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Home > What's New Title:   Toungoo District: The civilian response to human rights violations Date of publication:   15 August 2006 Description/subject:   "Attacks on villages in Toungoo and other northern Karen districts by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) since late 2005 have led to extensive displacement and some international attention, but little of this has focused on the continuing lives of the villagers involved. In this report KHRG's Karen researchers in the field describe how these attacks have been affecting local people, and how these people have responded. The SPDC's forced relocation, village destruction, shoot-on-sight orders and blockades on the movement of food and medicines have killed many and created pervasive suffering, but the villagers' continued refusal to submit to SPDC authority has caused the military to fail in its objective of bringing the entire civilian population under direct control. This is a struggle which SPDC forces cannot win, but they may never stop trying..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2006-F8) Format/size:   pdf (588 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2006/khrg06f8.html Date of entry/update:   09 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma > Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups Human Rights > Education, Right to > Education rights: reports of violations in Burma Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Title:   Forced Relocation, Restrictions and Abuses in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   10 July 2006 Description/subject:   "This report presents information on ongoing abuses in Nyaunglebin (Kler Lweh Htoo) District, Karen State committed by SPDC forces during the period of March to May 2006. Attacks on hill villagers have continued as SPDC units seek to depopulate the hills and force all villagers to relocate to military-controlled villages in the plains and along roadways. However, those villagers living in SPDC-controlled areas are subject as well to continued abuses including arbitrary arrest and detention, extortion, restricted movement and forced labour..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2006-F6) Format/size:   pdf (645 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2006/khrg06f6.html Date of entry/update:   09 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Torture Human Rights > Detentions, Trials, Independence of the Judiciary > Detentions, Trials, Independence of the Judiciary: reports of violations in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   Pa'an District: Land confiscation, forced labour and extortion undermining villagers' livelihoods Date of publication:   11 February 2006 Description/subject:   "Villagers in northern Pa'an District of central Karen State say their livelihoods are under serious threat due to exploitation by SPDC military authorities and by their Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) allies who rule as an SPDC proxy army in much of the region. Villages in the vicinity of the DKBA headquarters are forced to give much of their time and resources to support the headquarters complex, while villages directly under SPDC control face rape, arbitrary detention and threats to keep them compliant with SPDC demands. The SPDC plans to expand Dta Greh (a.k.a. Pain Kyone) village into a town in order to strengthen its administrative control over the area, and is confiscating about half of the village's productive land without compensation to build infrastructure which includes offices, army camps and a hydroelectric power dam - destroying the livelihoods of close to 100 farming families. Local villagers, who are already struggling to survive under the weight of existing demands, fear further forced labour and extortion as the project continues..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2006-F1) Format/size:   pfd (739 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2006/khrg06f1.html Date of entry/update:   09 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Land rights Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma > Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups Title:   Eastern Pa'an District: Forced Labour, Food Security and the Consolidation of Control Date of publication:   23 March 2004 Description/subject:   "The SPDC and DKBA continued to consolidate their control over Pa'an District in 2003, especially in the mountainous eastern part of the district. Fighting between the SPDC and the DKBA was ongoing up until the ceasefire talks began in December 2003, culminating in an offensive against the KNLA's 7th Brigade headquarters in October. In order to expand their influence DKBA units are actively recruiting in the area. Villagers must also face demands from both the SPDC and the DKBA for forced labour, building materials and extortion money. Fulfilling these demands have left the villagers with little time to work their fields. Many villagers are unable to get enough food to eat, making food security a serious issue in the area..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG) Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   09 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Title:   State agencies, armed groups and the proliferation of oppression in Thaton District Date of publication:   24 September 2007 Description/subject:   "Throughout SPDC-controlled areas of Karen State the regime has been developing civilian agencies as extensions of military authority. On top of this, the junta has continued to strengthen the more traditional forms of militarisation and, at least in Thaton District, has firmly backed the expansion of DKBA military operations to control the civilian population and eradicate KNLA forces which continue to actively patrol the area. The people of Thaton District thus face a myriad of State agencies and armed groups which have overburdened them with demands for labour, money and supplies. While engaging with these groups, addressing the demands placed on them and attending to their own livelihoods, local villagers have sought to manage a delicate balance of seemingly impossible weights..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F7) Format/size:   pdf (1 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f7.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Title:   Landmines, Killings and Food Destruction: Civilian life in Toungoo District Date of publication:   09 August 2007 Description/subject:   "The attacks against civilians continue as the SPDC increases its military build-up in Toungoo District. Enforcing widespread restrictions on movement backed up by a shoot-on-sight policy, the SPDC has executed at least 38 villagers in Toungoo since January 2007. On top of this, local villagers face the ever present danger of landmines, many of which were manufactured in China, which the Army has deployed around homes, churches and forest paths. Combined with the destruction of covert agricultural hill fields and rice supplies, these attacks seek to undermine food security and make life unbearable in areas outside of consolidated military control. However, as those living under SPDC rule have found, the constant stream of military demands for labour, money and other supplies undermine livelihoods, village economies and community efforts to address health, education and social needs. Civilians in Toungoo must therefore choose between a situation of impoverishment and subjugation under SPDC rule, evasion in forested hiding sites with the constant threat of military attack, or a relatively stable yet uprooted life in refugee camps away from their homeland. This report documents just some of the human rights abuses perpetrated by SPDC forces against villagers in Toungoo District up to July 2007..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F6) Format/size:   pdf (1.24 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f6.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Torture > Torture: reports of use in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   The Compounding Consequences of DKBA Oppression: Abuse, poverty and food insecurity in Thaton District Date of publication:   09 July 2007 Description/subject:   "As the principal means of establishing control over the people of Thaton District, the SPDC has supported a more aggressive DKBA role in the area. With the junta's political, military and financial backing the DKBA has sought to expand its numbers, strengthen its position vis-à-vis the civilian population and eradicate the remaining KNU/KNLA presence in the region. To those ends, the DKBA has used forced labour, looting, extortion, land confiscation and movement restrictions and embarked on a hostile campaign of forced recruitment from amongst the local population. These abuses have eroded village livelihoods, leading to low harvest yields and wholly failed crops; problems which compound over time and progressively deepen poverty and malnourishment. With the onset of the rainy season and the 2007 cultivation period, villagers in Thaton District are faced with depleting provisions. This food insecurity will require that many harvest their 2007 crop as early as October while still unripe. The low yield of an early harvest, lost time spent on forced labour and the harmful fallout of further extortion and other abuses will all combine to ensure once again that villagers in Thaton District confront food shortages and increasing poverty..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F5) Format/size:   pdf (527 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f5.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO Reports on Forced Labour in Burma Title:   Provoking Displacement in Toungoo District: Forced labour, restrictions and attacks Date of publication:   30 May 2007 Description/subject:   "The first half of 2007 has seen the continued flight of civilians from their homes and land in response to ongoing State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) military operations in Toungoo District. While in some cases this displacement is prompted by direct military attacks against their villages, many civilians living in Toungoo District have told KHRG that the primary catalyst for relocation has been the regular demands for labour, money and supplies and the restrictions on movement and trade imposed by SPDC forces. These everyday abuses combine over time to effectively undermine civilian livelihoods, exacerbate poverty and make subsistence untenable. Villagers threatened with such demands and restrictions frequently choose displacement in response - initially to forest hiding sites located nearby and then farther afield to larger Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps or across the border to Thailand-based refugee camps. This report presents accounts of ongoing abuses in Toungoo District committed by SPDC forces during the period of January to May 2007 and their role in motivating local villagers to respond with flight and displacement..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F4) Format/size:   pdf (527 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f4.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Title:   Road construction, attacks on displaced communities and the impact on education in northern Papun District Date of publication:   26 March 2007 Description/subject:   "In the ongoing offensive against villagers in northern Karen State, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has been working to develop infrastructure supportive of increased military control. The construction of new bases and vehicle roads serve this objective as they obstruct the efforts of local communities to evade army patrols and sustain their livelihoods in areas beyond the reach of SPDC forces. Increased control, in turn, allows the SPDC to more easily exploit rural communities for labour, food and other supplies in support of military structures. This report examines how military deployment and the construction of new roads and bases further into Papun District have led local villagers to respond by evading encroaching army units despite the increasing difficulty of this tactic, and how the subsequent displacement has affected children's access to education..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F3) Format/size:   pdf (806 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f3.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against individual ethnic groups > Childrens's rights in Karen State - reports of violations Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Education, Right to > Education rights: reports of violations in Burma Title:   Bullets and Bulldozers: The SPDC offensive continues in Toungoo District Date of publication:   19 February 2007 Description/subject:   "The first two months of 2007 have done nothing to lessen the intensity of attacks against the villagers of Toungoo District. SPDC forces continue to send in more troops and supplies, build new camps and upgrade older ones using forced village labour, convict porters and heavy machinery brought in for this purpose. Local villagers have been the ones to suffer from the increased military build-up and infrastructure 'development' as such programmes have put the SPDC in a stronger position to enforce their authority over civilians in rural areas and undermine the efforts of local peoples to evade military forces and maintain their livelihoods. Employing the new roadways and camps to shuttle troops and supplies deeper into areas beyond military control, SPDC forces continue to expand their reach in terms of extortion of funds, food and supplies; extraction of forced labour; and restriction of all civilian movement, travel and trade. These abuses have combined to exacerbate poverty, worsen the humanitarian situation and restrict the options of villagers living in these areas..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F1) Format/size:   pdf (819 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f1.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Torture Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   Forced Labour, Extortion, and Festivities: The SPDC and DKBA burden on villagers in Pa'an District Date of publication:   22 December 2006 Description/subject:   "In Pa'an District of central Karen State, Burmese authorities impose strict controls on the movements and activities of all villagers while also taking their land, money and livestock, using them as forced labour, and forcing them to join state paramilitary organisations. Muslims are being forcibly evicted from their villages into relocation camps to make way for new SPDC army camps. Simultaneously the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) acts on behalf of the SPDC in many areas, extending the regime's control in return for impunity to exploit and extort from the civilian population. The double burden of forced labour, extortion, restrictions and forced conscription imposed by two sets of authorities takes a heavy toll on the villagers, yet in a cruel irony they are also being forced to give money and unpaid child labour to prepare New Year festivities where the DKBA plays host to foreigners and Rangoon movie stars..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2006-F12) Format/size:   pdf (972 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2006/khrg06f12.