In Myanmar, posting an image of Buddha wearing headphones can land you with a multi-year jail sentence. Yet during the Buddhist New Moon festival in Taunggyi, a technicolor extravaganza of hot air balloons affixed with a Buddha's visage set aflame with torches and fireworks, police and monks watch the celebrations just like me and other onlookers.
To parrot the most often-heard response from many local human rights leaders, religion in this country "is complicated." The country's 2008 Constitution recognizes Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism as religions in Myanmar and promises to protect each of these religions. Moreover, it forbids "any act which is intended or is likely to provoke feelings of hatred, enmity or discord between racial or religious communities or sects." But the State also "recognizes the special position of Buddhism as the faith professed by the great majority of the citizens of the State." And herein lies the challenge. (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
Friday, December 11, 2015
Police Attempt to Cripple Rohingya Livelihood in Pauktaw
Pauktaw, Arakan state (Rohingya Vision) – A newly posted Burmese Police officer has been attempting to cripple the livelihoods of the marginalized, isolated and poor Rohingya community in Pauktaw Township since his transfer to the place, according to the local reports.
The Lieutenant police officer named U Tun Thar has been posted in ‘Anna Raing (Anauk Ywe)’ station nearby the camps of internally displaced people (IDP) reportedly by the district police.
Since the violence began against the Rohingya in June 2012, the locals as well as IDPs in ‘Anna Raing’ have been surviving only by fishing in the river and sea and humanitarian help occasionally. However, as the new police officer arrived, he has started to beat the Rohingya fishermen and been listing down all the boat-owners in order to extort money from them.
“When we come out with boats, he abuses and beats us. He is preventing us from going out for fishing. He’s oppressing us a lot. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)
The Lieutenant police officer named U Tun Thar has been posted in ‘Anna Raing (Anauk Ywe)’ station nearby the camps of internally displaced people (IDP) reportedly by the district police.
Since the violence began against the Rohingya in June 2012, the locals as well as IDPs in ‘Anna Raing’ have been surviving only by fishing in the river and sea and humanitarian help occasionally. However, as the new police officer arrived, he has started to beat the Rohingya fishermen and been listing down all the boat-owners in order to extort money from them.
“When we come out with boats, he abuses and beats us. He is preventing us from going out for fishing. He’s oppressing us a lot. (Courtesy of Rohingya Vision TV)
New initiative to protect women and girls against violence in Myanmar
Today, in connection with International Human Rights Day, Sweden is launching a new initiative to safeguard the rights of women and girls in Myanmar. The project will be conducted jointly with Finland and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and will encompass SEK 100 million over a three-year period. Sweden’s contribution will amount to SEK 20 million.
The 'Women and Girls First' project will be implemented in cooperation with local and international partners and focus on the most vulnerable women and girls in the remote and conflict-affected provinces of Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan. The aim of the initiative is to prevent and respond to the violence committed against women and girls in Myanmar, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The initiative covers preventive measures in the areas of reproductive health and emergency medical care, as well as care, support and treatment for women subjected to violence and rape. Another aim is to increase women's and girls' knowledge about their rights, and also to mobilise men and boys in gender equality work. Improved health for women and children, with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, is also one of three focus areas in Sweden's bilateral cooperation strategy for the country. (Courtesy of government.se)
The 'Women and Girls First' project will be implemented in cooperation with local and international partners and focus on the most vulnerable women and girls in the remote and conflict-affected provinces of Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan. The aim of the initiative is to prevent and respond to the violence committed against women and girls in Myanmar, and to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
The initiative covers preventive measures in the areas of reproductive health and emergency medical care, as well as care, support and treatment for women subjected to violence and rape. Another aim is to increase women's and girls' knowledge about their rights, and also to mobilise men and boys in gender equality work. Improved health for women and children, with a special focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, is also one of three focus areas in Sweden's bilateral cooperation strategy for the country. (Courtesy of government.se)
Three more jailed for 'squatting'
Two men and a woman, all aged over 50, were given one-month prison sentences by Nay Pyi Taw municipal court judge Mi Mi Than on December 9. They were living in an area for more than 40 years which was deemed government land and charged under the Municipal Act.
