Maungdaw, Arakan State (Rohingya Vision) – At least seven Rohingya houses were destroyed by an accidental fire at ‘Aung Sit Pyin’ village in northern Maungdaw yesterday evening.
The fire is said to have broken out from the kitchen around 5:30PM yesterday (on December 23) and gone out of control afterwards. The began from the house of a man named U Dudu Meah at ‘Dom Paik’ hamlet of ‘Aung Sit Pyin’ village tract to the north of ‘Kyeing Chaung (Boli Bazaar)’ village. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)
December 24, 2015
The Rohingyas’ Plight
Rudyard Kipling remarked in From Sea to Sea and Other Sketches, “This is Burma and it will be quite unlike any other land you will know about.” The country indeed has a unique history that has shaped its British colonial and current military-dominated governments. Political posturing has created strong ethnic paranoia among the Burmese establishment that has recently culminated in the brutal repression of Muslims and women.
Rohingya History
Rakhine’s inhabitants have been traced back to the 9th century AD. It became increasingly Islamic starting in the 1400s, but was nonetheless very tolerant towards Hindus & Buddhists. Rakhine straddles the Bay of Bengal on its western border, so many Arabs, Afghans and other Muslims would migrate to Rakhine over the centuries as sailors, mercenaries or merchants, but most Muslims were native converts or converts from Bengal with whom they shared a porous border. Currently, Muslims comprise 29% of Rakhine State. However, they comprise as much as 95% in Taung Pyo Tat Wal District, or 92% in Maung Daw, the third most populous of Rakhine’s districts. It’s important to understand the history of Rohingya citizenship in what is now Burma to grasp the government’s current stance on the Muslim population in Rakhine. (Courtesy of internationalpolicydigest.org)
Rohingya History
Rakhine’s inhabitants have been traced back to the 9th century AD. It became increasingly Islamic starting in the 1400s, but was nonetheless very tolerant towards Hindus & Buddhists. Rakhine straddles the Bay of Bengal on its western border, so many Arabs, Afghans and other Muslims would migrate to Rakhine over the centuries as sailors, mercenaries or merchants, but most Muslims were native converts or converts from Bengal with whom they shared a porous border. Currently, Muslims comprise 29% of Rakhine State. However, they comprise as much as 95% in Taung Pyo Tat Wal District, or 92% in Maung Daw, the third most populous of Rakhine’s districts. It’s important to understand the history of Rohingya citizenship in what is now Burma to grasp the government’s current stance on the Muslim population in Rakhine. (Courtesy of internationalpolicydigest.org)
Human traffickers face legal action at Sittwe
Maungdaw—A total of 30 human traffickers, including a Thai citizen, have been charged by the Sittwe District court for smuggling more than 200 Bengalis by ship in Rakhine State.
The trial began in August, said the plaintiff, who is a police officer.
On May 21, a total of 208 Bengalis were rescued by the Myanmar Navy in its sea territory near Maungdaw, and police charged two owners and 20 sailors of two schooners under sections 367, 371, 114 of the Criminal Act on June 22 at the Manugdaw Township court. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The trial began in August, said the plaintiff, who is a police officer.
On May 21, a total of 208 Bengalis were rescued by the Myanmar Navy in its sea territory near Maungdaw, and police charged two owners and 20 sailors of two schooners under sections 367, 371, 114 of the Criminal Act on June 22 at the Manugdaw Township court. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Thai court hands Myanmar men death penalty for British tourist murders
Koh Samui (Thailand) (AFP)
Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of killing David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, whose battered bodies were found on a beach on the southern diving resort of Koh Tao in September last year.
“Both defendants are guilty of murder for which the penalty is the death sentence,” an unnamed judge told the court on neighbouring Koh Samui.
The pair were also found guilty of raping Witheridge and conspiracy to hide the crime in a ruling that was welcomed by Miller’s family who travelled to Thailand for the verdict.
The ruling was guided by “eyewitnesses and DNA evidence from both suspects,” the judge explained, citing forensic traces from the accused found on Witheridge’s body.
The migrant workers, who were shackled in court, were grim-faced as the verdict was delivered, while the mother of one of them wailed from the gallery.
Both men denied killing the British pair.
They were arrested on October 2 after a high-profile police probe which saw authorities come under intense pressure to solve a case that shocked the Thai public.
