ND Burma
ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. The 13 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to advocate for justice for victims. ND-Burma trains local organizations in human rights documentation; coordinates members’ input into a common database using Martus, a secure open-source software; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns.
Recent Posts
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- Myanmar National Organizing Committee for ACSC/APF ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum 2024
- Human Rights Situation weekly update (September 1 to 7, 2024)
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ND-Burma June Justice newsletter
/in Justice NewslettersJune 2017
ND-Burma calls on Government to end torture and address needs of survivors in order to build peace and democracy
To mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, ND-Burma co-organized an event in Yangon with the Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), the Women’s League of Burma (WLB), the Vimutti Women’s Organization (VWO), and Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR). At the event torture survivors and civil society organizations working with them gave their testimonies and outlined what support the Government needs to provide in order for victims to rebuild their lives.
Survivors and civil society organizations documenting human rights abuses stressed that torture is an ongoing practice in Burma and is especially prevalent in ethnic nationality areas. The organizers called on the Government to put an end to state sanctioned torture, to sign the UN Convention Against Torture, and to include the issue of reparations and rehabilitation for torture survivors in peace process discussions. The first Burmese translation of the UN Convention Against Torture was also launched at the event.
The full statement released on the day can be found here.
ND-Burma joins 60 rights organizations in calling for repeal of 66d
On 29 June ND-Burma joined 60 local and international right organizations in calling on the Government to repeal the vaguely worded Article 66d of the Telecommunications Law, which has repeatedly been used to stifle criticism of the Government and the military.
The Committee to Protect Journalists had earlier this month said it had received assurances from the Ministry of Information that the Government would be removing the most punitive elements of the law. However, the law continued to be used to silence journalists in June. This month also saw three journalistsarrested under the Unlawful Association Act 17(1) for meeting with ethnic armed organizations while reporting on a story.
AAPP Joint General Secretary Bo Kyi wrote a piece in the Irrawaddy criticising 66d.
ND-Burma holds 3rd Reparations Workshop
ND-Burma and its Reparations Working Group held their 3rd Reparations workshop in Yangon on 8-10 June. Members discussed their findings from the victim needs assessments they have been conducting across Burma over the last 6 months. These found that survivors and their families predominantly want recognition of what happened, rehabilitation to rebuild their lives, and reform of laws and institutions to ensure Burma finally puts an end to systemic human rights violations. Members therefore reiterated the Working Group’s focus on reparations as opposed to criminal justice.
The Reparations Working Group is made up of ND-Burma’s 13 members as well as the following civil society organizations: Genuine Public Servants, Open Myanmar Initiative, Vimutti Women’s Organization, Future Light Center and the ‘88 Generation, as well as independent human rights activists.
Civil society organizations demand end to impunity for rape
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on 16 June a number of local groups advocating for women’s rights held an event in Yangon which highlighted that rape by security forces continues unpunished in Burma.
Nang Pu, founder of the Kachin State Women’s Network and Director of the Kachin-based Htoi Gender and Development Foundation, said: “Not taking action against the perpetrators is the same as allowing them to commit rape.”
Women political prisoners demand recognition of their contribution to democracy
On 21 June, ND-Burma Reparations Working Group member the Vimutti Women Organization held anevent In Yangon bringing together former women political prisoners who called for recognition of the sacrifices they have made in the struggle for democracy. Former prisoner of conscience Daw Aye Aye Than said: “People think we have gained democracy easily, but we believe people, especially the younger generation, should know that such achievements have been yielded from those who made sacrifices.”
The Vimutti Women Organization provides psychosocial support to former women political prisoners and their families.
Government probe begins into unused land confiscated from farmers;
Farmers in Magway region compensated for seized land;
Kachin parliament votes to return vacant seized lands
In a positive move, the end of June saw the start of a Government investigation into whether 140 acres of land seized by former government officials in Dekkhinathiri, Naypyitaw, should be returned to their original owners. The Committee on Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands is investigating to see whether the land is being cultivated and if not may be able to return it to the farmers under the Vacant Land Management Law. The farmers say they received very little or no compensation from the former officials. Lower House Speaker U Win Myint said: “I ask this to demand fairness and justice for those who had their lands confiscated unfairly.”
As of March 2017 the Central Review Committee on Confiscated Farm Lands had received a total of 3,980 complaints, of which it has settled 212.
June also saw a number of farmers being compensated for land that had been seized in Magway region to make space for housing for Government officials. The Kachin parliament also voted to reclaim vacant land that was seized and redistribute it to the original owners.
About ND-Burma
ND-Burma is a 13-member organization whose members represent a range of ethnic nationalities, as well as women and the LGBTI community. We have been documenting human rights abuses and fighting for justice for victims since 2004.
Affiliate Members
Myanmar: Repeal Section 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Law
/in Press Releases and StatementsMyanmar: Repeal Section 66(d) of the 2013 Telecommunications Law
Joint statement by 61 Myanmar and international human rights organizations
Concerned by reports that the Myanmar authorities will retain the criminal defamation provision of Section 66(d) during a review of the Telecommunications Law, 61 national and international human rights organizations are urging the Myanmar authorities, and in particular the Ministry of Transport and Communication and the Parliament, to ensure it is repealed in the amended law.