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO Reports on Forced Labour in Burma Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Human Rights > Health, Right to > Right to Health: reports of violations in Burma Title:   Oppression by proxy in Thaton District Date of publication:   21 December 2006 Description/subject:   "With the onset of the cold season the State Peace & Development Council (SPDC) has been able to push ahead with military attacks against villages and displaced communities in the northern districts of Karen State. In Thaton District and other areas further south, however, the military is more firmly in control, fewer displaced communities are able to remain in hiding, and SPDC rule is facilitated by the presence of its ally the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). By increasingly relying on DKBA forces to administer Thaton, the SPDC has been able to free up soldiers and resources which can then be deployed elsewhere. To force the civilian population into submission, the DKBA has scoured villages throughout Thaton - detaining, interrogating and torturing villagers and conscripting them to serve as army porters. Commensurate with its increased control over the civilian population, DKBA soldiers have subjected villagers to regular extortion, arbitrary and excessive 'taxation', forced labour, land confiscation and restrictions on movement, trade and education which all serve to support ongoing military rule in Thaton. By systematising control over local villagers, the SPDC and DKBA have been able to implement 'development' projects that financially benefit and further entrench the military hierarchy. Amongst such initiatives, the construction in Thaton District of the United Nations-supported Asian Highway, connecting Burma with neighbouring countries, has involved uncompensated land confiscation and forced labour..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2006-F11) Format/size:   pdf (619 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2006/khrg06f11.html Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Human Rights > Torture > Torture: reports of use in Burma Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour > Non-ILO reports of forced labour in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Human Rights Education Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 29 October 2009 Date of publication:   29 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe sends message Four political objectives of felicitations to Turkish President...Prime Minister felicitates Turkish counterpart...Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 4th East Asia Summit and closing ceremony of 15th ASEAN Summit...Commander inspects Mongnai-Kengtung railway construction project...Foreign Affairs Minister felicitates Turkish counterpart...PBANRDA Minister attends ceremony to hand over new school building in Pantanaw Tsp...Tatmadaw Cycling Contest concludes...Prime Minister General Thein Sein arrives back from Thailand...Minister U Nyan Win attends meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers...Culture Minister attends 2nd Meeting of ASEAN Socio- Cultural Community Council...UMFCCI delegation leaves for Philippines...Miss People 2009 Style contest and sales promotion on 1 Nov...Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends Gala Dinner hosted by Thai PM...MWJA CEC holds coord meeting...Illisa Dvicitta Drama Marionette Contest continues...Minister U Soe Tha attends ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and signs MoU...17th Performing Arts Competitions continues for 11th and final day...Tip Top Brand engine oil, lubricants in circulation... "PERSPECTIVES": "Boost trade, investment to establish East Asian Community"..... ARTICLE: "Oil Mill and Battery Factory of Lashio" Byline & Photos: Tin Htwe (MNA) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "Myanmar Alin" 21 April 2003 Date of publication:   21 April 2003 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (4.1MB) Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "Myanmar Alin" 2003 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "Myanmar Alin" 22 April 2003 Date of publication:   22 April 2003 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (4.5 MB) Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "Myanmar Alin" 2003 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "Myanmar Alin" 20 May 2003 Date of publication:   20 May 2003 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (2.1 MB) Date of entry/update:   08 November 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "Myanmar Alin" 2003 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   Village-level decision making in responding to forced relocation: A case from Papun District Date of publication:   07 March 2008 Description/subject:   "As part of its campaign of militarisation in Northern Karen State the SPDC has had as a principle strategy the forcible relocation of villagers from areas outside of its control to relocation sites close to Army camps or vehicle roads where civilian control can be firmly established. Over the years, villagers in Papun District and across Karen State have come to learn well that SPDC control means regular abuse and exploitation and, therefore, have sought to avoid such control wherever possible. This report presents one recent example from January to February 2008 of the courageous and varied response strategies villagers use to resist forced relocation and abuse and evade control by SPDC soldiers. Interestingly, this case also hints at some internal dissent and corruption within the SPDC ranks..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2008-F3) Format/size:   pdf (650 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f3.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" -- No. 29, December 2007 Date of publication:   December 2007 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   Burma Lawyers' Council (BLC) Format/size:   pdf (7.6MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/JOCA29.pdf Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Law and Constitution > Legal sources and literature > "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" Title:   "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" -- No. 30, April 2008 Date of publication:   April 2008 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   Burma Lawyers' Council (BLC) Format/size:   pdf (916K) Alternate URLs:   http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/JOCA30.pdf Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Law and Constitution > Legal sources and literature > "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" Title:   "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" -- No. 31, August 2008 Date of publication:   August 2008 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   Burma Lawyers' Council (BLC) Format/size:   pdf (2.83MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/JOCA31.pdf Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Law and Constitution > Legal sources and literature > "LawKa pala" (Burmese) -- formerly "Journal of Constitutional Affairs" Title:   Oppressed twice over: SPDC and DKBA exploitation and violence against villagers in Thaton District Date of publication:   20 March 2008 Description/subject:   "Throughout Thaton District the SPDC has persistently worked to expand and entrench military control not only by increasing its own troops, but also by heavily relying on the DKBA as a local proxy force. Both groups exploit the civilian population to support their respective military hierarchies and local villagers thus face a double burden on their lives. This report looks at various forms and specific incidents of forced labour, extortion, violence and other abuse against villagers in Thaton District which SPDC and DKBA personnel have perpetrated up to February 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2008-F4) Format/size:   pdf (672 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f4.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Militarisation, violence and exploitation in Toungoo District Date of publication:   15 February 2008 Description/subject:   "While the SPDC leadership proposes dates for a constitutional referendum and eventual multiparty elections it nonetheless continues without the slightest hesitation the violent subjugation of villagers in northern Karen State. The area of Toungoo District is now saturated with SPDC troops and the local civilian population living under military control as well as those living in hiding are facing constricting options for their lives. The SPDC has continued to increase the military build-up of the area deploying more troops, building new camps and bases and constructing and upgrading vehicle roads to facilitate troop deployment and the stocking of army camps. In this context attacks on villages, arbitrary detentions, killings, forced labour and extortion have continued consistent with the regime's policy of civilian subjugation and in opposition to its claims of a potential return to civilian rule through the current constitution-vetting process..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2008-F2) Format/size:   pdf (1.1 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f2.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Torture Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   Attacks, killings and increased militarisation in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   11 January 2008 Description/subject:   "With the dry season in northern Karen State well under way, the SPDC continues to intensify its militarisation of the area. In Nyaunglebin District this intensification has come in the form of an increased troop build-up with the regime deploying new military units, establishing new camps and bases and attacking displaced civilian communities in hiding. Maintaining a shoot-on-sight policy SPDC soldiers operating in Nyaunglebin have shot and killed or otherwise severely injured displaced villagers and destroyed rice storage barns and civilian rice supplies across the district. In those areas more firmly under SPDC control, soldiers have ordered villagers to labour building army camps, porter mortar shells and army rations and repair SPDC-controlled vehicle roads in support of the region's growing military presence. This report looks at the human rights situation in Nyaunglebin District from October to December 2007..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2008-F1) Format/size:   pdf (788 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f1.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Human Rights > Torture Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Villagers risk arrest and execution to harvest their crops Date of publication:   04 December 2007 Description/subject:   "The months of November and December which follow the annual cessation of the rainy season mark the traditional harvest time for the agrarian communities of Karen State when villagers must venture out into their fields in order to reap their ripe paddy crops. Across large areas of Toungoo District, however, where the SPDC lacks a consolidated hold on the civilian population, this time of year has become especially perilous as the Army enforces sweeping movement restrictions backed up by a shoot on sight policy in order to eradicate the entire civilian presence in areas outside its control and restrict the population to military-controlled villages and relocation sites where they can be more easily exploited for labour, money, food and other supplies. Displaced communities in hiding thus risk potential arrest and execution by venturing out into the relatively open area of their hill side agricultural fields where they are more easily spotted by SPDC troops who regularly patrol the area. Yet, because of the Army's persistent attacks against covert farm fields, food stores and displaced communities in hiding these villagers confront a severe food shortage which has increased pressure on them to tend to their covert fields despite the risks. As a consequence some villagers have already lost their lives; having been shot by SPDC soldiers while attempting to tend their crops and address their community's rising food insecurity..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F11) Format/size:   pdf (817 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f11.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups Title:   Increased roads, army camps and attacks on rural communities in Papun District Description/subject:   "Having initially begun construction a decade ago, the SPDC has this year completed the Papun section of a roadway which extends northwards from the east-west Kyauk Kyi to Saw Hta vehicle road towards the SPDC army camp at Buh Hsa Kee in southern Toungoo District. While still incomplete on the Toungoo side of the border the Papun section effectively cuts the northern half of Lu Thaw township into two east-west sections and forms a dangerous and difficult to cross barrier for those civilians fleeing from ongoing military attacks against their communities. Nevertheless villagers in Lu Thaw and other areas of Papun continue to evade SPDC forces and the district currently has the highest number of internally displaced people in hiding out of any area of eastern Burma. Notwithstanding the creative and courageous strategies which these villagers have adopted in order to avoid the army columns which continue to hunt them down, they remain in a precarious situation; one which has only heightened in its severity with the completion of the Papun section of the north-south vehicle road and the upgrading of other roadways further south..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F10) Format/size:   pdf (517 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f10.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Title:   SPDC Army atrocities in Ler Muh Bplaw village tract in the words of a local resident Date of publication:   24 October 2007 Description/subject:   "While the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) continues its diplomatic manoeuvring claiming a 'return to normalcy' and courting favour with United Nations special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, attacks on villages and military atrocities in northern Karen State have continued unabated. Nevertheless, local villagers continue to resist such abuse and speak out, where possible, against its daily perpetration. The report below comprises a translated account of the situation in Ler Muh Bplaw village tract, Lu Thaw township, Papun District written not by a KHRG researcher or any other of the organisation's staff, but rather by a local village head from Ler Muh Bplaw village tract who testifies in his own words to the atrocities that continue to undermine rural lives and livelihoods. The report discusses SPDC operations including attacks on villages and the killing of civilians as well as the state of health and education for the communities of Ler Muh Bplaw village tract. The text of the report is supported with photographs taken by KHRG field researchers..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F9) Format/size:   pdf (517 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f9.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Urban displacement Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Education > Right to education Title:   Forced labour, extortion and the state of education in Dooplaya District Date of publication:   16 October 2007 Description/subject:   "As world attention focused last month on the large-scale public demonstrations in Rangoon and other major urban centres around Burma, the magnitude of domestic frustration over the military's systematic impoverishment of the civilian population became evident to the international community. This frustration is keenly felt by the people of Dooplaya District in southern Karen State and found expression last month in local anti-regime gatherings. Amongst other abuses, forced labour and extortion in their many guises have been leading causes in the economic collapse and resultant frustration with militarisation in Dooplaya District. A crucial factor making these abuses even more oppressive in Dooplaya and other areas of Karen State as compared with central Burma is the multiplicity of armed groups which compete with each other and with the region's civilian administration for the spoils of village-level exploitation. Across Dooplaya District the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Army; the regime's district and township-level civilian administration; the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA); and the Karen Peace Force (KPF) all continue to fatten themselves off of the toil of village labour. Amongst other detrimental consequences, this persistent predation has undermined opportunities for educational advancement and the application of such education beyond traditional village livelihoods or subservience within the local system of militarisation..