Throughout the trial prosecutors said their evidence against the men was rock solid. (Courtesy of The Citizen)
Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Tun were found guilty of killing David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, whose battered bodies were found on a beach on the southern diving resort of Koh Tao in September last year.
“Both defendants are guilty of murder for which the penalty is the death sentence,” an unnamed judge told the court on neighbouring Koh Samui.
The pair were also found guilty of raping Witheridge and conspiracy to hide the crime in a ruling that was welcomed by Miller’s family who travelled to Thailand for the verdict.
The ruling was guided by “eyewitnesses and DNA evidence from both suspects,” the judge explained, citing forensic traces from the accused found on Witheridge’s body.
The migrant workers, who were shackled in court, were grim-faced as the verdict was delivered, while the mother of one of them wailed from the gallery.
Both men denied killing the British pair.
They were arrested on October 2 after a high-profile police probe which saw authorities come under intense pressure to solve a case that shocked the Thai public.
Throughout the trial prosecutors said their evidence against the men was rock solid. (Courtesy of The Citizen)
Burma and Myanmar: From Junta Repression to Luxury Tourism
It's happy hour in the bar of The Strand hotel in Yangon.
A smartly dressed barman mixes a Strand Sour as fans slowly revolve below the high ceiling. Musicians play. Tourists at tables beside the teak-lined walls check guidebooks and discuss where to go for dinner.
How about Le Planteur, an elegant villa on the shore of Inya Lake? It serves fine French food, and offers an $87 tasting menu featuring dishes such as lobster salad, prime veal fillet in pistachio crust, and Grand Marnier souffle with orange sauce. Or maybe the hotel's Strand Grill, with its vaulted ceiling and marble-inlaid floor, where lobster thermidor costs $44?
This is modern Myanmar. It's no longer the British colony where my father was born in 1904, nor the 33-year-old independent state (then called Burma) I first visited in 1981, then returned to in 1992. That was a scary place, brutally governed.
In 1992 the country was ruled by the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the fearsome junta that held onto power even after Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a general election in 1990. (Courtesy of Bloomberg Business)
A smartly dressed barman mixes a Strand Sour as fans slowly revolve below the high ceiling. Musicians play. Tourists at tables beside the teak-lined walls check guidebooks and discuss where to go for dinner.
How about Le Planteur, an elegant villa on the shore of Inya Lake? It serves fine French food, and offers an $87 tasting menu featuring dishes such as lobster salad, prime veal fillet in pistachio crust, and Grand Marnier souffle with orange sauce. Or maybe the hotel's Strand Grill, with its vaulted ceiling and marble-inlaid floor, where lobster thermidor costs $44?
This is modern Myanmar. It's no longer the British colony where my father was born in 1904, nor the 33-year-old independent state (then called Burma) I first visited in 1981, then returned to in 1992. That was a scary place, brutally governed.
In 1992 the country was ruled by the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the fearsome junta that held onto power even after Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a general election in 1990. (Courtesy of Bloomberg Business)
Notable & Quotable: Charles Maung Bo
We congratulate the NLD [opposition party] who won the election. At the same time we also wish and pray that you may build the nation in spite of enormous challenges that lie in wait. The people of Myanmar have invested their hopes and future in your fragile hands, knowing that power of empty hands has ‘sent away the mighty and raised the lowly’. You have shown your sagacity by proposing a government of national reconciliation. Church joins in your Good will and efforts to bring peace with justice. . . .
The world stands in awe at the graceful way the president and the USDP [ruling party] accepted the verdict and welcomed the victors. For the last five years you have done a lot for this country ensuring that the incremental democracy brings greater inclusiveness. Your good will at peaceful transfer of power is a great example to the world where enormous blood shed is the norm in transfer of power. History will gratefully remember you for your generosity and statesmanship. (Courtesy of WSJ)
The world stands in awe at the graceful way the president and the USDP [ruling party] accepted the verdict and welcomed the victors. For the last five years you have done a lot for this country ensuring that the incremental democracy brings greater inclusiveness. Your good will at peaceful transfer of power is a great example to the world where enormous blood shed is the norm in transfer of power. History will gratefully remember you for your generosity and statesmanship. (Courtesy of WSJ)
Suu Kyi hold talks with top officials from MPC
Aung San Suu Kyi, chairperson of the National League for Democracy, held a discussion with the Myanmar Peace Center delegation led by Union Minister at the President’s Office Aung Min, over the current peace processes and political dialogues, in Nay Pyi Taw on December 23.