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International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Event
/in Photo news[metaslider id=2567]
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2017
/in Press Releases and StatementsInternational Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2017
Ending Torture, Addressing the Needs of Survivors
is Key to Building Peace and Democracy
Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma (ND-Burma), the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), Women’s League of Burma (WLB), the Vimutti Women’s Organization (VWO) and Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) are calling for an end to torture, and for rehabilitation of torture survivors.
ND-Burma, AAPP, WLB, VWO and AJAR are jointly organising a public event in Yangon (14:00-16:00 at Royal Rose Restaurant, Shwegondine, Bahan, Yangon) to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. At the event torture survivors, and civil society organizations working with them, will share about their experiences and what can be done to assist victims of torture. The Burmese language version of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) will also be launched by AAPP at the event.
Torture is not a practice of the past; it continues to be used in Myanmar by State and non-State actors. The rise in reports of torture in ethnic areas affected by current conflicts is especially troubling. Torture is still used during detention and interrogation, often in an effort to procure information or to force confessions. Villagers suspected of being affiliated with ethnic armed groups are frequently captured by military and tortured indiscriminately. Torture also includes acts of sexual violence. It is the government’s responsibility to stop and prevent torture in its jurisdiction.
The government must ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). It would be an important first step in eradicating torture in Myanmar. It would also be a symbolic pledge of solidarity with survivors.
Torture survivors have a right to reparations and support. Many face ongoing and serious health problems, which can lead to early and untimely death for some victims. Access to health care is an urgent need. Other needs include psychosocial support, vocational training, and public acknowledgement. Reparations and addressing the needs of torture survivors must be priorities of the government. They should be items for discussion in parliament and must be included in current peace process discussions.
In order to demonstrate its commitment to eliminating the practice of torture, we call on the government of Myanmar to implement the following recommendations:
We call on government and all non-State actor groups to stop practicing torture in any form.
Yangon, 26 June 2017
ND-Burma, AAPP, WLB, VWand AJAR
Contact persons:
About ND-Burma www.nd-burma.org
ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. Seven member organizations and nine affiliate organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to challenge the regime’s power through present-day advocacy as well as prepare for justice and accountability measures in a potential transition. ND-Burma conducts fieldwork trainings; coordinates members’ input into a common database using Martus, open-source software developed by Benetech; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns. When possible, ND-Burma also collaborates with other human rights organizations in all aspects of its work.
About Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) www.aappb.org
AAPP was founded in 2000 by former political prisoners living in exile on the Thai/Burma border. Since then, the organization has been run by former political prisoners, and has opened offices inside Myanmar in Rangoon and Mandalay. AAPP advocates and lobbies for the release of remaining political prisoners and for the improvement of the lives of political prisoners after their release. The various assistance programs for political prisoners and their family members are aimed at ensuring they have access to education, vocational trainings, mental health counseling and healthcare.
About Vimutti Women’s Organization (VWO)
Vimutti Women’s Organization (VWO) is a community-based organization, which was created in 2009. Vimutti is a Pali word (Myanmar ancient literature), which means “freedom”. All VWO members are socially minded volunteers. VWO is very active in communities doing social work, humanitarian support, and providing educational charity to children from poverty-stricken families. VWO is directly engaging with vulnerable people to create a healthy societal environment through research, advocacy, networking, and improving their collective capacity development. VWO has a special program for strengthening women former political prisoners.
About Women’s League of Burma (WLB) www.womenofburma.org
The Women’s League of Burma (WLB) is an umbrella organization comprised of 13 women’s organizations of different ethnic backgrounds from Burma. WLB was founded on 9th December 1999. Its mission is to work for women’s empowerment and advancement of the status of women, and to work for the increased participation of women in all spheres of society in the democracy movement, and in peace and national reconciliation process through capacity building, advocacy, research and documentation.
About Asia Justice And Rights (AJAR) www.asia-ajar.org
AJAR is a regional human rights organization based in Jakarta. AJAR works to increase the capacity of local and national organization in the fight against entrenched impunity and to contribute to building cultures based on accountability, justice and a willingness to learn from the root causes of mass human rights violations in Asia Pacific region.
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Invitation Letter for International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
/in NewsInternational Day in Support of Victims of Torture
We would like to cordially invites you to join the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture organized by VWO, AJAR, APPA, ND-Burma and WLB.
The event will held at the Royal Rose Restaurant, 221 Shwegondine, Yangon, from 02: 00 PM to 04:00 PM on 26.6.207.
We will distribute the Burmese version of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. We will have penal discussion and performance by the survivors of torture.
Note – We would like to request you all bring your translator as the event will be conducted in Burmese.
Place – Royal Rose Restaurant, Shwe Gontai, Yangon
Date – 26.6.2017
Time – 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM
3rd Reparation Workshop
/in Photo newsYangon
Organized by
Asia Justice and Rights
and
Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma