A compilation of all of the existing housing, land and property laws in Burma, plus commentary... "The deplorable human rights record of Burma?s military junta has been a key focus of international attention for many years. The military has ruled the country for half a century, and has presided over a collapse of the economy and of social services. At the same time, successive military regimes have perpetuated an almost feudal governance system ? where the population is seen as a resource at the disposal of the rulers ? that is in many respects unchanged since pre-colonial times. A combination of deliberate abuse, a general climate of impunity, and out-dated and ineffective social policies all contribute to a fundamental absence of basic human rights in this country of 55 million people. To date, the bulk of attention has focused on important questions of political prisoners, denial of basic freedoms, forced labour, forced displacement, as well as the other abuses related to the army?s brutal counter-insurgency policies. However, there are additional types of rights abuses that are not as frequently mentioned, but that have a critical impact on the daily lives of millions of people across Burma. And it is these ? housing, land and property (HLP) rights ? that form the contents of this important new book. This volume contains all of the existing housing, land and property laws in Burma, and makes a vital contribution to understanding the impact that these legal structures have on communities across the country. Being able to view the HLP legal code in its entirety for the first time reveals more clearly than ever before that supporters of democratic and governance reform within Burma need to better understand ? and place greater emphasis on ? HLP issues than they have to date. Understanding how these issues are dealt with in both law and practice will enable more creative thinking about Burma?s HLP future, in order that the peoples of the country can most fully enjoy their legitimate housing, land and property rights."