The NLD delegation includes CEC members Win Htein and Dr Zaw Myint Maung, the Central Committee members Naing Ngan Lin and Phyo Zeyar Thaw and in-charge of the NLD chairperson office Dr. Tin Mar Aung. Union minister Aung Min was accompanied by Tin Maung Than, Hla Maung Shwe, Dr Min Zaw Oo, Dr Kyaw Yin Hlaing and Aung Naing Oo.
Hla Maung Shwe, senior advisor to the MPC said: “It was attended by the MPC’s six-member delegation led by Union Minister Aung Min and the five-member NLD team led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting focuses on the ongoing peace process and political dialogues. Both sides discussed the MPC’s works. Today’s meeting lasted about one hour. There may be talks in the future if necessary. The crucial point is that holding a discussion on the current works is good.”
According to the NLD’s release, both sides exchanged the views on the current peace process, holding of the Union Peace Conference and coordination on holding preliminary political dialogues.
Win Htein said: “At today’s call, the MPC submitted the topics which will be discussed at the conference scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 January to Aung San Suu Kyi. A preliminary meeting will be held on 5, 6 and 7 January for the conference. At the preliminary meeting, we will coordinate the agenda for the conference. The main point is Minister Aung Min and officials from the MPC will submit the MPC’s works. And it will be approved. Aung San Suu Kyi will continue working on the peace-making processes.
In doing so, there are two points. The first one is to recognize the MPC’s efforts and congratulate the MPC on the signing of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) despite it not being ideal. The NCA would bring good results when it is implemented under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi. The above-mentioned matters are discussed. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The NLD delegation includes CEC members Win Htein and Dr Zaw Myint Maung, the Central Committee members Naing Ngan Lin and Phyo Zeyar Thaw and in-charge of the NLD chairperson office Dr. Tin Mar Aung. Union minister Aung Min was accompanied by Tin Maung Than, Hla Maung Shwe, Dr Min Zaw Oo, Dr Kyaw Yin Hlaing and Aung Naing Oo.
Hla Maung Shwe, senior advisor to the MPC said: “It was attended by the MPC’s six-member delegation led by Union Minister Aung Min and the five-member NLD team led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The meeting focuses on the ongoing peace process and political dialogues. Both sides discussed the MPC’s works. Today’s meeting lasted about one hour. There may be talks in the future if necessary. The crucial point is that holding a discussion on the current works is good.”
According to the NLD’s release, both sides exchanged the views on the current peace process, holding of the Union Peace Conference and coordination on holding preliminary political dialogues.
Win Htein said: “At today’s call, the MPC submitted the topics which will be discussed at the conference scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 January to Aung San Suu Kyi. A preliminary meeting will be held on 5, 6 and 7 January for the conference. At the preliminary meeting, we will coordinate the agenda for the conference. The main point is Minister Aung Min and officials from the MPC will submit the MPC’s works. And it will be approved. Aung San Suu Kyi will continue working on the peace-making processes.
In doing so, there are two points. The first one is to recognize the MPC’s efforts and congratulate the MPC on the signing of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) despite it not being ideal. The NCA would bring good results when it is implemented under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi. The above-mentioned matters are discussed. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Three university student activists freed from prison
MANDALAY—Three students – Aung Hsan Oo, Jit Tue and Nyun Lin Htet – from Yadanarpon University were freed from Obo Prison in Mandalay Region on December 22 after completing their prison sentences.
The three students were sentenced for violating Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law, for taking part in assemblies against the government and for of defamation of the state.
Naing Ye Wai, chairman of the Yadanarpon University Student Union, remains in prison because he was charged with two counts of violating Section 18.
“Although we were freed from the prison, we are not happy because we were unfairly detained. Our comrades remain in other prisons, including Thayawady. We urged the government to release the detained students, political prisoners, activists and farmers at once. We are going to try as soon as possible to secure the release of those prisoners who are being unfairly detained in prisons across the nation. Then, we will demand official recognition of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions,” said Jit Tue. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The three students were sentenced for violating Section 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law, for taking part in assemblies against the government and for of defamation of the state.
Naing Ye Wai, chairman of the Yadanarpon University Student Union, remains in prison because he was charged with two counts of violating Section 18.