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Report (KHRG #2007-F8) Format/size:   pdf (586 MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2007/khrg07f8.html Date of entry/update:   07 November 2009 ML > Education > Right to education Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   « Le nouveau partenariat commercial sino-birman de 1988 et ses effets en Birmanie : Illustration à la lumière du cas de Mandalay » Date of publication:   August 2008 Description/subject:   TABLE DES MATIERES:-- PREMIÈRE PARTIE- 1. INTRODUCTION: 1.1 La Birmanie, un état méconnu: l’isolationnisme en cause; 1.2. Les relations sino-birmanes comme cadre d’analyse; 1.3. Problématique : Mandalay et sa nouvelle population chinoise: Illustration des effets « pervers » des relations commerciales sino-birmanes; 1.4. Structure du texte et méthodologie... DEUXIEME PARTIE:- 2. LE PARTENARIAT ECONOMIQUE ET COMMERCIAL SINO-BIRMAN: 2.1. Les relations sino-birmanes avant 1988 : une amitié sous tension; 2.2. L’économie birmane à la veille de la prise de pouvoir du SLORC en septembre 1988; 2.3. Le commerce frontalier sino-birman et ses enjeux en Birmanie... TROISIEME PARTIE:- 3. ILLUSTRATION DES EFFETS PERVERS DU COMMERCE SINO-BIRMAN: 3.1. Le cas de Mandalay : les conséquences de l’immigration chinoise; 3.2. Vérification de l’hypothèse de départ et conclusion générale... BIBLIOGRAPHIE:- 1. Ouvrages de référence; 2. Articles de journaux et revues périodiques; 2.1. Sur la Birmanie de manière générale; 2.2. Au sujet des relations sino - birmanes; 3. Sources Internet (documents en ligne); 3.1. Sur la Birmanie de manière générale; 3.2. Sur les relations sino - birmanes; 3.3. Articles de presse en ligne traitant des relations sino - birmanes; 3.4. Autres Sources de presse en ligne Author/creator:   Charles APOTHEKER Language:   Francais, French Source/publisher:   UNIVERSITE DE LAUSANNE FACULTE DES SCIENCES SOCIALES ET POLITIQUES INSTITUT D’ETUDES POLITIQUES INTERNATIONALES Format/size:   pdf (232K) Date of entry/update:   06 November 2009 ML > Economy > Burma's economic relations with various countries > Burma's economic relations with China Title:   BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 34 - OCTOBER 2009 Date of publication:   October 2009 Description/subject:   KEY STORY: ASEAN backs off on Burma; ASEAN: No civil rights for civil society; Human Rights Commission inaugurated... INSIDE BURMA: Daw Suu’s appeal rejected; Sanctions talks; Ethnic groups oppose 2010 elections; Ceasefire groups resist BGF ultimatum; Pro-junta groups incorporated into BGFs; ASEAN, US, and EU pledge new aid; Rats reach Kachin and Arakan States; Burmese heroin still a threat to the region... HUMAN RIGHTS: Human rights situation “alarming”; Arrests; Prison sentences; Custodial death; Freedom of information; Religious freedom; Forced labor... DISPLACEMENT: Number of IDPs rising; Rohingya used as pawns; Burmese migrants in Thailand... INTERNATIONAL: Burma-Bangladesh crisis; Switzerland, East Timor call for arms embargo... ECONOMY: Burmese timber exports to China; Mobile phones in Naypyidaw; SPDC gem sales; Trade with Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sudan... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS Language:   English Source/publisher:   ALTSEAN-Burma Format/size:   pdf (200K) Date of entry/update:   06 November 2009 ML > Activism and Advocacy (groups from Burma, solidarity groups, campaigns, publications) > Online publications by Burma solidarity groups > ALTSEAN-Burma archive Title:   NEW US POLICY: AN ALIBI FOR REGIONAL COMPLACENCY Date of publication:   05 November 2009 Description/subject:   BURMA’S NEIGHBORS MISINTERPRETING US POLICY REVIEW... WHAT IS THE NEW US POLICY?... SPDC PLACATES NEIGHBORS... COMPLACENCY FUELS SPDC ABUSES: Political prisoners; Displacement; BGF ultimatum has fueled instability in border areas... SPDC THREATENS REGIONAL STABILITY: China; Bangladesh... OPPOSITION TO THE 2010 ELECTIONS GROWS... DAW SUU REACHES OUT TO THE SPDC... RECOMMENDATIONS..... • The new US policy on Burma, combining long-standing sanctions with high-level engagement, has been deliberately misread by Burma’s neighbors and used to justify greater tolerance of the regime’s escalating crimes against humanity and war crimes. The misrepresentation has: o Emboldened the SPDC’s sense that it can placate its neighbors through rhetoric instead of genuine reform; o Created a sense of complacency in the region that conditions in Burma are actually improving; and o Tacitly encouraged the SPDC to jail opposition leaders and persecute ethnic nationalities. • Essentially, the new US policy means: o “Pragmatic engagement”, aimed at achieving meaningful reforms, will supplement and not replace sanctions; o Discussions on easing sanctions will be possible only if significant advances on core human rights and democracy issues occur; and o The option remains of tightening sanctions on the regime and its supporters if the situation worsens. • Despite the hype over improvements in Burma, the facts reveal the opposite: o As of September, there was a record high of 2,211 political prisoners as a result of the SPDC’s intensified crackdown on political dissidents. The crackdown, coupled with the bogus trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ensures that viable opposition candidates in the 2010 elections are locked up. o Escalating crimes against humanity and war crimes against ethnic communities have led to a sharp spike in displacement. • President Obama must use the ASEAN-US Summit in mid-November in Singapore to reinforce the key elements of the US policy on Burma. President Obama should utilize his Asia trip to draw in governments in the region, in particular China, onto the same page as the US and not the other way around. • In the wake of some governments’ rejection of human rights groups at the recent ASEAN Summit, President Obama must speak up forcefully in favor of human rights defenders and the vital role of an independent civil society. • US officials need to clearly articulate a set of benchmarks hinged on human rights and democracy to measure progress in Burma in the run-up to the 2010 elections. It is also critical to ensure: o The election law guarantees participation of all people, including political activists, as voters and candidates; o Changes to the constitutional article on amendments to remove an effective military veto and reflect common practice Language:   English Source/publisher:   ALTSEAN-Burma Format/size:   pdf (106K) Date of entry/update:   06 November 2009 ML > Activism and Advocacy (groups from Burma, solidarity groups, campaigns, publications) > Online publications by Burma solidarity groups > ALTSEAN-Burma archive Title:   A Unicode primer: what is Unicode and why use 5.1? Description/subject:   A thorough explanation of what Unicode is, and why it is important to use it for documents which are intended for the long term. Only Unicode 5.1 is reliably searchable and not dependent on a particular font or font family. Links to Unicode-complaint fonts and Unicode keyboards can be found at the bottom of the page. Myanmar Unicode also includes Shan, Mon, and Karen. Author/creator:   Myanmar Wikipedia Language:   English, Myanmar, Shan, Karen Source/publisher:   Myanmar Wikipedia Date of entry/update:   06 November 2009 ML > Languages of Burma > Fonts Title:   Myanmar and Shan Unicode 5.1-compliant Font Description/subject:   The Padauk font is one of the few Unicode 5.1-compliant fonts (true Unicode). It includes both Myanmar and Shan scripts in full. In order to use this font you will need a Unicode keyboard (see links below) Author/creator:   SIL Language:   Shan, Myanmar, Burmese Date of entry/update:   05 November 2009 ML > Languages of Burma > Fonts Title:   "The Myanmar Times" November 2 - 8, 2009, Volume 25, No. 495 Date of publication:   08 November 2009 Description/subject:   NEWS TOPICS: Plastic bags to be banned as govt acts on pollution » TCG to seek $103m at Bangkok donor conference » Rice association gears up for monastery donations » Playing ‘wait and see’ in Myanmar » Rainfall up in lower Myanmar, below average in central areas » Writer Ni Ko Ye dies of heart attack » Veteran politician optimistic about next year’s general election » Yangon donation group gets creative for Kahtein Thingan » Nippon Foundation donates medical boxes » Lecture held to honour scholar » Hotels announce special packages for newlyweds » FREDA to launch mangrove plantation in wildlife sanctuary » Internet survey: MCIA » Myanmar, Thailand share spoils in challenge series » Kanbawza beat luckless Zayar Shwe...BUSINESS: Commodity prices variable in late October trading » CDMA market booms as NPT opens up » Gold association holds AGM » Jeweller’s new technique leaves lasting impression » Car prices, trading down after Kengtung auction » MBE gets involved in Dedaye » Humble living in Mayangone Language:   English Source/publisher:   Myanmar Consolidated Media Co. Ltd Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   05 November 2009 RR > Private sector publications produced under censorship restrictions > Weekly magazines > "The Myanmar Times" > "The Myanmar Times" 2009 Title:   PERCEPTIONS OF BORDERS AND HUMAN MIGRATION: THE HUMAN (IN)SECURITY OF SHAN MIGRANT WORKERS IN THAILAND Date of publication:   October 2009 Description/subject:   "...While there are many prior studies to date on the internal conflicts in Burma, these are mostly focused on the human rights situation within the country. In addition, many previous marked studies, such as works from Thai academics, International Organizations or the World Health Organization, have highlighted the human securities of migrant workers in the destination country whereby the process of migration has already taken place. However, none of them have focused on the phenomenon of migration in relation to perceptions of borders and human security. The lack of study addressing the influence of borders and human securities as the key indicators to people's migration behaviour supports the significance and relevance of this research...This research aims to understand the differences in the perceptions of borders between the Thai government, Shan migrant workers, Thai employers, and informal brokers, which perpetuate the flow of illegal migration. Due to the increasing number of illegal Shan migrant workers who are living, producing and consuming products and services in Thailand, or in other words, being absorbed into and continuing to contribute to the Thai economy, it is necessary to map out a framework of borders, human migration and human security for policy-makers to approach and use in addressing the migration issue as a basis for future theoretical development. A focus on the different perceptions of borders in the migration phenomenon may lead toward a more comprehensive view of the international migration process, particularly for ASEAN to have more realistic border and migration policies. Based on the purpose of the research mentioned above, my hypothesis is as follows: "The flow of illegal migrant workers is continuing and increasing due to the differences in the perceptions and functions of borders between the Thai government, Shan migrant workers, Thai employers and informal brokers". The actual primary data is derived from fieldwork conducted both in Thailand and Burma. In addition, secondary data collected from available literature was processed and reviewed in order to support the borders approach in addressing human security and migration. Finally, a comparative case study of Cambodian migrant workers is examined based on fieldwork made in the Rayong province of Thailand..." Author/creator:   Ropharat Aphijanyatham Language:   English Source/publisher:   IRASEC - I'Institut de Recherche sur l'Asie du Sud-Est Contemporaine (Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia): Carnet de l'Irasec / Occasional Paper Serie Observatoire / Observatory Series no. 01 Format/size:   pdf (1.95K) 90 pages Date of entry/update:   04 November 2009 ML > Migration > Migration from Burma > Migrant Workers > Migrant workers from Burma : general and mixed articles and reports Title:   Protracted Displacement and Militarization in Eastern Burma- 2009 Survey (TBBC) Date of publication:   November 2009 Description/subject:   "The main threats to human security in eastern Burma are related to militarisation. Military patrols and landmines are the most significant and fastest growing threat to civilian safety and security, while forced labour and restrictions on movement are the most pervasive threats to livelihoods. Trend analysis suggests that the threats to both security and livelihoods have increased during the past five years. Over 3,500 villages and hiding sites in eastern Burma have been destroyed or forcibly relocated since 1996, including 120 communities between August 2008 and July 2009. The scale of displaced villages is comparable to the situation in Darfur and has been recognised as the strongest single indicator of crimes against humanity in eastern Burma. At least 75,000 people were forced to leave their homes during this past year, and more than half a million people remain internally displaced. The highest rates of recent displacement were reported in northern Karen areas and southern Shan State. Almost 60,000 Karen villagers are hiding in the mountains of Kyaukgyi, Thandaung and Papun Townships, and a third of these civilians fled from artillery attacks or the threat of Burmese Army patrols during the past year. Similarly, nearly 20,000 civilians from 30 Shan villages were forcibly relocated by the Burmese Army in retaliation for Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) operations in Laikha, Mong Kung and Keh Si Townships. Thailand’s National Security Council recently acknowledged it was preparing for another mass influx of refugees due to conflict in Burma’s border areas leading up to the proposed elections in 2010. Conflict has already intensified in Karen State with over 4,000 Karen refugees fleeing into Thailand during June. The increased instability is related to demands that ethnic ceasefire groups transform into Border Guard Forces under Burmese Army command. Such pressure has already resulted in the resumption of hostilities in the Kokang region which caused 37,000 civilians to flee into China..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) Format/size:   pdf (5.6MB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/TBBCidp_report-2009%28en%29.pdf Date of entry/update:   02 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups. Title:   Routine forced labour in Pa'an District Date of publication:   29 October 2008 Description/subject:   "For those villagers living under the control of SPDC and DKBA forces in Pa'an District, certain forms of forced labour have now become routine. Such 'routine' forced labour includes: cultivation of rainy season and dry season rice crops on fields owned by DKBA officers, maintaining rubber plantations, roadside clearance of forest overgrowth following the rainy season, portering military supplies out to soldiers operating at 'frontline' army camps, collecting, preparing and delivering bamboo and thatch for use in the repair and construction of the region's many army camps, and temporarily serving as camp-based messengers. Combined, these various forms of forced labour significantly cut into crucial time villagers need for their own agricultural and other livelihoods activities. This report looks at cases of forced labour from July to September 2008 and includes a short video of recent forced labour in Pa'an District..