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Submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review Thirty-Seventh Session of the Working Group

July 15, 2020/in ND-Burma's Reports, Periodic Report

Executive Summary This submission by the Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma (ND-Burma) addresses the peace process and armed conflict in Myanmar. Using case-studies from our reports and briefing papers with documentation supported by our members, the sections provide situational context to the security concerns expressed by civilians and civil-society. The human rights situation in […]

Press Release: IDP Communities Struggling to Survive as COVID-19 Restrictions and Quarantine Measures Causing Destitution in Southeastern Burma/Myanmar

July 15, 2020/in Member statements

Human Rights Foundation of Monland For Immediate Release HURFOM, 15 July 2020: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in remote communities in southeast Burma/Myanmar are struggling to survive. COVID-19-related restrictions on the freedom of movement in these areas—often under the administration of multiple ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)—make it almost impossible for villagers to access livelihoods, generating looming food shortages, exacerbated by the start […]

Submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review Thirty-Seventh Session of the Working Group

July 15, 2020/in ND-Burma's Reports, Periodic Report

Press Release: IDP Communities Struggling to Survive as COVID-19 Restrictions and Quarantine Measures Causing Destitution in Southeastern Burma/Myanmar

July 15, 2020/in Member statements

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Submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review Thirty-Seventh Session of the Working Group

July 15, 2020/in ND-Burma's Reports, Periodic Report

Executive Summary

This submission by the Network for Human Rights Documentation Burma (ND-Burma) addresses the peace process and armed conflict in Myanmar. Using case-studies from our reports and briefing papers with documentation supported by our members, the sections provide situational context to the security concerns expressed by civilians and civil-society.

The human rights situation in Myanmar has deteriorated under the current quasi-civilian government 2 led by the National League for Democracy (NLD). State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi maintains favorable status among the Bamar majority, though ethnic civilians have distanced their loyalty as she has stood by the military against the backdrop of violations.

The Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) has been signed by ten ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). It was agreed upon by the majority of the parties in 2015, with the process being initiated by the former military government in 2011. Despite the intentions of the NCA to halt military operations between the Myanmar Army and EAOs, clashes continue.

Approximately 21 EAOs have been engaged in the NCA process through formal and informal capacities. The EAOs who have decided to not participate chose to become affiliated with the 16-member National Ceasefire Coordination Team, which was established in 2013 and is considered the main organization in peace negotiations with the government. When the NLD took the office, they established National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) and Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee, which is under the NRPC and includes government, parliament, the Myanmar Army, EAOs (signatories) and representatives from successful parties in the election.

It has become clear that despite the declaration of unilateral ceasefires agreements in conflict-affected northern Myanmar, these commitments are not sincere as the Myanmar Army continues to wage war.

According to ND-Burma’s documentation, the main human rights abuses civilians suffered from were indiscriminate gunfire, shelling and aerial bombardments, torture leading to deaths and injuries; extrajudicial killings; injuries and deaths due to landmines; inhumane and degrading treatment; arbitrary arrest, detention, forced disappearance; rape and sexual violence.

Our submission concludes that the Myanmar Army continues to use strategic military tactics designed to intimidate and isolate villagers to prolong the civil war, rather than seek peaceful alternatives to conflict.

Press Release: IDP Communities Struggling to Survive as COVID-19 Restrictions and Quarantine Measures Causing Destitution in Southeastern Burma/Myanmar

July 15, 2020/in Member statements

Human Rights Foundation of Monland

For Immediate Release

HURFOM, 15 July 2020: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in remote communities in southeast Burma/Myanmar are struggling to survive. COVID-19-related restrictions on the freedom of movement in these areas—often under the administration of multiple ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)—make it almost impossible for villagers to access livelihoods, generating looming food shortages, exacerbated by the start of the rainy season. In response to these issues, HURFOM is publishing: “Left Behind and Destitute: How IDP Communities in Southern Burma/Myanmar Are Struggling to Survive during COVID–19” (English / Burmese).

d“Most of us have been moving into a situation of destitution. Yes, the situation is one of moving from poverty into destitution, and this virus [COVID–19] has made us increasingly isolated by the lockdown,” said 44-year-old Nai San Oo. “New regulations and rules make it very hard to access our jobs; we cannot afford to feed our families. Now that some restrictions are lifted, it is already too late, and the rainy season has begun. We did not have a chance to work to collect and store foods during the dry season.”

Like much of the rest of the world, movement restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus have had severe economic consequences for Burma/Myanmar. On 28 April 2020, the Union Government launched its COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan, intended to alleviate the economic fallout caused by the pandemic. Among its seven goals and 76 actions, includes mitigation strategies aimed at the household level, including cash transfers to the most vulnerable and in need, including IDPs. Aung San Suu Kyi praised the plan, claiming it left no one behind. However, our data shows that some remote IDP communities are being left behind and in danger of experiencing severe food shortages.

“It is hard for me to say ‘NO’ when my children come and ask for more food,” said mother of three, Mi San San Aye. “I know that we cannot feed them enough. This is the hardest time for me during these lockdown periods. My husband left me…about 2 years ago, and I tried to survive on my own, collecting tall grasses and working in the rubber plantation.”

Compounding these issues are the large numbers of returning migrants from foreign countries, themselves out of work due to stringent government restrictions enacted to curb the spread of COVID-19 and which are placing enormous pressure on communities in Mon and Karen states. Already stretched thin as they grapple with their own government’s orders restricting citizens’ movements and thus their ability to work and generate an income, these IDP communities are now faced with an increasing number of returning migrant workers who they must also support.

According to Nai Shwe Win, an activist in Mae Ga Row village, Kyaikmayaw Township, “The government gave nothing but instructions. There was no practical support. Nearly all villages in Kyaikmayaw Township has difficulty taking care of the returnees and their health. The organization donated a thermometer and another Mon organization supported us with hand sanitizer, masks, and brochures. I saw that my village followed the government’s instructions well, even though there was no support from them [government]. I want to request the government to support people with equipment and material in order to allow them to be able to follow the government’s instruction.”

The full report can be found below:

“Left Behind and Destitute: How IDP Communities in Southern Burma/Myanmar Are Struggling to Survive during COVID–19” (English / Burmese).

For media enquiries:

Nai Bnyair Ogvon
Burmese & English +95 996 191 9757

Nai Aue Mon
Mon, Burmese & English +66 861 679 741

Email: info@rehmonnya.org, auemon@rehmonnya.org, ogvon@rehmonnya.org
Website: www.rehmonnya.org

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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.

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ND Burma

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