wint Wint Htun, Daw Chan Myae Nyein, U Nyunt Linn, U Than Swe, U Htin Aung Kyaw, U Paing Htet Thu, U Thu Rain Htay, Daw Thiri Sandar Zaw, Daw Naw Ei Ei Min, U Myo Ko Ko, Michael Howard, U A Moe Naing, U Naing Lin Oo, U Pe Chit, U Tint Khine, Dr. Yazar Min, U Thwar Kyint Khine, Dr. Chaw Chaw Sein, Dr. Nyunt Khaing, Daw Phyu Phyu Swe, U Thein Saung, U Myo Aung, U Htay Aung, U Tin Naing Soe. The following peer reviewers also contributed comments: Hugh Speechley, Kevin Woods, Richard Holloway, Alexandra Speidel, Davyth Stewart, Art Blundell, Alex Diment, Rob Tizzard, Ivo Mulder. 2 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 1. OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT 24 2. ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY 27 2.1 METHODOLOGY 31 3. DIRECT DRIVERS OF DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION 32 3.1. METHODOLOGY 32 3.2 FOREST COVER CHANGE AND COUNTRY CONTEXT 33 3.2.1 REGIONAL AND FOREST-TYPE PATTERNS OF NOTE 40 3.3 DRIVERS OF DEFORESTATION 44 3.3.1 AGRICULTURE 44 3.3.2 MINING 53 3.3.3 HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT 54 3.3.4 INFRASTRUCTURE (ROADS, PIPELINES, SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES, POWER LINES) 54 3.3.5 SUMMARY 54 3.4 DRIVERS OF FOREST DEGRADATION 55 3.4.1 ILLEGAL LOGGING 56 3.4.2 OVER-EXPLOITATION OF FOREST RESOURCES 57 3.4.3 FUEL WOOD USE 61 3.4.4 SHIFTING CULTIVATION 64 3.4.5 SUMMARY 66 3.5 ACTORS AND MOTIVATIONS 66 4. -
Conflict Dynamics and Protection of Civilians in Kachin State
PWG Update Conflict Dynamics and Protection of Civilians in Kachin State September 2016 Objectives: a) To provide an update on the Protection Analyses1 on the conflict dynamics in Kachin State, particularly as related to Protection of Civilians. b) To draw attention to the increased tension and conflict in close proximity to IDP camps and civilian residences and call on all parties to the conflict to respect the civilian character of these camps and communities. c) To facilitate, drive and inform discussion and response to Protection concerns in Kachin state within the PWG, the Inter Cluster Working Group, the AHCT and HCT, particularly in relation to Protection and Advocacy on key issues, including Emergency Preparedness; d) To provide a reminder and guidance of obligations to meet relevant international standards on the Protection of Civilians, with a particular focus on the responsibilities of parties to the conflict under International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law and Criminal Law. e) To initiate discussion and form the basis of a coordinated advocacy strategy by PWG and other relevant stakeholders. BACKGROUND Since the breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of fighting between the Myanmar Army and the KIA in Kachin State in 2011, several conflict related security and Protection trends have emerged including, but not limited to, use of landmines, use of heavy artillery in in proximity to civilian settlements and airstrikes as well as reports of increased human rights abuses targeting individuals. More than 91,000 people2 are currently forcibly displaced across Government Controlled Areas (GCA) and Non-Government Controlled Areas (NGCA) of Kachin. The PWG have been active throughout the conflict monitoring Protection concerns3. -
Earth Rights Abuses in Burma Exposed
Gaining Ground: Earth Rights Abuses in Burma Exposed Earth Rights School of Burma Class of 2008 Preface People can create a better world if they have the desire, enthusiasm and knowledge to do so. Furthermore, unity of thought and unity of action are needed in the international community to bring about positive changes and sustainable development around the globe. In a long list of important goals, eradication of poverty and protection and promotion of human rights and environmental rights are top priorities. People power is pivotal and improving the connections among individuals, organizations and governments is essential. Greater knowledge is important at every level and every actor in the international community must strive to create a better world in the future. Of course, this improvement would come from both local and global actions. In fact, to my knowledge, the students and EarthRights School (ERS) itself are trying their best to cooperate and to coordinate with the international community for the above-mentioned noble tasks. By starting from localized actions, many ethnic youths from various areas of Burma come, study and have been working together at ERS. They exchange their experiences and promote knowledge and expertise not only during their school term but also after they graduate and through practical work that improves society. In Burma, according to the international communitys highly-regarded research and field documents, human rights violations are rampant, poverty is too high, environmental issues are neglected and good governance is non-existent. This may be a normal situation under military dictatorships around the world but it is not a permanent situation and history has proved that if democratic people have enough power, things will change sooner or later. -
BURMESE JADE: the INSCRUTABLE GEM by Richard W
BURMESE JADE: THE INSCRUTABLE GEM By Richard W. Hughes, Olivier Galibert, George Bosshart, Fred Ward, Thet Oo, Mark Smith, Tay Thye Sun, and George E. Harlow The jadeite mines of Upper Burma (now Myanmar) occupy a privileged place in the If jade is discarded and pearls destroyed, petty thieves world of gems, as they are the principal source of top-grade material. This article, by the first will disappear, there being no valuables left to steal. foreign gemologists allowed into these impor- — From a dictionary published during the reign of tant mines in over 30 years, discusses the his- Emperor K’ang Hsi (1662–1722 AD) , as quoted by Gump, 1962 tory, location, and geology of the Myanmar jadeite deposits, and especially current mining erhaps no other gemstone has the same aura of mys- activities in the Hpakan region. Also detailed tery as Burmese jadeite. The mines’ remote jungle are the cutting, grading, and trading of location, which has been off-limits to foreigners for jadeite—in both Myanmar and China—as P well as treatments. The intent is to remove decades, is certainly a factor. Because of the monsoon rains, some of the mystery surrounding the Orient’s this area is essentially cut off from the rest of the world for most valued gem. several months of the year, and guerrilla activities have plagued the region since 1949 (Lintner, 1994). But of equal importance is that jade connoisseurship is almost strictly a Chinese phenomenon. People of the Orient have developed jade appreciation to a degree found nowhere else in the world, but this knowledge is largely locked away ABOUT THE AUTHORS in non-Roman-alphabet texts that are inaccessible to most Mr. -