Daw Hli, Hla Myint and Kan Hla were jailed for living in their homes in Kyonpin village in Dakhina Township, Nay Pyi Taw. They were previously charged under Section 26 of the Municipal Act and served two months in jail.
Soe Hlaing, son of Daw Hli, was also charged with Section 27.
“I was told my sentence will be given tomorrow,” said Soe Hlaing.
“They have been living there for generations. They have lived there for more than 40 years. I told this to the court as a witness. Daw Hli was born there. I don’t know how the court made its decision. The rules are their rules. The victims got nothing in compensation and are sentenced to prison,” said Hla Saung, Tharyarkone village administrator. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Daw Hli, Hla Myint and Kan Hla were jailed for living in their homes in Kyonpin village in Dakhina Township, Nay Pyi Taw. They were previously charged under Section 26 of the Municipal Act and served two months in jail.
Soe Hlaing, son of Daw Hli, was also charged with Section 27.
“I was told my sentence will be given tomorrow,” said Soe Hlaing.
“They have been living there for generations. They have lived there for more than 40 years. I told this to the court as a witness. Daw Hli was born there. I don’t know how the court made its decision. The rules are their rules. The victims got nothing in compensation and are sentenced to prison,” said Hla Saung, Tharyarkone village administrator. (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Aung San Suu Kyi Meets With Myanmar’s Parliamentary Speakers
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with parliamentary speakers Shwe Mann and Khin Aung Myint Thursday in preparation for a new legislature made up predominantly of lawmakers from her National League for Democracy (NLD) party, following its sweep of general elections last month.
Also present at the meeting in the capital Naypyidaw were parliament’s two vice-house speakers, NLD lawmaker Win Myint, the chairmen of Myanmar’s regional and state parliaments, Deputy Minister of Communication Thaung Tin, Deputy Minister of Construction Soe Tint and the chief-directors of the office of parliament.
Following the meeting, lower house speaker Shwe Mann told reporters that he had discussed the transition of power with Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of the incoming NLD-majority parliament which will sit after the current legislative session ends in late January.
“Today’s discussion focused on the incoming parliament as well as implementing the conclusions reached by the two of us during our Nov. 19 meeting,” he said.
During the Nov. 19 meeting—the third between the two following the NLD’s landslide victory at the Nov. 8 polls—Shwe Mann and Aung San Suu Kyi had agreed to implement the election result according to the will of the people and to work towards reconciliation in the new parliament.
They also agreed to collaborate on both parliamentary and non-parliamentary issues, and to ensure that the new legislature operates according to law. (Courtesy of RFA)
Also present at the meeting in the capital Naypyidaw were parliament’s two vice-house speakers, NLD lawmaker Win Myint, the chairmen of Myanmar’s regional and state parliaments, Deputy Minister of Communication Thaung Tin, Deputy Minister of Construction Soe Tint and the chief-directors of the office of parliament.
Following the meeting, lower house speaker Shwe Mann told reporters that he had discussed the transition of power with Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of the incoming NLD-majority parliament which will sit after the current legislative session ends in late January.
“Today’s discussion focused on the incoming parliament as well as implementing the conclusions reached by the two of us during our Nov. 19 meeting,” he said.
During the Nov. 19 meeting—the third between the two following the NLD’s landslide victory at the Nov. 8 polls—Shwe Mann and Aung San Suu Kyi had agreed to implement the election result according to the will of the people and to work towards reconciliation in the new parliament.
They also agreed to collaborate on both parliamentary and non-parliamentary issues, and to ensure that the new legislature operates according to law. (Courtesy of RFA)
No cut for additional budget requests
The Union Parliament today approved additional budget requests of Ks2.54 trillion described in the Union Budget Bill for the 2015-16 fiscal year.