“Although we were freed from the prison, we are not happy because we were unfairly detained. Our comrades remain in other prisons, including Thayawady. We urged the government to release the detained students, political prisoners, activists and farmers at once. We are going to try as soon as possible to secure the release of those prisoners who are being unfairly detained in prisons across the nation. Then, we will demand official recognition of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions,” said Jit Tue. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
NLD to appoint ethnic minority MPs as chief ministers
The National League for Democracy (NLD), which won this year’s national election, plans to appoint state chief ministers from among its newly appointed representatives who belong to ethnic minority communities, said Nan Khin Htwe Myint, a member of the NLD's central executive committee.
She revealed the plan in response to a question about how regional chief ministers would be chosen.
“We will mainly choose ethnic minority people who are NLD members. Chief ministers will be from our party. This is because we were canvassing for votes so that we could form a government," said Nan Khin Htwe Myint.
The NLD won a landslide victory in the November 8 elections. However, the party won only eight out of 35 parliamentary seats in two ethnic region parliaments—34 in Rakhine State and one in Chin State. The Rakhine State-based Arakan National Party won 22 seats, but the Rakhine State chief minister is likely to be an NLD member.
If the NLD has an elected Rakhine representative, we will appoint him or her. I have said that we can form a government only if we become chief ministers," said Nan Khin Htwe Myint. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
She revealed the plan in response to a question about how regional chief ministers would be chosen.
“We will mainly choose ethnic minority people who are NLD members. Chief ministers will be from our party. This is because we were canvassing for votes so that we could form a government," said Nan Khin Htwe Myint.
The NLD won a landslide victory in the November 8 elections. However, the party won only eight out of 35 parliamentary seats in two ethnic region parliaments—34 in Rakhine State and one in Chin State. The Rakhine State-based Arakan National Party won 22 seats, but the Rakhine State chief minister is likely to be an NLD member.
If the NLD has an elected Rakhine representative, we will appoint him or her. I have said that we can form a government only if we become chief ministers," said Nan Khin Htwe Myint. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Construction slows down in Yangon
The number of building projects in Yangon fell from 600 to 400 per month between November and December, according to the Building Department under the Yangon City Development Committee.
“The rate dropped in these two months. We had to permit only 400 projects last month,” said an official from the department.
Many people blame the sluggish market and lowering demand for apartments for the drop.
“The property market is rather inactive. I expect demand will get higher again along with the shift in government next year,” said Myo Myint, a building contractor in Yangon. (Courtesy Eleven Myanmar)
“The rate dropped in these two months. We had to permit only 400 projects last month,” said an official from the department.
Many people blame the sluggish market and lowering demand for apartments for the drop.
“The property market is rather inactive. I expect demand will get higher again along with the shift in government next year,” said Myo Myint, a building contractor in Yangon. (Courtesy Eleven Myanmar)
Government Invites Wa, Mongla Groups to Peace Dialogue
RANGOON — The government has invited leaders of the Wa and Mongla special regions to attend the Union Peace Conference scheduled to convene on Jan. 12, an invitation that de facto applies to the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Burma’s largest ethnic armed group, and the National Democratic Alliance Army.
Thein Zaw, vice chairman of the government’s Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC), urged leaders of the Wa to take part in Burma’s peace process as government negotiators met with them in Pangsang, the Shan State headquarters of the UWSA, on Saturday.
“We’d like to invite Wa ethnic leaders to take part in the peace process of the Union. The door to the Union Peace Conference and NCA [nationwide ceasefire agreement] is always kept open,” government newspapers quoted Thein Zaw as saying in state-run newspapers on Tuesday.
The UWSA is a non-signatory to Burma’s so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement, which was signed by the government and eight non-state armed groups on Oct. 15.
Lt-Gen Yar Pyae of the Burma Army accompanied the government negotiators and stressed the need for national reconciliation and national reconsolidation on the occasion, echoing Thein Zaw’s comments about an open door for the Wa. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
Thein Zaw, vice chairman of the government’s Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC), urged leaders of the Wa to take part in Burma’s peace process as government negotiators met with them in Pangsang, the Shan State headquarters of the UWSA, on Saturday.
“We’d like to invite Wa ethnic leaders to take part in the peace process of the Union. The door to the Union Peace Conference and NCA [nationwide ceasefire agreement] is always kept open,” government newspapers quoted Thein Zaw as saying in state-run newspapers on Tuesday.
The UWSA is a non-signatory to Burma’s so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement, which was signed by the government and eight non-state armed groups on Oct. 15.
Lt-Gen Yar Pyae of the Burma Army accompanied the government negotiators and stressed the need for national reconciliation and national reconsolidation on the occasion, echoing Thein Zaw’s comments about an open door for the Wa. (Courtesy of Irrawaddy)
For migrants, the legal route brings few benefits: report
The formal channels funneling Myanmar labourers overseas are often proving just as corrupt, fee-inducing and negligent of the workers’ rights as the illicit smuggling networks. Workers embarking on the government-sanctioned route may even be worse off, according to research and interviews compiled by European non-profits Finnwatch and Swedwatch.
In Thailand’s poultry industry, Myanmar workers who waited through delays and jumped through all the proper legal hurdles to obtain their jobs are still encountering rights abuses that mirror their undocumented counterparts, the research found. The conditions and extortion are so dire they approximate forced labour, yet the groups who brokered the employment were government-backed recruiters.
The researchers detailed the conditions in six Thai poultry factories owned by four companies: Charoen Pokphand Foods, Laemthong, Centaco and Saha Farms Group. At each of the factories the majority of the workers were Myanmar and had gone through the legal system signed into place through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangkok and Nay Pyi Taw. Authorised recruitment agencies Today Top Star, Arbourfield Co Ltd, and Yun Nadi Oo and Associates facilitated the employment process, but according to the report, they diverged wildly from the accredited system. (Courtesy of MMTimes)
In Thailand’s poultry industry, Myanmar workers who waited through delays and jumped through all the proper legal hurdles to obtain their jobs are still encountering rights abuses that mirror their undocumented counterparts, the research found. The conditions and extortion are so dire they approximate forced labour, yet the groups who brokered the employment were government-backed recruiters.
The researchers detailed the conditions in six Thai poultry factories owned by four companies: Charoen Pokphand Foods, Laemthong, Centaco and Saha Farms Group. At each of the factories the majority of the workers were Myanmar and had gone through the legal system signed into place through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangkok and Nay Pyi Taw. Authorised recruitment agencies Today Top Star, Arbourfield Co Ltd, and Yun Nadi Oo and Associates facilitated the employment process, but according to the report, they diverged wildly from the accredited system. (Courtesy of MMTimes)
NGO raps ‘brazen bid for presidential immunity’
Myanmar’s parliament should reject a proposed law that would shield former presidents from prosecution for crimes committed during their terms in office, Human Rights Watch said on December 23.
Published in the state-run newspaper on December 21, the Former Presidents Security Bill grants immunity to former heads of state “from any prosecution for actions during his term.” Outlined in article 10, this provision would protect former presidents from domestic prosecution for even the most serious crimes committed while in office, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The Former Presidents Security Bill is a brazen attempt to shoehorn immunity from prosecution into the president’s retirement package,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The immunity provision should be stripped from the proposed law so that President Thein Sein and future Burmese presidents remain accountable for any crimes they commit.”
The draft law consists of 14 clauses that outline the government’s commitment to support retired presidents, such as lifetime funding for a bodyguard and other personal security measures. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
Published in the state-run newspaper on December 21, the Former Presidents Security Bill grants immunity to former heads of state “from any prosecution for actions during his term.” Outlined in article 10, this provision would protect former presidents from domestic prosecution for even the most serious crimes committed while in office, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The Former Presidents Security Bill is a brazen attempt to shoehorn immunity from prosecution into the president’s retirement package,” said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The immunity provision should be stripped from the proposed law so that President Thein Sein and future Burmese presidents remain accountable for any crimes they commit.”
The draft law consists of 14 clauses that outline the government’s commitment to support retired presidents, such as lifetime funding for a bodyguard and other personal security measures. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
Myanmar cardinal stresses peace and justice in Christmas message
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has called on people of goodwill to work for peace and justice in Myanmar in the aftermath of November elections.
"This is a great time to be in this country. By reconciling with one another, forgetting all the past darkness of hatred, we can make Christ's message of peace possible to all people of goodwill," Cardinal Bo said in his Christmas message released on Dec. 22.
Cardinal Bo said that after many years of expectation it is natural to look for quick results, but that democracy is a process "not a drama that ends with a night of celebration."
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy swept Nov. 8 polls against the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party that took power in 2010 following five decades of military rule.
Cardinal Bo congratulated the people of Myanmar for conducting a peaceful election.