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F15) Format/size:   pdf (670 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f15.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Title:   Villagers responses to forced labour, torture and other demands in Thaton District Date of publication:   02 October 2008 Description/subject:   "From February to July 2008, SPDC and DKBA forces operating in Thaton District continued to demand forced labour, extort money and threaten villagers as punishment for allegations that villagers had contacted KNU/KNLA personnel. In addition, the destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis on Thatons infrastructure and crops has added to the struggles of villagers. Despite such hardships, villagers in these communities continue to test and refine strategies to resist abuse by the SPDC and DKBA. Both local and international humanitarian and development agencies should increase efforts to support these villager-based resistance strategies, enabling villagers to claim their rights..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F14) Format/size:   pdf (573 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f14.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Mon Title:   Daily demands and exploitation: Life under the control of SPDC and DKBA forces in Pa'an District Date of publication:   18 September 2008 Description/subject:   "In SPDC- and DKBA-controlled Pa'an District villagers face regular, and sometimes daily, demands for labour, money, food and other supplies from local military units. With troop rotation ensuring the constant presence of active troops patrolling these areas, villagers are given little respite from the demands which place a constant drain on their time, incomes and food supplies. In addition to forced labour, extortion and arbitrary taxation, looting by soldiers is rife and families face increased and arbitrary fees for their children's education. Such continual exploitation undermines villagers' livelihoods and makes family survival unsustainable, leading many villagers to instead seek more sustainable livelihood opportunities in other areas of Burma or neighbouring Thailand. This report focuses on the situation in Dta Greh township of Pa'an District, detailing incidents which occurred between January and July 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F13) Format/size:   pdf (573 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f13.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and human rights in Burma Title:   Mortar attacks, landmines and the destruction of schools in Papun District Date of publication:   22 August 2008 Description/subject:   "SPDC abuses against civilians continue in northern Karen State, especially in Lu Thaw township of Papun District. Because these villagers live within non-SPDC-controlled "black areas", the SPDC believes it has justification to attack IDP hiding sites and destroy civilian crops, cattle and property. These attacks, combined with the SPDC and KNLA's continued use of landmines, have caused dozens of injuries and deaths in Papun District alone. Such attacks target the fabric of Karen society, breaking up communities and compromising the educations of Karen youth. In spite of these hardships, the local villagers continue to be resourceful in providing security for their families and education for their children. This report covers events in Papun District from May to July 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F12) Format/size:   pdf (687 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f12.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Education > Right to education Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against individual ethnic groups Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Title:   Forced labour and extortion in Pa'an District Date of publication:   08 August 2008 Description/subject:   "At a time when civilians in Pa'an District are already struggling with rising food prices and unemployment, an increasing number of villagers are being subjected to forced labour and extortion by local SPDC and DKBA forces. This is especially true in eastern Karen State, near the Thoo Mweh (Moei) river, where DKBA commanders are forcing villagers to ignore their own livelihoods in order to help these leaders cultivate their personal rubber plantations. The result of these abuses is a worsening food crisis and constant economic migration to other areas both in Burma and in neighbouring Thailand, places where villagers hope to find more sustainable employment opportunities. This report describes the situation in the Dta Greh and T'Nay Hsah townships of Pa'an District from January to June 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F11) Format/size:   pdf (511 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f11.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Title:   Military expansion and exploitation in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   05 August 2008 Description/subject:   "With the SPDC Army's continued expansion in Nyaunglebin District, local villagers not under military control have had to once again flee into the surrounding forest while troops have forcibly interned other villagers in military-controlled relocation sites. These relocation sites, typically in the plains of western Nyaunglebin, alongside army camps or SPDC-controlled vehicle roads, serve as containment centres from which army personnel appropriate labour, money, food and supplies to support the military's ongoing expansion in the region. Extortion by military officers operating in Nyaunglebin District has included forced 'donations' allegedly collected for distribution to survivors of Cyclone Nargis in the Irrawaddy Delta. This field report looks at the situation in Nyaunglebin up to the end of May 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F10) Format/size:   pdf (697 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f10.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of several ethnic groups Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Attacks, killings and the food crisis in Toungoo District Date of publication:   01 August 2008 Description/subject:   "SPDC troops have continued to target internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Toungoo District. Civilians continue be killed or injured by the attacks while many of the survivors flee their homes and take shelter in forest hiding sites. Some who have moved into SPDC forced relocation sites continue to secretly return to their villages to cultivate their crops, constantly risking punishment or execution by troops patrolling the areas. The SPDC's repeated disruption of regular planting cycles has created a food crisis in Toungoo, further endangering the IDPs living there. This report examines the abuses in Toungoo District from April to June 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F9) Format/size:   pdf (880 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f9.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Torture Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Title:   Exploitative governance under SPDC and DKBA authorities in Dooplaya District Date of publication:   11 July 2008 Description/subject:   "With largely consolidated control over Dooplaya District in southern Karen State the SPDC and DKBA, as the two dominant (and allied) military forces, operate under a system of coexistence. The local civilian population, in turn, faces exploitative governance on two fronts as both SPDC and DKBA soldiers seek to extract money, labour, food and other supplies from them. Enforcing heavy movement restrictions on top of persistent exploitative demands, local communities are facing deteriorating livelihood opportunities, increasing poverty, and a constriction of educational and health care opportunities. Persistent human rights abuses thus foster the economic pressures fuelling the continuing migration of rural communities in Dooplaya District to refugee camps in Thailand and towards livelihood opportunities at urban centres in Burma and Thailand. This report examines the situation of abuse in Dooplaya District from January to June 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F8) Format/size:   pdf (666 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f8.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Human Rights Education Health > Threats to Health > Violations of humanitarian and human rights standards as threats to health Title:   Attacks, forced labour and restrictions in Toungoo District Date of publication:   01 July 2008 Description/subject:   "While the rainy season is now underway in Karen state, Burma Army soldiers are continuing with military operations against civilian communities in Toungoo District. Local villagers in this area have had to leave their homes and agricultural land in order to escape into the jungle and avoid Burma Army attacks. These displaced villagers have, in turn, encountered health problems and food shortages, as medical supplies and services are restricted and regular relocation means any food supplies are limited to what can be carried on the villagers' backs alone. Yet these displaced communities have persisted in their effort to maintain their lives and dignity while on the run; building new shelters in hiding and seeking to address their livelihood and social needs despite constraints. Those remaining under military control, by contrast, face regular demands for forced labour, as well as other forms of extortion and arbitrary 'taxation'. This report examines military attacks, forced labour and movement restrictions and their implications in Toungoo District between March and June 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F7) Format/size:   pdf (880 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f7.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Title:   Burma Army attacks and civilian displacement in northern Papun District Date of publication:   12 June 2008 Description/subject:   "Following the deployment of new Burma Army units in the area of Htee Moo Kee village, Lu Thaw township of northern Karen State, Papun District, during the first week of March 2008, at least 1,600 villagers from seven villages were forced to relocate to eight different hiding sites in order to avoid the encroaching army patrols. These displaced communities are now facing heightened food insecurity and an ongoing risk of military attack. This report is based on in-depth interviews with displaced villagers from Lu Thaw township regarding the recent Burma Army operations and the resultant effects on the local communities. It also includes information on the recent military attack on Dtay Muh Der village, Lu Thaw township, Papun District which Burma Army forces conducted during the first week of June 2008 and which led to the further displacement of over 1,000 villagers..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F6) Format/size:   pdf (537 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f6.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Title:   SPDC spies and the campaign to control Toungoo District Date of publication:   31 March 2008 Description/subject:   "According to reports from KHRG field researchers working in the forested mountains of Toungoo District, local SPDC forces have recently begun utilising spies operating under the guise of escaped convict porters to locate civilian hiding sites. These individuals have reportedly utilised their cover to gain information on the location of displaced hiding sites, farm fields and food storage containers. This information has, in turn, allowed for the rapid deployment of SPDC patrols to target particular displaced communities in military attacks. Alongside this strategy, the SPDC has maintained heavy movement restrictions and imposed persistent forced labour in those areas already under its control. This report examines the human rights situation in Toungoo District up to March 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F5) Format/size:   pdf (736 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f5.html Date of entry/update:   01 November 2009 ML > Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Title:   IDP conditions and the rape of a young girl in Papun District Date of publication:   11 April 2009 Description/subject:   "This report describes SPDC operations in and around internally displaced person hiding sites in Lu Thaw Township, Papun District. Villagers in this area continue to face constant physical threats and food insecurity caused by SPDC patrols-indeed, residents have been prevented from consistently accessing their farm fields for so long that they now face a dire food crisis. This report also details the rape of a 13-year-old girl by an SPDC soldier in Dweh Loh Township and the local military commander's attempt to cover up the incident. This report examines cases of SPDC abuse from December 2008 to March 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F8) Format/size:   pdf (881 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f8.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against individual ethnic groups > Childrens's rights in Karen State - reports of violations Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   IDP responses to food shortages in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   10 April 2009 Description/subject:   "Since the beginning of 2009, SPDC troops have patrolled areas near displaced hiding sites in Nyaunglebin District. These patrols prevent displaced villagers from cultivating their secret crops or otherwise accessing food, which in turn exacerbates food insecurity for these civilians. Despite such hardships, villagers have responded by cooperating with each other-often sharing food or helping each other cultivate crops and sell goods in 'jungle markets'. This report describes the situation of displaced villagers in Nyaunglebin District from December 2008 to March 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F7) Format/size:   pdf (881 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f7.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and human rights in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   Land confiscation and the business of human rights abuse in Thaton District Date of publication:   02 April 2009 Description/subject:   "While the SPDC and DKBA have both continued to utilise forced labour and extortion as means of financing local operations in Thaton, these two groups have also employed other, separate exploitive practices. The SPDC has confiscated large tracts of land belonging to local villagers and then sold it to the Max Myanmar Company for use in rubber cultivation. The DKBA, for its part, has used forced labour, arbitrarily detained and beaten villages and has also required Thaton villagers to buy calendars and religious photographs of DKBA leaders. This report documents abuses between September 2008 and January 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F6) Format/size:   pdf (602 KB), html Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f6.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Mon Human Rights > Land rights Title:   SPDC and DKBA road construction, forced labour and looting in Papun District Date of publication:   31 March 2009 Description/subject:   "Late last year, during SPDC reconstruction work on two main roads leading from Papun town to SPDC camps in the Kyauk Nya and Dagwin areas of Bu Tho Township, KNU/KNLA forces took the opportunity to launch secret guerrilla attacks against the SPDC site. Believing that local Karen villagers had cooperated with KNLA forces, the SPDC began to force villagers and convict porters to work on the roads and also killed and looted villagers' animals and property when it patrolled villages in the area. DKBA forces have also recently demanded forced labour and forced recruitment from Papun villagers during this time. The incidents detailed in this report occurred between December 2008 and February 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F5) Format/size:   pdf (546 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f5.