The government asked for Ks1 trillion for revenue expenditure, Ks784 billion for capital expenditure, Ks91 billion for debt, Ks588 billion for capital and Ks71 billion for regions and states.
Khaing Maung Yi, a Lower House MP for Ahlon Township, said: "Parliament could not scrutinise budgetary matters at the beginning of Parliament [in 2011] as there was no time. Since 2012, it came under close scrutiny. But the budget for the 2015-16 financial year has been unsystematic.
"Why do only a few MPs want to discuss it? This topic is only at the discussion stage as it will be carried forward to the next government. It is obvious that there is too little time to scrutinise in detail. Parliament usually assigned duties to committees to check the budget requested by each department. There is no discussion between the ministries and committees over it. They have turned a blind eye to it."
MP Khin San Hlaing from Pale said: "Government needs to carry out budget cuts in some cases. We said that in Parliament. But we have to follow Parliament's decision. Unfinished work should be completed. This money should be spent on essential works effectively. " (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
The government asked for Ks1 trillion for revenue expenditure, Ks784 billion for capital expenditure, Ks91 billion for debt, Ks588 billion for capital and Ks71 billion for regions and states.
Khaing Maung Yi, a Lower House MP for Ahlon Township, said: "Parliament could not scrutinise budgetary matters at the beginning of Parliament [in 2011] as there was no time. Since 2012, it came under close scrutiny. But the budget for the 2015-16 financial year has been unsystematic.
"Why do only a few MPs want to discuss it? This topic is only at the discussion stage as it will be carried forward to the next government. It is obvious that there is too little time to scrutinise in detail. Parliament usually assigned duties to committees to check the budget requested by each department. There is no discussion between the ministries and committees over it. They have turned a blind eye to it."
MP Khin San Hlaing from Pale said: "Government needs to carry out budget cuts in some cases. We said that in Parliament. But we have to follow Parliament's decision. Unfinished work should be completed. This money should be spent on essential works effectively. " (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)
Will Myanmar's New Government Deliver on Human Rights Commitments?
In the days following Myanmar's historic election it was fast apparent that Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League of Democracy (NLD), had taken a landslide victory. Throngs of crimson supporters waving flags adorned with the fighting peacock, a symbol associated with decades of struggle against military rule, waited in anticipation outside NLD headquarters as early results were announced. The euphoria was tangible, and it was clear that the people had voted for change and for democracy.
Still, the transition to "democracy" can be read as partial at best. The Lady's reach has been carefully demarcated by Myanmar's generals, who have ensured their power will not be compromised. The constitution allows the military 25% of seats in parliament, giving them an effective veto over all constitution amendments. The military will still maintain control over key bureaucracies, including Home Affairs, Border Affairs, and Defense. The constitution also provides that any person who has children who hold other citizenships (as is the case with Suu Kyi) will be barred from presidency. The Lady, in response, has publically reiterated that she will be "above" the president. A rose by any other name.
Now that the peacock has taken an overwhelming victory, what will come next? Crucially, will the NLD and their allies be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of human rights abuses? (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
Still, the transition to "democracy" can be read as partial at best. The Lady's reach has been carefully demarcated by Myanmar's generals, who have ensured their power will not be compromised. The constitution allows the military 25% of seats in parliament, giving them an effective veto over all constitution amendments. The military will still maintain control over key bureaucracies, including Home Affairs, Border Affairs, and Defense. The constitution also provides that any person who has children who hold other citizenships (as is the case with Suu Kyi) will be barred from presidency. The Lady, in response, has publically reiterated that she will be "above" the president. A rose by any other name.
Now that the peacock has taken an overwhelming victory, what will come next? Crucially, will the NLD and their allies be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of human rights abuses? (Courtesy of Huffington Post)
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