"It is our duty to build a nation without war and want. With goodwill we can and we will do that," he said. (Courtesy of ucanews.com)
"This is a great time to be in this country. By reconciling with one another, forgetting all the past darkness of hatred, we can make Christ's message of peace possible to all people of goodwill," Cardinal Bo said in his Christmas message released on Dec. 22.
Cardinal Bo said that after many years of expectation it is natural to look for quick results, but that democracy is a process "not a drama that ends with a night of celebration."
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy swept Nov. 8 polls against the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party that took power in 2010 following five decades of military rule.
Cardinal Bo congratulated the people of Myanmar for conducting a peaceful election.
"It is our duty to build a nation without war and want. With goodwill we can and we will do that," he said. (Courtesy of ucanews.com)
INGOs push disaster risk education in Myanmar
Children can be “agents of change”. This is the message behind the efforts of a number of NGOs tasked with raising awareness of the dangers posed by earthquakes and other natural disasters, and how to react in an emergency.
NGOs say there is a need for greater awareness on disaster risk, including the risks posed by earthquakes, particularly in urban areas, and one way of doing this is by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction or DRR into the education system.
DRR in education has multiple benefits including helping to keep children safe in schools – for example, if there is an earthquake during school hours - but also in building the capacity of children to be “agents of change” in spreading disaster awareness and preparedness messages to other children, parents and their wider communities. In simple terms, using children can have a multiplier effect, allowing a message to be sent out exponentially.
Plan Myanmar, the Myanmar branch of Plan International, is one of many organizations in Myanmar and under the DPRE Working Group that is reaching out to children to spread the need to be prepared for disasters. The NGO is currently working with 96 schools to carry out school-based DRR activities. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
NGOs say there is a need for greater awareness on disaster risk, including the risks posed by earthquakes, particularly in urban areas, and one way of doing this is by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction or DRR into the education system.
DRR in education has multiple benefits including helping to keep children safe in schools – for example, if there is an earthquake during school hours - but also in building the capacity of children to be “agents of change” in spreading disaster awareness and preparedness messages to other children, parents and their wider communities. In simple terms, using children can have a multiplier effect, allowing a message to be sent out exponentially.
Plan Myanmar, the Myanmar branch of Plan International, is one of many organizations in Myanmar and under the DPRE Working Group that is reaching out to children to spread the need to be prepared for disasters. The NGO is currently working with 96 schools to carry out school-based DRR activities. (Courtesy of Mizzima)
Border dispute delays Myanmar-China tourist gateway
Vice president U Sai Mauk Kham paid his third visit to the site, in Muse Central Economic Zone, on December 19 to check on progress.
“The two governments are negotiating to demarcate the border line. I hope agreement will soon be reached,” he said, adding that attempts to build the gate in 2004 and 2011 had foundered over disagreements concerning the exact border line.
“We don’t want any more delay, so the Union government is trying to find a way to resolve the matter. We hope the regional government will play its part too,” said the vice president.
Extensive cross-border trade already passes through three gates, namely Nandaw, Sin Phyu and Mant Wane.
“We allowed for a 10-metre space on either side of the border line [for discussion purposes], but the Chinese side breached that rule,” said U Ngwe Soe, project director of New Starlight construction company, which is building the gate. “We have built the gate on our side, for the benefit of international tourists wishing to come and go. This would require us to sign an agreement with China, so that tourists passing through from China can enter Myanmar and other countries through the gate.” (Courtesy of MMTimes)
“The two governments are negotiating to demarcate the border line. I hope agreement will soon be reached,” he said, adding that attempts to build the gate in 2004 and 2011 had foundered over disagreements concerning the exact border line.
“We don’t want any more delay, so the Union government is trying to find a way to resolve the matter. We hope the regional government will play its part too,” said the vice president.
Extensive cross-border trade already passes through three gates, namely Nandaw, Sin Phyu and Mant Wane.
“We allowed for a 10-metre space on either side of the border line [for discussion purposes], but the Chinese side breached that rule,” said U Ngwe Soe, project director of New Starlight construction company, which is building the gate. “We have built the gate on our side, for the benefit of international tourists wishing to come and go. This would require us to sign an agreement with China, so that tourists passing through from China can enter Myanmar and other countries through the gate.” (Courtesy of MMTimes)
Newly arrived Kaman Muslims in Yangon defy govt pressure to return to Rakhine State
A group of 22 Kaman Muslims who came to Yangon from conflict-affected Rakhine State last month are refusing an order from authorities to return to the state, saying they have full citizenship rights and are legally allowed to move freely throughout Myanmar.