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Extortion and restrictions under the DKBA in Pa'an District Date of publication:   16 March 2009 Description/subject:   "Recent reports suggest that, in negotiations with State authorities, the DKBA has been able to ensure its long-term political future in Burma by transforming itself into a 'Border Security Force', a title that would nominally place the group within the SPDC hierarchy. Consequently, the DKBA's ongoing restrictions and extortion in T'Nay Hsah and Dta Greh townships of eastern Pa'an District (near the Thai border) may be expected to continue even after the planned 2010 elections. This report examines cases of abuse against villagers by SPDC and DKBA forces in Pa'an District from the end of 2008 to March 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F4) Format/size:   pdf (534 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f4.pdf Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Human Rights > Labour Rights Title:   Insecurity amidst the DKBA - KNLA conflict in Dooplaya and Pa'an districts Date of publication:   06 February 2009 Description/subject:   "The DKBA has intensified operations across much of eastern Pa'an and north-eastern Dooplaya districts since it renewed its forced recruitment drive in Pa'an District in August 2008. These operations have included forced relocations of civilians, a new round of forced conscription and attacks on villages. The DKBA has also pushed forward in its attacks on KNLA positions in both districts in an apparent effort to eradicate the remaining KNLA presence and wrest control of lucrative natural resources and taxation points in the lead up to the 2010 elections. Skirmishes between DKBA, SPDC and KNLA forces have thus continued throughout this period. Local villagers have faced heightened insecurity in connection with the ongoing conflict. DKBA, SPDC and KNLA forces all continue to deploy landmines in the area and DKBA forces have fined or otherwise punished local villagers for attacks by KNLA soldiers. This report documents incidents of abuse in Dooplaya and Pa'an districts from August 2008 to February 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F3) Format/size:   pdf (978 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f3.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Attacks, killings and the food crisis in Papun District Date of publication:   04 February 2009 Description/subject:   "SPDC abuses against civilians continue in northern Karen State, especially in the Lu Thaw and Dweh Loh townships of Papun District. Abuses have been particularly harsh in Lu Thaw, most of which has been designated a "black area" by the SPDC and so subject to constant attacks by Burma Army forces. Villagers who decide to remain in their home areas are often forced to live in hiding and not only face constant threats of violence by the SPDC, but also a worsening food crisis due to the SPDC's disruption of planting cycles. This report covers events in Papun District from August 2008 to January 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F2) Format/size:   pdf (578 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f2.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma Human Rights > Forced Relocation/Forced migration > Forced relocation of individual ethnic groups > Forced relocation of Karen Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Title:   Rural development and displacement: SPDC abuses in Toungoo District Date of publication:   13 January 2009 Description/subject:   "The SPDC has continued to militarise larger and larger swaths of Toungoo District under the false banner of 'development', subjecting local villagers to forced labour and extortion and forcing others to flee into hiding. Life is hard for villagers both under and outside of SPDC control: villagers living within SPDC-controlled areas are often forced to work for the SPDC rather than focus on their own livelihoods while villagers in hiding continue to struggle with a shortage of food. Ultimately, many residents of Toungoo face a mounting food crisis that is a direct result of SPDC policy. This report discusses incidents that occurred between May and September 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F1) Format/size:   pdf (850 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f1.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Development Development > Development and the civil war Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Title:   SPDC and DKBA extortion and forced labour in Thaton District Date of publication:   26 November 2008 Description/subject:   "Militarisation in practice is not always uniform. As the SPDC and DKBA rotate their army units in Thaton District, western Karen State, villagers confront shifting patterns of authority and abuse. While villagers living around the SPDC's army camp at Yoh Gkla continue to face forced labour, extortion and threats of arbitrary detention and execution, the local SPDC battalion that has been deployed there since July 2008 has patrolled less frequently than its predecessor. This decreased patrolling has led to a weakened ability to enforce movement restrictions on villagers. This report documents incidents which took place between July and October 2008..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2008-F16) Format/size:   pdf (520 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2008/khrg08f16.html Date of entry/update:   31 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Title:   Abuse in Pa'an District, Insecurity in Thailand: The dilemma for new refugees in Tha Song Yang Date of publication:   08 September 2009 Description/subject:   "This report presents information on abuses in eastern Pa'an District, where joint SPDC/DKBA forces continue to subject villagers to exploitative abuse and attempt to consolidate control of territory around recently taken KNLA positions near the Ler Per Her IDP camp. Abuses documented in this report include forced labour, conscription of porters and human minesweepers as well as the summary execution of a village headman. The report also provides an update on the situation for newly arrived refugees in Thailand's Tha Song Yang District, where at least 4,862 people from the Ler Per Her area have sought refuge; some have been there since June 2nd 2009, others arrived later. This report presents new information for the period of June to August 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Right Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F14) Format/size:   pdf (860 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f14.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Refugees > Burmese refugees in Thailand - general reports and articles Title:   Ongoing accounts of village-level resistance Date of publication:   31 July 2009 Description/subject:   "External accounts of life in rural Burma have long been shaped by narrow stereotypes of helpless victims and intransigent oppressors. However, as KHRG has increasingly documented, such portrayals fail to accurately reflect the dynamics of life under military rule and the (albeit disadvantaged) efforts which regular people employ to resist abuse, renegotiate relations of power and assert control over their lives. As international engagement in Burma increases, a far more nuanced understanding of local-level political processes remains crucial to developing a rights-based approach to aid provision. To that end, the present report provides summaries of three recent incidents in which villagers sought to negotiate a change or reduction in military demands. All three accounts deal with orders issued by DKBA forces in Papun and Thaton districts of Karen State during May and June 2009. In a departure from the usual KHRG reporting-style, these accounts have been supplemented with illustrations based on villagers' descriptions of events provided to KHRG by an independent illustrator..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F13) Format/size:   pdf (860 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f13.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma Title:   IDPs, land confiscation and forced recruitment in Papun District Date of publication:   01 July 2009 Description/subject:   "In the northernmost township of Papun District, Burma Army troops deployed as part of an ongoing offensive in northern Karen State were withdrawn from 13 of 46 army camps in the district between the end of 2008 and the start of 2009. Although this has opened some space for villagers, they report continued patrols, restricted access to farmland and severe food shortages. Elsewhere in the district where SPDC control is more comprehensive, villagers report forced labour and land confiscation for road construction as well as conscription as 'human minesweepers' and into the local government militia. This report presents information on ongoing abuses committed by SPDC forces in Papun District from February to May 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F12) Format/size:   pdf (498 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f12.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Title:   Exploitation and recruitment under the DKBA in Pa'an District Date of publication:   29 June 2009 Description/subject:   "While recent media attention has focused on the joint SPDC/DKBA attacks on the KNLA in Pa'an District and the dramatic exodus of at least 3,000 refugees from the area of Ler Per Her IDP camp into Thailand, the daily grind of exploitative treatment by DKBA forces continues to occur across the region. This report presents a breakdown of DKBA Brigade #999 battalions, some recent cases of exploitative abuse by this unit in Pa'an District and a brief overview of the group's transformation into a Border Guard Force as part of the SPDC's planned 2010-election process, in which the DKBA has sought to significantly expand its numbers. Amongst those forcibly recruited for this transformation process was a 17-year-old child soldier injured in the fighting at Ler Per Her, whose testimony is included here..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F11) Format/size:   pdf (549 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f11.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Refugees > Burmese refugees in Thailand - general reports and articles Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   Military movements, forced labour and extortion in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   15 May 2009 Description/subject:   "In some areas of Nyaunglebin District, north-western Karen State, frontline army camps from which SPDC troops withdrew at the end of 2008 remain empty. Elsewhere in the district, however, the Burma Army is active with regular patrols amongst villages in both the plains and hills. In those areas where the SPDC maintains a consolidated hold on the civilian population, Burma Army personnel continue to demand forced labour and extort money and supplies from local communities. This report describes the military situation in Nyaunglebin District from January to March 2009 as well as the Burma Army's continued use of forced labour and extortion of the local population..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F10) Format/size:   pdf (651 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f10.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Labour Rights Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > All Labour Rights (violations) Title:   Forced recruitment, child soldiers and abuse in the army: Interviews with SPDC deserters Date of publication:   27 April 2009 Description/subject:   "This report includes interviews with two deserters who fled the Burma Army in 2008 and spoke to KHRG about their experiences in February 2009. The interviews cover issues of forced recruitment, child soldiers, corruption and theft within the army, low moral and desertion, and the brutal treatment of both civilians and fellow soldiers by armed forces personnel..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F9) Format/size:   pdf (256 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f9.html Date of entry/update:   30 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Child labour in Burma Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against individual ethnic groups > Childrens's rights in Karen State - reports of violations Human Rights > Children's Rights > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma > Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against individual ethnic groups Human Rights > Human Rights Education Title:   U.S. Policy Toward Burma - Testimony of Chris Beyrer MD, MPH Date of publication:   21 October 2009 Description/subject:   Testimony of Chris Beyrer MD, MPH Professor of Epidemiology and International Health Director, Center for Public Health and Human Rights Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health... Language:   English Source/publisher:   U. S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs Format/size:   pdf (50K) Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma > Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups Title:   U.S. Policy Toward Burma (video) Date of publication:   21 October 2009 Description/subject:   Witnesses Panel: The Honorable Kurt M. Campbell Assistant Secretary Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs U.S. Department of State... Mr. Tom Malinowski Advocacy Director Human Rights Watch... Chris Beyrer, M.D., MPH Professor of Epidemiology, International Health, and Health, Behavior, and Society Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health... Mr. Aung Din Executive Director U.S. Campaign for Burma Language:   English Source/publisher:   U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs Format/size:   Webcast [Real Player] (2.5hours) Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Various Rights > Various rights: reports of violations in Burma > Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups Title:   Tollgates upon tollgates: En route with extortion along the Asian Highway (Field Reports) Date of publication:   05 October 2009 Description/subject:   "As the town of Myawaddy on the Thai-Burma border has grown through increased trade, so too have efforts by local military forces to extract revenue from the workers, traders and travellers who pass through it. With increasing exploitative and military pressures in the surrounding rural areas, many local villagers have also joined the ranks of those seeking economic refuge—or just opportunities to work or buy and sell goods—in town and across the border. Villagers in the area live under a motley patchwork of political and military authorities that operate over 20 checkpoints along the Asian Highway between Myawaddy and Rangoon. At each checkpoint transport trucks and passenger vehicles must pay tolls while travellers may be searched and forced to give 'donations' or 'tea money' to inspecting soldiers. Fixed tolls and ad hoc extortion are used to support the checkpoint itself and the military personnel controlling it. This report includes information collected in August and September 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Right Group Field Report (KHRG #2009-F17) Format/size:   pdf (354 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f17.html Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 ML > Economy > Economy: general, analytical, statistical > Economy: general, analytical, statistical (various sources) Internal Displacement/Forced Migration Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 27 October 2009 Date of publication:   27 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Prime Minister General Thein Sein on PM’s return from Thailand...Commander, minister inspect site chosen for new bridge...English Proficiency Course of Finance and Revenue commences...Friendly football match between U-16 DPRK...17th Performing Arts Competitions continue for ninth day... women’s football team and selected Myanmar women’s football team...Yangon Div competes in Illisa Dvicitta marionette contest...Minister meets local people of Kayan...Industry-1 Minister visits MPF (Budalin...Talk on pain relief medicine held...UMFCCI President receives Philippine Ambassador...MMITEE training programme to open...Rail Transportation Minister presents cash to Bago troupe...Minister enjoys Myanmar-Thai Traditional Lethway Challenge Fight II...Prime Minister attends working dinner of ASEAN leaders in Hua Hin...PM arrives Hua Hin to attend 15th ASEAN Summit and related summits...Taunggyi Tazaungdine Festival opens...Industry-2 Minister visits No.2 Tyre and Rubber Products Factory Project (Bilin)...Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends opening of 15th ASEAN Summit, related meetings..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions depict Myanmar lifestyle, attributes" Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 28 October 2009 Date of publication:   28 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends special meeting of heads of State/Government of ASEAN countries...Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 12th ASEAN+3 Summit and 7th ASEAN-India Summit...Appointment of Ambassador agreed on...Appointment of Finnish Ambassador agreed on...Forestry Minister attends ceremony to hand over station hospital...Prizes presented for 9th paper reading session of MAAS...Prime Minister General Thein Sein meets Thai counterpart...Stakes driven for Shwe Pyi Soe (1) self-reliant library...Sagaing Division troupe participates in Illisa Dvicitta marionette contest...Donation ceremony for doyen literati held...Teak plantation workshop and implementation of teak plantation course opened...Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends 12th ASEAN-China Summit, 12th ASEAN-Japan Summit and 12th ASEAN-Korea Summit...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue for tenth day...Boosting cultivation of summer paddy and winter crops in Mon State discussed...Prime Minister General Thein Sein meets Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao..... "PERSPECTIVES":"Build more dams for bringing about equitable development" Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (11MB) Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The Myanmar Times"October 26 - November 1, 2009, Volume 25, No. 494 Date of publication:   01 November 2009 Description/subject:   NEWS TOPICS: More than 100,000 visitors flock to Yangon ICT expo » ASEAN rights body launched » 3D Fund annual review meeting held » Monument opens MDY store » NGO launches program to reduce child mortality » Fire balloons fill the sky over Taunggyi » More sailors taken hostage » Nurseries to distribute mangroves » New hope for rare bird species » In Yangon, free clinic struggles to fund ART treatment » Reports of tensions exaggerated, says Bangladesh ambassador » Local sailor aboard hijacked vessel » FREDA to build delta cyclone shelters » Conjoined twins well after recent operation » Intern programs gain popularity in IT industry to fill experience gulf » New coach plans to improve U-23 tactics, technique » YBN thumps Okkthar Utd » Australia takes out women’s competition...BUSINESS: UMFCCI trade office in Nanning, China to be complete by year’s end » Prices on the rise for beans and pulses » Mobile phones allowed in NPT » Karting gets green light in Yangon » CAEXPO kicks off in China » Food security a growing challenge, says PM » Relocation car rents down » Thingangyun duplex Language:   English Source/publisher:   Myanmar Consolidated Media Co. Ltd Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 RR > Private sector publications produced under censorship restrictions > Weekly magazines > "The Myanmar Times" > "The Myanmar Times" 2009 Title:   Patrols, movement restrictions and forced labour in Toungoo District Date of publication:   28 September 2009 Description/subject:   "This report documents the situation for villagers in Toungoo District, both in areas under SPDC control and in areas contested by the KNLA and home to villagers actively evading SDPC control. For villagers in the former, movement restrictions, forced labour and demands for material support continue unabated, and continue to undermine their attempts to address basic needs. Villagers in hiding, meanwhile, report that the threat of Burma Army patrols, though slightly reduced, remains sufficient to disrupt farming and undermine food security. This report includes incidents occurring from January to August 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F16) Format/size:   pdf (850 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f16.html Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Race or Ethnicity: Discrimination based on > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations > Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against specific groups > Discrimination against the Karen Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups. Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Human Rights > Labour Rights > Labour rights: reports of violations in Burma > Forced Labour Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Study of internal displacement/forced migration in SPDC-controlled areas Title:   Livelihood consequences of SPDC restrictions and patrols in Nyaunglebin District Date of publication:   22 September 2009 Description/subject:   "This report presents information on abuses in Nyaunglebin District for the period of April to July 2009. Though Nyaunglebin saw a reduction in SPDC activities during the first six months of 2009, patrols resumed in July. Since then, IDP villagers attempting to evade SPDC control report that they have subsequently been unable to regularly access farm fields or gardens, exacerbating cycles of food shortages set in motion by the northern Karen State offensive which began in 2006. Other villagers, from the only nominally controlled villages in the Nyaunglebin's eastern hills to SPDC-administered relocation sites in the west, meanwhile, report abuses including forced labour, conscription into government militia, travel restrictions and the torture of two village leaders for alleged contact with the KNLA..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group Field Reports (KHRG #2009-F15) Format/size:   pdf (821 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f15.html Date of entry/update:   28 October 2009 ML > Food Security > Food security by State and Division > Food Security in Karen (Kayin) State Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Title:   Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2009 - Burma Date of publication:   May 2009 Description/subject:   "The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military junta governing Burma, has one of the world‘s worst human rights records. In the past year, religious freedom conditions deteriorated in Burma, particularly following the violent suppression of peacefully demonstrating Buddhist monks in September 2007, and Burma‘s military regime continued its policy of severely restricting religious practice, monitoring the activity of all religious organizations, and perpetuating or tolerating violence against religious leaders and their communities. Buddhist monasteries viewed as epicenters of the September 2007 ―Saffron Revolution‖ continue to face the most severe restrictions, including harsh limitations on everyday religious activities. Muslims routinely experience strict controls on a wide range of religious activities, as well government-sponsored or supported societal violence. Burma‘s Christian populations face forced promotion of Buddhism and other hardships in ethnic minority areas where low-intensity conflict has been waged for decades. In addition, a new law passed in early 2009 essentially bans independent ―house church‖ religious venues, many of which operate because permission to build church buildings is regularly denied. Burma has been designated as a CPC by the Department of State since 1999... Language:   English, Burmese Source/publisher:   U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Format/size:   pdf (2.4MB - English; 67K - Burmese) Alternate URLs:   http://www.uscirf.gov/images/AR2009/burma%20in%20burmese.pdf http://www.uscirf.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1382&Itemid=1 Date of entry/update:   27 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Religion or belief: discrimination based on > Religious freedom: reports of violations in Burma Title:   International Religious Freedom Report 2009 - Burma Date of publication:   26 October 2009 Description/subject:   "Highly repressive, authoritarian military regimes have ruled the country since 1962. In May 2008 the Government announced voters had approved a new draft Constitution in a nationwide referendum. Democracy activists and the international community widely criticized the referendum as seriously flawed. The new Constitution provides for freedom of religion; however, it also grants broad exceptions that allow the regime to restrict those rights at will. Although authorities generally permitted most adherents of registered religious groups to worship as they choose, the Government imposed restrictions on certain religious activities and frequently abused the right to freedom of religion..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   (US) Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   27 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Religion or belief: discrimination based on > Religious freedom: reports of violations in Burma Title:   International Religious Freedom Report 2008 - Burma Date of publication:   September 2008 Description/subject:   "Highly repressive, authoritarian military regimes have ruled the country since 1962. Constitutional protection of religious freedom has not existed since 1988, after the armed forces brutally suppressed massive prodemocracy demonstrations and abrogated the Constitution. In 1990 prodemocracy parties won a majority of seats in a free and fair election, but the junta of senior military officers refused to recognize the results and has ruled the country by decree and without a legislature ever since. The authorities generally permitted most adherents of registered religious groups to worship as they choose; however, the Government imposed restrictions on certain religious activities and frequently abused the right to freedom of religion..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   (US) Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   27 October 2009 ML > Human Rights > Discrimination > Religion or belief: discrimination based on > Religious freedom: reports of violations in Burma Title:   "Mojo" (The Lightning) No. 94 Date of publication:   May 2008 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   BINA (Burma Independent News Agency) Format/size:   pdf (4.8MB) Date of entry/update:   26 October 2009 RR > Archives > "Mojo" Title:   "Mojo" (The Lightning) No. 91 Date of publication:   February 2008 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   BINA (Burma Independent News Agency) Format/size:   pdf (7.2MB - medium resolution; 2.8MB - low resolution) Date of entry/update:   26 October 2009 RR > Archives > "Mojo" Title:   "Mojo" (The Lightning) No. 93 Date of publication:   April 2008 Language:   Burmese Source/publisher:   BINA (Burma Independent News Agency) Format/size:   pdf (12MB - medium resolution; 4.6MB - low resolution) Date of entry/update:   26 October 2009 RR > Archives > "Mojo" Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 26 October 2009 Date of publication:   26 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Secretary-1 enjoys performance of Sagaing Division troupe in Uggasena Drama Contest...Lt-Gen Myint Swe attends opening of workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction...Commander attends World Sight Day...Winners in NPCI 2008-2009, Water Festival 2009 honoured...Global warming in circulation...Earthquake Report...Basic Food and Beverage Course concludes...Old students of IM-2 to hold respect paying ceremony on 26 December...Victorious Myanmar archery team arrives back...6th ceremony to pay respects to teachers held to mark World Teachers Day...Surveillance of measles clarified...Commander attends ceremony to honour outstanding Red Cross members...Industry-1 Minister looks into factories in Pakokku...Energy Minister inspects CNG stations...Coord meeting on works for development of traditional medicines held...Dagon Bio-Disc Passed Water launched...Commander inspects maize plantation...A&I Minister receives Charge d’ Affaires ai of US Embassy...Sports Minister watches Myanmar-Thai Challenge Fight...17th Performing Arts Competitions continue for eighth day...Kyungon Bridge opened in Wakema Township...First year courses for 2009-2010 to open..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Concerted global work generates peace, security and prosperity"... ARTICLE: "YCDC striving for supply of potable water to dwellers" Article & Photos: Reporter Than Swe (Pabedan) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   26 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 25 October 2009 Date of publication:   25 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe sends UN Day message - Myanmar has great faith in important role played by United Nations in promoting social justice, economic progress and better standards of living of citizens of the world - Myanmar will work towards vision of the United Nations...Greater focus should be on economic and social development to meet internationally agreed goals including the MDGs - Secretary-1 attends 64th Anniversary of founding of the United Nations...Yangon Division Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee observes 20th anniversary ceremony...CONCORDIA Int’l Co Ltd’s Tazaungdine special sales on 27 Oct...Secretary-1 and wife enjoy performance of Yangon Division troupe in Uggasena Drama Contest...F&R Ministry holds work coordination meeting...AGM of MGEA held...CPA (First Part) Course No. 35 to be opened...Gusto to conduct Applied Programming Course...17th Performing Arts Competitions continue for seventh day...Work committee for organizing performing arts competitions meets...Commander, Minister attend donation ceremony of Shwe Natural Gas Project...Ambassador U Nyan Lynn accredited to Timor-Leste...Education Minister views activities of schools on School Environment Day...Labour Minister receives Singaporean Ambassador...Delegation of Indian Army Higher Command Course concludes visits...NetInfo to launch CCNA course...Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo receives Minister of Railways of PRC..