South-East Asia Opium Survey 2012
Central Committee for Lao National Commission for Drug Abuse control Drug Control and Supervision Vienna International Centre, PO Box 500, 1400 Vienna, Austria Tel.: (+43-1) 26060-0, Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5866, www.unodc.org South-East Asia Opium survey 2012 Lao PDR, Myanmar CONTENTS PART 1 FACT SHEET – SOUTH-EAST ASIA OPIUM SURVEYS 2012 .............................................. 5 REGIONAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................. 7 PART 2 LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OPIUM SURVEY 2012.................................13 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 19 FINDINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 21 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................. 35 PART 3 MYANMAR OPIUM SURVEY 2012...........................................................................................41 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 47 FINDINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 49 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ -
They Block Everything
Cover: Border Post 6 camp for displaced “ civilians near the China border in Myanmar’s Kachin State. Myanmar government restrictions on humanitarian aid have resulted in shortages of blankets, clothing, THEY bedding, and other essential items, making harsh winters unnecessarily difficult for displaced civilians. ©James Higgins / Partners Relief and BLOCK Development, February 2016 EVERYTHING“ Avoidable Deprivations in Humanitarian Aid to Ethnic Civilians Displaced by War in Kachin State, Myanmar Fortify Rights works to ensure human rights for all. We investigate human rights violations, engage people with power on solutions, and strengthen the work of human rights defenders, affected communities, and civil society. We believe in the influence of evidence-based research, the power of strategic truth- telling, and the importance of working closely with individuals, communities, and movements pushing for change. We are an independent, nonprofit organization based in Southeast Asia and registered in the United States and Switzerland. TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8 METHODOLOGY � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17 BACKGROUND �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19 I. RESTRICTIONS ON HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25 II� IMPACTS OF AID RESTRICTIONS ON DISPLACED POPULATIONS IN KACHIN STATE� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � -
HEALTH CLUSTER BULLETIN January-April 2019 Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS)
HEALTH CLUSTER BULLETIN January-April 2019 Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS) Central review meeting on EWARS, Nay Pyi Taw. (18 December 2018) Photo: DPHERD Early Warning Alert and Response MoHS started the EWARS pilot in 7 townships in Rakhine State System (EWARS) is designed to implementation in Rakhine State namely Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Myebon, improve disease outbreak detection after a training in July 2016. Two and Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung and response in emergency settings. a half years later, Disaster & Public and Maungdaw in February 2019. It is complementary to the routine Health Emergency Response Division national surveillance system during facilitated a central level review On 15 March 2019, an EWARS emergency response. With the support meeting on EWARS in December 2018. orientation training was organized from WHO, the Ministry of Health and The meeting reviewed the results and in Nay Pyi Taw with the objective of Sports established EWARS in Myanmar. experiences from the pilot EWARS introducing EWARS to focal persons implementation in from Kachin, Kayin and Shan (North) Timeline of EWARS Myanmar Rakhine State. This States. The next step is to establish was followed by a EWARS in internally displaced persons state level review camps and conflict-affected areas of meeting in Sittwe Kachin State during this year. during February For more information, please contact: Dr Kyaw Khine San, Disaster and Public 2019. EWARS Health Emergency Response Division, cascade trainings Department of Public Health, Ministry were conducted of Health and Sports (DPHERD), [email protected] Public Health Information Services Highlights: WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care. -
Title Sino - Myanmar Relations (1752-1890)
Title Sino - Myanmar Relations (1752-1890) All Authors Kyaw Swe Nyunt Publication Type Local Publication Publisher (Journal name, Myitkyina University Reearch Journal, 2014, Vol.5, No.1 issue no., page no etc.) The Sino-Myanmar commercial, cultural and political relations began in the time of Pyus (Piao) and Tang Chinese (A.D 628-907). So, based on contemporary records in Myanmar, an attempt is made to describe border trade and political of the two countries during Konbaung and the colonial period. As it is seen, of the Abstract neighboring countries of Myanmar, China is the only country which plays an important role of for the foreign policy of Myanmar from the early time down to present day. The objective of this paper is also to mention the elements which motivated Sino-Myanmar relations between Yunnan province and Northern Myanmar (Kachin State). Keywords Sino-Myanmar relation, trade, commercial, political, routes Citation Issue Date 2014 Myitkyina University Reearch Journal, 2014, Vol.5, No.1 51 SINO - MYANMAR RELATIONS (1752-1890) Abstract The Sino-Myanmar commercial, cultural and political relations began in the time of Pyus (Piao) and Tang Chinese (A.D 628-907). So, based on contemporary records in Myanmar, an attempt is made to describe border trade and political of the two countries during Konbaung and the colonial period. As it is seen, of the neighboring countries of Myanmar, China is the only country which plays an important role of for the foreign policy of Myanmar from the early time down to present day. The objective of this paper is also to mention the elements which motivated Sino-Myanmar relations between Yunnan province and Northern Myanmar (Kachin State).