“We don’t care if they arrest us. We are not going back. We are holders of national identity cards. So, we assume authorities have no right to arrest us,” Tin Zar Hnin, a mother of one who came to Yangon to be with her husband, told Myanmar Now.
In mid-November, the group left Ramree Island (Yanbye Island), located off the Rakhine coast. They had been living there under harsh conditions in a camp for families displaced by outbreaks of inter-communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in 2012.
They came by car and air, and did not encounter any problems along the way, the interviewees said. After several weeks, authorities in Yangon approached the Kaman National Development Party office in Mayangon Township asking it to pass on an order stating that the group had to return to their camp as they had left without prior permission.
“An immigration official in Yangon called and asked me if we would send back these people according to our plans, or if the government has to arrange it,” said Tin Hlaing Win, secretary of the Kaman National Development Party. “We said we cannot do this as these people have valid national identity cards.” (Courtesy of Mizzima)
“We don’t care if they arrest us. We are not going back. We are holders of national identity cards. So, we assume authorities have no right to arrest us,” Tin Zar Hnin, a mother of one who came to Yangon to be with her husband, told Myanmar Now.
In mid-November, the group left Ramree Island (Yanbye Island), located off the Rakhine coast. They had been living there under harsh conditions in a camp for families displaced by outbreaks of inter-communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in 2012.
They came by car and air, and did not encounter any problems along the way, the interviewees said. After several weeks, authorities in Yangon approached the Kaman National Development Party office in Mayangon Township asking it to pass on an order stating that the group had to return to their camp as they had left without prior permission.
“An immigration official in Yangon called and asked me if we would send back these people according to our plans, or if the government has to arrange it,” said Tin Hlaing Win, secretary of the Kaman National Development Party. “We said we cannot do this as these people have valid national identity cards.” (Courtesy of Mizzima)
SC. After Victory in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi Quietly Shapes a Transition. News Source
NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar — Since her party bash’s thumping election success last month, Myanmar’s democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has stated little & made few public appearances. So when she emerged just lately in her constituency, she was mobbed by reporters & photographers, earnest for some hint about how her party bash will govern after the brand new Parliament is seated next month. It was to not be. She’d come to decide up trash, an exercise described by her party bash as bringing alter by means of acts of particular human being responsibility. “Don’t just take photos,” she scolded the photographers as she crouched to the shrubs masking the sandy soil of the Irrawaddy Delta and commenced picking up bits of trash. “Help pick up the garbage.” Throughout the six weeks since Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as probably the most powerful individual in this country of 51 million people, she has kept the country guessing on details of the convey of power to her democracy movement from the military institution in that has dominated for greater than 5 decades. Timeline | A Life in Politics She has done a number of meditating, one aide stated. (Courtesy of South Carolina SC)
IHI to make concrete with Myanmar government
TOKYO -- IHI will partner with the government of Myanmar to build a $15 million concrete factory there, developing the country's materials sector and helping meet surging demand for infrastructure.
The Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer will contribute 60% of the cost, with Myanmar's construction ministry putting forth the rest. The partners could break ground as soon as January in Yangon, the country's largest city. A start to operations is eyed for September or October, said Kyaw Linn, the ministry's permanent secretary. The midsize plant will be able to produce 77,000 tons of high-strength precast concrete annually.
The project marks the second factory established jointly by the ministry and a Japanese company since Myanmar returned to civilian rule in 2011. The first, involving JFE Engineering, produces material for steel bridges and other such structures. IHI's venture is expected to meet more diverse demand from the public and private sectors. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
The Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer will contribute 60% of the cost, with Myanmar's construction ministry putting forth the rest. The partners could break ground as soon as January in Yangon, the country's largest city. A start to operations is eyed for September or October, said Kyaw Linn, the ministry's permanent secretary. The midsize plant will be able to produce 77,000 tons of high-strength precast concrete annually.
The project marks the second factory established jointly by the ministry and a Japanese company since Myanmar returned to civilian rule in 2011. The first, involving JFE Engineering, produces material for steel bridges and other such structures. IHI's venture is expected to meet more diverse demand from the public and private sectors. (Courtesy of Nikkei Asian Review)
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