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Beef up multilateral cooperation between Myanmar and China" Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (8MB) Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   Promoting household food and nutrition security in Myanmar Date of publication:   2001 Description/subject:   "Myanmar has a policy of promoting food and nutrition security and, at the national level, food production is more than that required to meet the country’s needs. Nevertheless, food and nutrition surveillance has revealed that malnutrition still exists in the country, despite economic growth and national food self-sufficiency. The National Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, formulated in 1994 and adopted in 1995, accorded priority to household food and nutrition security. Accordingly, in 1996, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Nutrition Centre embarked on a study of household food and nutrition security in Myanmar. A preliminary situation analysis revealed that transitional changes in the economic, demographic and social sectors have driven dramatic changes in people’s lifestyles, behaviour and practices and that these changes affect food and nutrition security. The present paper explores household and intrahousehold determinants of nutrition problems in Myanmar.".....Results Preliminary descriptive analysis demonstrated more acute malnutrition in the urban area than in the rural area for both the pre- and post-harvest periods. Furthermore, nutritional problems were more acute in both the urban and rural areas during the preharvest period than during the post-harvest period. Urban children consumed fewer calories than rural children during both the pre- and post-harvest times, while children in both rural and urban areas consumed fewer calories during the preharvest period than during the postharvest period, although all the differences were not statistically significant......Keywords: care of the vulnerable, food security, malnutrition, Myanmar, National Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition. Author/creator:   Aye Thwin MPH (NUTRITION), DFs&N, MB, BS Language:   English Source/publisher:   Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr (2001) 10(Suppl.): S34–S39 Format/size:   pdf (231`K) Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security in Burma - general reports and statistics Title:   Myanmar: Contemporary Life Date of publication:   March 2005 Description/subject:   "This chapter is about the lives of ordinary people in contemporary Myanmar" Author/creator:   Myat Thein Language:   English Source/publisher:   Chapter from :Values and life styles in urban Asia: a cross-cultural analysis" Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 ML > Social studies > Social studies of Burma Title:   Renewable Energy Workshops in Burma Date of publication:   2003 Description/subject:   "...two hands-on renewable energy workshops were conducted in June 2002. One was for thirteen participants in Myitkyina, Kachin State in northern Burma, and another for fifteen participants in Toungoo in central Burma. The workshops emphasized both theory and practice of solar-electric system installation and maintenance..." Author/creator:   Chris Greacen Language:   English Source/publisher:   home power 98 Format/size:   pdf (252K) Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 ML > Economy > Infrastructure > Energy > Electrical Power: Production and Use > Solar power Title:   Solar Energy Potential and Applications in Myanmar Date of publication:   August 2008 Description/subject:   Abstract: "Energy consumption is one of the indices in determining the levels of development of a nation. Therefore, availability of energy supply to all sectors of life in any country is crucial for its development. These exists shortage of all kinds of energy, particularly electricity which is badly needed for economic development. Electricity from the sun which is quite abundant in most of the developing countries is used in rural areas to meet basic electricity needs of a rural community. Today’s electricity supply in Myanmar is generated by fuel generators and hydroelectric power plants. However, far-flung areas which are away from National Grids cannot enjoy the electricity generated by these sources. Since Myanmar is a land of plentiful sunshine, especially in central and southern regions of the country, the first form of energy- solar energy could hopefully become the final solution to its energy supply problem. The direct conversion of solar energy into electricity using photovoltaic system has been receiving intensive installation not only in developed countries but also in developing countries. It is mainly intended to present solar energy potential and application in Myanmar. It is also wanted to get the benefits of using solar energy for people in remote areas which are not yet connected to the national grids because of the high price of fossil fuel."... Keywords—Electricity supply in Myanmar, National Grids, solar energy. Author/creator:   Thet Thet Han Yee, Su Su Win, and Nyein Nyein Soe Language:   English Source/publisher:   World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 42 2008 Format/size:   pdf (340K) Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 ML > Economy > Infrastructure > Energy > Electrical Power: Production and Use > Solar power Title:   SOLAR POWER SEEN AS SOLUTION FOR REMOTE VILLAGES Date of publication:   12 October 2003 Description/subject:   "Subsidies, technical support and greater awareness are needed to speed the development of alternative energy sources in Myanmar, an industry spokesman said last week. One of the leaders in the field, U Win Khaing, managing director of Myanmar Solar Energy System, a subsidiary of United Engineering, is enthusiastic about the future of solar power as an alternative power source in this country. “Myanmar has great potential for utilising solar energy which is a free energy source. It could provide an immediate solution for remote villages that are not connected to the national electricity grid” Author/creator:   Kyaw Naing, Language:   English Source/publisher:   Myanmar Times, 2003-10-03. Format/size:   pdf (85K) Alternate URLs:   http://www.myanmar.gov.mm/myanmartimes/no186/MyanmarTimes10-186/022.htm Date of entry/update:   25 October 2009 ML > Economy > Infrastructure > Energy > Electrical Power: Production and Use > Solar power Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 16 October 2009 Date of publication:   16 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence attends Myanmar ICT Exhibition...Basic vocational training courses opened in Ayeyawady Division...MYANMAR GAZETTE...Energy Dy Minister inspects Shwepyitha oil-field...Respect-paying ceremony of EMBA on 23 October...Shwe Lamin Nagar opens booth at Myanmar ICT Exhibition...Indian goodwill delegation concludes visit...Electric Power No. 2 Minister meets Thai guest...TV Guide in circulation...Tun Foundation Bank to hold talks on 24 Oct...Ministry of Forestry to conduct educative course and workshop...Air Bagan Open Golf Championships kicks off...Cash donated to eye patients in Yesagyo...Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing inspects upgrading of Nay Pyi Taw-Pinlaung road section...Divapali Day falls on 17 October..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Develop agriculture and livestock breeding industries to ensure food security"..... ARTICLES: "Kyaukse, famous town for elephant festival" Byline: Maung Maung Htwe (MNA) Photos: Tha Nyan (MNA)..."Environmental Conservation and Sanitation Department of YCDC accelerating sanitation of Yangon" Article & Photos: Maung Maung Htwe (MNA)..."An Engineering Feat of the 19th Century" Thet Han Soe Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (8.9MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 17 October 2009 Date of publication:   17 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Paddy output well exceeds domestic consumption, surplus exported, thereby contributing to world food sufficiency - Myanmar has abundant resources to keep good balance among Food-Feed-Fuel without infringing crop cultivation patterns in producing bio-energy - Prime Minister General Thein Sein attends ceremony to mark World Food Day 2009...One-day nourishing ceremony held in Mental Health Hospital...CPT Minister inspects communication stations...Inter-School New Recruit Tournament continues...Work Proficiency Course for Auditors concludes...Mawlamyine marks World Teachers’ Day...Dip in Banking course opened...Cultural troupes from States, Divisions arrive in Nay Pyi Taw...Myanmar delegation arrives back from Thailand...201 drug-related cases exposed in September...Corrigendum...H&T Minister receives Filipino Ambassador...Eye Specialists’ Conference to be held in Yangon...Earthquake Report..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Pay serious attention to eye health for better future"..... ARTICLES: "An Engineering Feat of the 19th Century" Thet Han Soe (continued from yesterday)..."Making Kyaukdaga Township on a par with urban areas" Article & Photos: Reporter Peinzalok Thein Nyunt Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (6.9MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 18 October 2009 Date of publication:   18 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo greets members of the central panel of judges, contestants and supervisors...Central Level English and Mathematics Teaching Proficiency Course for Basic Education Teachers concludes...Myanmar delegation leaves for China...Sale agents of LG Electronic honoured...7th Annual General Meeting of MGEA on 24 Oct...Myanmar delegation back from Bhutan...Minister meets with Ambassador of Indonesia...UMFCCI President receives Vietnamese delegation...Myanmar ICT Exhibition 2009 continues...2nd Haematological Conference held...USDA Secretary-General receives EU Alternate Chairman, Ambassadors...Cash donation for Vietnamese storm victims...Objectives of the 17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions...Kanma-Thayet railroad section of Kyangin-Pakokku Railroad Construction Project put into commission..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Strive to ensure world food security"..... ARTICLES: (Hailing the 17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, Nay Pyi Taw) "Performance of Uggasena Jataka" Dr Khin Maung Nyunt..."Taungkhayan Dam contributing much to double and mixed-cropping" Article:Kyaw Than Swe (Gangaw) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   Starving them out: Food shortages and exploitative abuse in Papun District Date of publication:   15 October 2009 Description/subject:   "As the 2009 rainy season draws to a close, displaced villagers in northern Papun District’s Lu Thaw Township face little prospect of harvesting sufficient paddy to support them over the next year. After four straight agricultural cycles disrupted by Burma Army patrols, which continue to shoot villagers on sight and enforce travel and trade restrictions designed to limit sale of food to villagers in hiding, villagers in northern Papun face food shortages more severe than anything to hit the area since the Burma Army began attempts to consolidate control of the region in 1997. Consequently, the international donor community should immediately provide emergency support to aid groups that can access IDP areas in Lu Thaw Township. In southern Papun, meanwhile, villagers report ongoing abuses and increased activity by the SPDC and DKBA in Dwe Loh and Bu Thoh townships. In these areas, villagers report abuses including movement restrictions, forced labour, looting, increased placement of landmines in civilian areas, summary executions and other forms of arbitrary abuse. This report documents abuses occurring between May and October 2009..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG #2009-F18) Format/size:   pdf (861 KB) Alternate URLs:   http://www.khrg.org/khrg2009/khrg09f18.html Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 ML > Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and militarisation in Burma Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and displacement in Burma Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security and human rights in Burma Internal Displacement/Forced Migration > Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of individual ethnic groups > Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 19 October 2009 Date of publication:   19 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Prime Minister General Thein Sein to attend 15th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits...Myanmar traditional performing arts, cultural heritage bear witness to high national prestige and integrity of the nation - The nation will face culture deterioration, if social affair is not paid serious attention - 17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions commence...Minister inspects construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Malun)...Labour Minister meets Philippine Ambassador...Novice class cricket tournament 2009 continues...UMFCCI meets Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister...Lt-Gen Myint Swe attends AGM of MCF, MCPA, MCEA and MCIA...Lt-Gen Tha Aye of the Ministry of Defence inspects progress of Taungdwingyi and Aunglan townships in Magway Div...Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets departmental personnel, local people and Tatmadaw members...Myanmar Traditional performing arts, cultural heritage…...Nay Pyi Taw Command Commander enjoys entertainments of 17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions...Foreign Minister back home after attending 8th ACD Ministerial Meeting...Air Bagan Open Golf Championship continues..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Take effective prenatal care during and after pregnancy"..... ARTICLE: "Myogyi Multipurpose Dam Project in Ywangan Township, Shan State (South)" Byline & Photos : Khin Maung Than (Sethmu) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 20 October 2009 Date of publication:   20 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe sees off Secretary-1 of SPDC General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo on his departure for PRC...Myanmar delegation arrives back from Laos...Appointment of ambassador agreed on...Prize-presentation of Air Bagan Open Golf Championships held...Information Minister attends Ministerial Workshop on Radio & TV for Developing Countries in Beijing...Deputy Construction Minister on tour of Delta Region...New products of Epson printer on display at Myanmar ICT 2009...Drama troupe from Bago Div competes in “Thakaung Yadana” drama contest...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue...Sagaing Division Drama Troupe competes in ‘Thakaung Yadana’ Drama Contest...Energy Minister inspects cement plant projects...MMA to hold symposium on “Microbes and Cancer”...Lt-Gen Tha Aye on tour of Magway, Taungdwingyi Tsps...Commander-in-Chief’s Shield U-21 Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) football tournament continues..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Preserve cultural heritage to be able to stand proudly in international community"..... ARTICLE: "Gwaygyo Dam benefits farmland in arid zone" Byline and Photos: Aung Than (Mingala Taungnyunt) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (9MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 21 October 2009 Date of publication:   21 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing enjoys “Thakaung Yadana” drama contest of Yangon Division...Commander, Minister attend opening of new school building...Workshop on revision of plans for child health development opened...UMFCCI meets Sri Lankan Ambassador...Prize presentation of U 16 ASEAN Women’s Football Tournament held...Sports Minister meets contestants from Sagaing Div...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue...9th Plenary Meeting of 6th 47-member SSMNC on 7-8 Nov...Insurgents destroy three bridges on Papun-Kataingti-Kamamaung motor road...Ayeyawady Division Court holds coord meeting...National level Sports Management Course 3/2009 opened...Meeting on industrial development held...L & F Minister meets departmental officials, local people in Myeik...Regional development tasks performed in Natogyi Tsp...Talks on money matters on 24 Oct...Third round of Myanmar Golf Tour 2009-2010 on 29 Oct...Lt-Gen Ko Ko of Ministry of Defence enjoys performance of troupe from Kayin State in “Thakaung Yadana” drama contest...Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air) U-21 Football Tournament continues..