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Information Sheet N0.A-0763(I)



                     MYANMAR   INFORMATION   COMMITTEE
                                                   YANGON

                                              Information  Sheet

                        N0.A-0763(I)             13th  January 1999

(1)		Regional Consultation on Violence Against Women and Role of Health Sector
Opens

		Regional Consultation on Violence Against Women and the Role of Health
Sector, co-sponsored by World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Myanmar National
Committee for Women's Affairs opened at International Business Centre on 12
January, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Secretary-1
said: This is the first time that such a meeting is being held in Myanmar.
Last year, 1998, was a momentous year for the women of Myanmar as they were
able to designate 3rd July as Myanmar Women's Day and to hold the firstever
Myanmar Women's Conference on 6 December. These two events demonstrate the
recognition of the crucial role of women in Myanmar society and the
Government's commitment for advancement of women. Since the dawn of Myanmar
history, the women of Myanmar have participated on equal terms with men in
national endeavours and enjoyed equal status and prestige in cultural,
administrative, economic and social sectors. Thus, in our country there is no
discrimination against women by virtue of law, customs or tradition. Moreover,
the Myanmar Government is systematically laying down policies, establishing
the required mechanisms and carrying out necessary research and programmes in
order to promote the role of women in shaping the future socio-economic
development of the country. 

	Myanmar is also faithfully implementing the Beijing Declaration and the
Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women held in
Beijing in 1995. She acceded to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on the 22nd of July, 1997. To
systematically implement the Beijing Platform for Action, in accord with the
nation's political, economic and social objectives, a national machinery,
namely, the National Committee for Women's Affairs headed by the Minister for
Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement was established on 3rd July, 1996. The

Government also designated the same Ministry as the Focal Point for Women's
Affairs. Subsequently, the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's
Affairs was also formed on 7th October, 1996, followed by the formation of the
State/Division, District and Township working Committees for Women's Affairs
at the grass-roots levels to fulfil the commitments made in Beijing. The
Central Working Committee identified six priority, areas of concern for women
in Myanmar, namely, Education, Health, Economy, Culture, Violence Against
Women and the Girl-child. Subsequently, activities on all these priority areas
are being successfully implemented throughout the nation. Violence against
women is a worldwide problem but fortunately it is not a major issue in
Myanmar. This is mainly due to our traditions, culture and practices. Analysis
of the incidents shows that much of the violence against women in the world
occurred within the family. But in a Myanmar family, no rights are denied to
women while men do not enjoy domestic or social advantage and women have equal
voice in family decisions. Moreover, respect for elders regardless of gender,
love and affection help ensure a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the
family. This symbiotic family relationship serves as a great deterrence in
preventing family violence. In addition, due to their religious teachings,
Myanmar people are by nature gentle and kind-hearted. In the general community
also, the prevailing law and order situation guarantees the safety and
security of women. According to the recent survey of 100 cities in the world
taken by an international magazine, Yangon is considered to be one of the
safest cities on earth. Actually, in terms of crime, including crime against
women, these statistics are representative not just of the capital but for the
entire nation as well. At the same time, the Sub-committee on prevention of
Violence Against Women formed under the Myanmar National Committee for Women
Affairs has been carrying out a systematic programme for reducing this social
ill. Since information about the extent of this violence is still relatively
scant, there is a need for more research on the matter. In this regard,
surveys and research work are being undertaken in Yangon and other parts of
the country to gain more data. To ensure more effectiveness, training of
trainers for field workers on VAW research was also implemented. On the other
hand, an awareness campaign is undertaken for dissemination of information
through print and audio-visual means as well as by holding discussions  and
seminars in various townships. Training programmes for police, prosecutors,
judicial personnel and prison officials are being developed to increase their
knowledge and awareness of the causes, consequences and mechanisms of violence
against women. Moreover, counselling centres are being opened to provide
necessary assistance when needed. Myanmar also participated in ASEAN Meetings
to share experiences with the colleagues from other Southeast Asian nations.
Resident Representative of WHO, Dr Wagner read the message of South-East Asia
Regional Director of WHO Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei.


(2)		Regional Consultation on Violence Against Women and Role of Health Sector
Begins

		Regional Consultation on Violence Against Women and the Role of Health
Sector, co-sponsored by World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Myanmar National
Committee for Women's Affairs began at International Business Centre at 10.30
am on 12 January. The meeting was chaired by member of MNCWA Vice-Chairperson
of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Head of Working Group for
Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation Dr Khin Win Shwe with
members of the panel of chairmen as Dr Pensri Phijaisanit of Thailand and Ms
Husna Razee of Maldives. Dr Khin Win Shwe made a speech. Participants took
part in the discussions. The consultation continues till 15 January.

(3)		398,000 Stimulant Tablets Seized in Tachilek

		A total of 398,000 stimulant tablets were seized from a van in the garage of
a house, Lower Hsansai Ward, Tachilek, Shan State(East), by a team comprising
members of the regional Defence Services Intelligence unit and the police
force and officials of departments concerned on 3 January.  After drag-netting
the house and its premises, the authorities uncovered machinery and utensils
and chemicals used in making stimulant drugs and also confiscated a van
without license plate, and (2) vans  with Thai number plate, a Pontiac saloon.
On further information from a person who was seen at the house at that time,
the owner of the machine and chemicals, was arrested by authorities in
Tachilek on 4 January morning. Action is being taken against them under the
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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