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Strive for development of IT technology"..... ARTICLES: "Kanma-Thayet railroad section making west Ayeyawady dwellers smile" Article & Photos: Thant Zin Tun (Kyemon) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (9.7MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 22 October 2009 Date of publication:   22 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Lt-Gen Ohn Myint of Ministry of Defence enjoys performance of Magway Division in “Thakaung Yadana” drama contest...Three-lake waterfall commissioned at Nay Pyi Taw Water Fountain Garden...Tatmadaw U-21 football tournament continues...Forestry Minister undertakes regional development tasks in Ingapu Tsp...Deputy Minister for Transport supervises regional development tasks...Winners awarded in Inter-School New Recruit Cricket Tournament...UMFCCI meets European Commission...Made In Thailand Festival at Gamone Pwint Shopping Mall...Canvases of Toungoo artists on display...Workshop on Organic Aquaculture Production and Products Marketing held...Notice to mariners issued...Kachin State takes part in “Thakaung Yadana” drama contest...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue...Five trainees of MFF leave for Israel...Proverbs of 500 outstanding leaders published...IT Professional & Education Discussion Forum on 24 Oct...Commander views thriving cotton plantations..... "PERSPECTIVES": "National duty of conserving biodiversity, the environment"..... ARTICLE: "Teaching Hospital (Magway)" Byline: Tin Win Lay (Kyimyindine); Photos: Htay Aung (Kyemon) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (9.1MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 23 October 2009 Date of publication:   23 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe sees off Prime Minister General Thein Sein on PM’s departure for Thailand...Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Secretary-1 General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo on his return from PRC...Minister inspects No 2 district-to-district road in Mandalay Div...Foreign Affairs Dy Minister arrives back from Russia...Bathroom equipment and tiles of INAX introduced...Paper reading of Myanmar Arts and Science Academy opens...Lt-Gen Tha Aye and party enjoy “Thakaung Yadana” Drama Contest...Commander attends opening of 227th Phayagon dam in Shan State (South)...Bilateral cooperation deepened in various sectors due to reciprocal State visits of leaders of two countries, growing friendship, cooperation of two peoples - (Secretary-1 General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo)- China will always support Myanmar's nation-building tasks carried out in national interest with massive support of Myanmar people - (Chinese Vice-Premier H.E Mr. Li Keqiang)...Secretary-1 visits Myanmar booth of 6th China-ASEAN Expo...Uggasena Drama Contest commences...Secretary-1 and party arrive in Nanning of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of PRC...Secretary-1 attends opening of 6th China- ASEAN Business & Investment Summit...Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark 6th China-ASEAN Expo, China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue...UMFCCI's monthly talks on 24 October...Talks on success by successful spirit on 24 Oct...MGEA to hold AGM on 24 October...Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of 6th China-ASEAN Expo..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Work hard in concert for higher social and economic standards of rural people"..... Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (8.9MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar" 24 October 2009 Date of publication:   24 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Secretary-1 enjoys performance of contestants in dancing contest...Secretary-1 meets Chairman of People’s Congress Standing Committee in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of PRC Secretary of Guangxi Committee of Chinese Communist Party Mr Guo Shengkun...Information Minister receives Philippine Ambassador...INAX honours sale agents...Fund-raising golf tournament held...Notice to mariners issued...2nd Nay Pyi Taw Inter-Ministry Bowling Contest commences...Cooperation on rail services with PRC...Deputy F&R Minister attends Sixth China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Customs-Trade Cooperation Forum...Chief Editor of Myanma Alin Daily donates books to libraries...Latest issue of TV Guide in circulation...Secretary-1 visits China Aluminium Co Ltd (Guangxi Branch)...Secretary-1 attends opening of Myanmar Consulate- General in Nanning of PRC...Labour Minister visits Thukhasusan Technical Training School...Secretary-1 visits Nanning Hi-Tech Development Zone in Nanning...Secretary-1 visits Myanmar Economic Representative Office Construction Project...Secretary-1 receives Chairman of CNMC of PRC...Myanmar delegation led by Secretary-1 arrives back in Nay Pyi Taw...17th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue...Lt-Gen Tha Aye of Ministry of Defence and wife enjoy Uggasena drama contest...Strong earthquake jolts..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Maintain and promote Paukphaw friendly ties between Myanmar and PRC" Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (10MB) Date of entry/update:   24 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   "The Myanmar Times" October 12 - 18, 2009, Volume 25, No. 492 Date of publication:   18 October 2009 Description/subject:   NEWS TOPICS: Daw Suu Kyi meets foreign diplomats » TCG to seek $103m for critical needs » Obama to make APEC appearance on first Asian tour » Kawthoung landslide claims three lives » Wedding reception bookings up, hotels report » Poet Htilar Sitthu dies of liver cancer, aged 78 » In Yangon, US embassy begins engagement process » Aviation institute to hold cabin crew course » ‘Hair bridges’ project raises K200 million » PNO likely to form party » Myanmar to participate in tsunami exercise » YCDC to buy excavators from Japan » MAWFA to continue community development » Workers arrive from Malaysia » Ngwe Saung expands transport options with tuk-tuks » Yangon kids try their hand at mountain biking » Myanmar National League clubs take out sports insurance » Yadanarbon FC to open football academy in 2010 » Thadingyut, a time to honour teachers » Gamers fight it out for hefty prize money » Zayar Shwe Myay stuns Yangon » Myanmar U-16 sides aim high in Yangon » Myanmar confident ahead of U-16 qualifying campaign...BUSINESS: Organic food standards needed: director general » Eel traders prefer watery route » Discussion held on livestock donations » Rent market booms post-Thadingyut » Japanese firms look for Myanmar labour » Traders wait on Kengtong car auction » Festival accessories demand muted: traders » Traditional cake sales flat » Careful pesticide use urged » Fish farm contaminant tests begin » Sales to improve by year’s end » Developers ponder recovery timetable » Hopes rise for new foreign investment in construction » Exclusive golf retreat Language:   English Source/publisher:   Myanmar Consolidated Media Co. Ltd Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   23 October 2009 RR > Private sector publications produced under censorship restrictions > Weekly magazines > "The Myanmar Times" > "The Myanmar Times" 2009 Title:   "The Myanmar Times" October 19 - 25, 2009, Volume 25, No. 493 Date of publication:   25 October 2009 Description/subject:   NEWS TOPICS: New lease of life for traditional medicine » Tourist season off to flying start as hotel bookings surge » Myanmar to participate in ITB Asia » MMC Fun Run attracts 400 participants » Hmawbi hosts sangha meeting » Research underway for Myanmar tsunami map » Home for the aged slated for Thanlyin » Indian military chief ends visit » FDA to inspect pharmacies for fraud » Bird and Nature Society to undertake winter survey » JICA donates medicine, equipment » Translated text released to mark Mental Health Day » Elderly need help, welfare experts say » Htwe Oo marionette troupe resumes shows » In Bagan, donors work to save a rare wooden gem » Crowd turns out for ICT Exhibition 2009 » New web portal coming January 1 » Myanmar to take part in equestrian championships » Chess finds favour among blind community » Myanmar goes down fighting in women’s U-16 semi finals...BUSINESS: Local prices stable as gold hits highs internationally » Swine breeder sets green example in using biogas » Jeep makers told to use domestic designs » Sudan FM promotes biz ties » Developers shun costly worker insurance » Bahan living at accessible price Language:   English Source/publisher:   Myanmar Consolidated Media Co. Ltd Format/size:   html Date of entry/update:   23 October 2009 RR > Private sector publications produced under censorship restrictions > Weekly magazines > "The Myanmar Times" > "The Myanmar Times" 2009 Title:   Search results for "Burma" in archive.org (Texts) Description/subject:   387 texts, some very substantial (October 2009) Language:   English Source/publisher:   archive.org Format/size:   pdf etc. Date of entry/update:   23 October 2009 RR > Sources of online full-text books, articles etc. on Burma/Myanmar Title:   "The New Light of Myanmar " 15 October 2009 Date of publication:   15 October 2009 Description/subject:   DOMESTIC NEWS: Myanmar Ambassador presents Credentials to S African President...U Saw Hla Min appointed as Ambassador to the Principality of Andorra...Forestry Minister visits plywood factory and sawmills in Pathein...Meeting on review of preventive and control measures against A (H1N1) held...MIT to take part in Myanmar ICT Exhibition...Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee publishes 20th anniversary magazine...MMA to hold “Continuing Professional Development Forum”...Outstanding students from School for the Blind honoured...Free eye care and surgical operations performed in Kyaukpadaung Township...Talks on advanced milling process given...Indian goodwill delegation visits Bagan, Mandalay...Thai-made products on sale...Inter-School New Recruit Cricket Tournament kicks off...Third donation ceremony of Pyay GTI engineers on 25 Oct...Pyay BEHS No. 1 to pay respects to old teachers...Commander inspects development tasks in Mawlamyinegyun Township..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Take part in Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts competitions with national spirit"..... ARTICLES: "Putao District to make record paddy output" Byline & photos: Reporter Singu Soe Win..."Taungdwingyi: a pleasant town in central Myanmar" Article:Tin Win Lay (Kyimyindine); Photos:Htay Aung (Kyemon) Language:   English Source/publisher:   News and Periodical Enterprise, Ministry of Information, Union of Myanmar Format/size:   pdf (8.8MB) Date of entry/update:   15 October 2009 RR > Print and broadcast media produced by the SLORC/SPDC > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar", "Kyemon" and "Myanmar Alin" > Full, original versions of "The New Light of Myanmar" 2009 via the Online Burma/Myanmar Library Title:   INTERNATIONAL TRADE: U.S. Agencies Have Taken Some Steps, but Serious Impediments Remain to Restricting Trade in Burmese Rubies and Jadeite September 2009 GAO-09- Date of publication:   September 2009 Description/subject:   "The Burmese jadeite and ruby trades are very different from one another and significantly involve China and Thailand. Burmese-origin jadeite is primarily purchased, processed, and consumed by China. Burmese-origin rubies are reportedly largely smuggled into Thailand, yielding little revenue to the Burmese regime, and are significantly processed there. U.S. agencies have taken some steps but have not shown that they are effectively restricting imports of Burmese-origin rubies, jadeite, and related jewelry while allowing imports of non-Burmese-origin goods. Some U.S. jewelry representatives said import restrictions constrain legitimate ruby imports. Agencies published an interim final rule, but DHS has not developed specific audit guidance or conducted any postentry reviews of importers’ records. In addition, there is little guidance to importers on what constitutes verifiable evidence of non-Burmese-origin. Although agencies have begun to collect data on ruby and jadeite imports, further efforts could contribute to an understanding of whether restrictions are effectively targeting Burmese-origin imports..." Language:   English Source/publisher:   CommitteesUnited States Government Accountability Office Format/size:   pdf (2.87MB) Date of entry/update:   15 October 2009 ML > Economy > Sanctions Title:   Assessment of the Myanmar Agricultural Economy Date of publication:   January 2009 Description/subject:   Overview: "During two weeks in January 2009 a team from the Asia Programs unit of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Institute, International Development Enterprises (IDE), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Union of Myanmar conducted a humanitarian assessment of food production and the agricultural economy in Myanmar. We focused on paddy production, because rice is the country’s staple crop. Based on fieldwork in cyclone-affected areas of the Ayeyarwady River Delta and in Upper Myanmar, we conclude that paddy output is likely to drop in 2009, potentially creating a food shortage by the third quarter. Our estimates are based on imperfect data, and this scenario may not materialize, but the avoidance of a food shortage this year would represent a temporary reprieve, not a recovery. Myanmar’s rural sector is stretched to the breaking point and the natural resilience that has sustained it is leaching away. This paper recommends a set of interventions to avert this looming crisis: 1) an increase in credit for farmers and other participants in the rice economy including traders and millers, 2) steps to increase the farm gate price of paddy in order to create an incentive for farmers to produce more paddy, and 3) a program to finance small-scale village infrastructure projects to increase demand for wage labor for the rural poor who are most at risk. This paper proceeds as follows. Section I describes the study’s rationale and methodology. Section II presents the research team’s key findings. Section III offers an analytical framework for considering how and why food markets fail. The next two sections consider the implications of our finding, examining income loss, crop production, and land concerns. Section VI recommends a three-pronged policy response. Section VII concludes by considering the distinction between humanitarian responses and development strategy. Appendix I discusses Myanmar’s likely actual GDP growth rate. Appendix II summarizes the policy options available to the government in the face of continued deterioration of conditions in rural areas." Author/creator:   David Dapice, Tom Vallely, Ben Wilkinson Language:   English Source/publisher:   International Development Enterprises Format/size:   pdf (181K) Date of entry/update:   15 October 2009 ML > Economy > Agriculture, forestry and fisheries > Agriculture > Rice Food Security > Food Security in Burma/Myanmar > Food Security in Burma - general reports and statistics Title:   Karen Refugee Committee Map (August 2009) Date of publication:   August 2009 Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Refugee Committee Format/size:   pdf (443K) Date of entry/update:   14 October 2009 ML > Refugees > Burmese refugees in Thailand -- reports of the refugee committees > Karen Refugee Committee Monthly Reports > Karen Refugee Committee Monthly Reports 2009 Title:   Karen Refugee Committee Report September 2009 Date of publication:   September 2009 Description/subject:   The tables were sent as separate documents. OBL has integrated them into the main report Language:   English Source/publisher:   Karen Refugee Committee Format/size:   pdf (268K) Date of entry/update:   14 October 2009 ML > Refugees > Burmese refugees in Thailand -- reports of the refugee committees > Karen Refugee Committee Monthly Reports > Karen Refugee Committee Monthly Reports 2009