Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links
Websites/Multiple Documents
Description:
Very useful page...
"The AHRC Burmese-language blog is also updated constantly for Burmese-language readers, and covers the contents of urgent appeal cases, related news, and special analysis pieces..."
Source/publisher:
Asian Human Rights Commission
Date of entry/update:
2011-11-21
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups
Language:
Burmese
more
Description:
"ALTSEAN-Burma (Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma) is a network of organizations and individuals based in ASEAN member states working to support the movement for human rights and democracy in Burma. The network is comprised of human rights & social justice NGOs, political parties, think tanks, academics, journalists and student activists. We were formed at the conclusion of the Alternative ASEAN Meeting on Burma held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, in October 1996.
OUR VISION
We are committed to a free and democratic Burma where all the people enjoy human rights in accordance with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We are dedicated to the creation of a society of empowered individuals and communities in charge of their own destiny.
This can be realized through genuine national reconciliation, regional cooperation and mutual respect..."...244 items (as of April 2017) from 1991
Source/publisher:
ALTSEAN-Burma via Online Burma/Myanmar Library
Date of entry/update:
2017-04-01
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English, Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ), Thai
more
Description:
Search for Torture etc.
Source/publisher:
Amnesty International
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Detentions, Trials, Independence of the Judiciary: specialist NGOs, Torture, freedom from: specialist NGOs
Language:
English
more
Description:
Several hundred documents on Burma. "The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was founded in 1986 by a prominent group of jurists and human rights activists
in Asia. The AHRC is an independent, non-governmental body, which seeks to promote greater awareness and realisation of
human rights in the Asian region, and to mobilise Asian and international public opinion to obtain relief and redress for the
victims of human rights violations. AHRC promotes civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.
AHRC endeavours to achieve the following objectives stated in the Asian Charter "Many Asian states have guarantees of
human rights in their constitutions, and many of them have ratified international instruments on human rights. However, there
continues to be a wide gap between rights enshrined in these documents and the abject reality that denies people their rights.
Asian states must take urgent action to implement the human rights of their citizens and residents... "
Search for Burma and/or go to Asian Countries/Burma.
Links, Urgent appeals.
Source/publisher:
Asian Human Rights Commission, Asian Legal Resource Centre
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Major online locations of books, reports and articles on Burma, Rule of Law - Burma/Myanmar-specific
Language:
English
more
Description:
Human rights cases, campaigns, statements, news, interviews...
Source/publisher:
Asian Human Rights Commission
Date of entry/update:
2011-11-22
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
"The ALRC will work to develop effective legal resources for the poor and disadvantaged of Asia, especially those who are subjected to multiple forms of oppression, such as women. The objectives of the Centre are to:
* PROMOTE awareness among the oppressed of their inalienable rights as human beings and of remedies available to them under national, regional and international instruments;
* PROMOTE awareness and acceptance among jurists and others whose activities affect human rights of their responsibilities to serve and protect the oppressed;
* PROVIDE FOR EXCHANGE within Asia of expertise and experience among human rights organisations and legal resource groups;
* ENGAGE IN inter-disciplinary RESEARCH on human rights, and on the provision of legal resources in support of such human rights in the various countries of the region;
* PROMOTE THE TRAINING of lawyers to render effective legal assistance to the oppressed and victims of human rights violations;
* DEVELOP METHODOLOGIES for, and assist in the training of, paralegal workers, and facilitate the sharing of such experiences;
* DEVELOP PROGRAMMES of mass education about law, and support the sharing experiences of those involved in such programmes;
* PROMOTE the creation and strengthening of legal resource organisations in the region;
* PROMOTE reform of such institutions to increase their ability to provide timely and effective relief."
Source/publisher:
Asian Legal Resource Centre
Date of entry/update:
2004-03-01
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
A large number of human rights links by topic, people and country.
Source/publisher:
Better World Links
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-27
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
"EarthRights International?s Burma Project collects vital on-the-ground information about the human rights and environmental situation in Burma. Since 1995, ERI has worked in Burma to monitor the impacts of the military regime?s policies and activities on local populations and ecosystems. ERI?s staff has gathered a vast body of valuable, rare information about the state of the military regime?s war on its peoples and its environment. Through gathering testimonies, grassroots organizing, and distributing information through campaign work, the Burma Project has made a significant contribution to human rights and environment protection in Burma. Where possible, we link our grassroots fact-finding missions and community organizing with regional and international level advocacy and campaigning.
We work alongside affected community groups to prevent human rights and environmental abuses associated with large-scale development projects in Burma. Currently, the Burma Project focuses on large-scale dams, oil and gas development, and mining. We share experiences and resources with local communities, as well as provide assistance relevant to community needs. Over the past 10 years the Burma Project has raised awareness about the alarming depletion of resources in Burma and their relationship to a vast array of human rights abuses, as well as the local, national, and regional implications of these practices."...Sections on Dams, Mining, Oil & Gas and Other Areas of Work.
Source/publisher:
EarthRights International
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-20
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Publications on the environment of Burma/Myanmar, United States investment, Burma Action Groups, Expatriate Groups, Round Tables etc.
Language:
English
more
Description:
Several reports on Burma
Source/publisher:
Federation International Des Droits De L'Homme (FIDH)
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
Plusieurs documents en francais sur la Birmanie
Source/publisher:
Federation International Des Droits De L'Homme (FIDH)
Date of entry/update:
2007-03-08
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
Francais, French
more
Source/publisher:
Fortify ights.org/
Date of entry/update:
2014-05-25
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
UN, Government, NGO, academic, networks.. useful links
Source/publisher:
WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources
Date of entry/update:
2012-08-27
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
A very large site with useful material on human rights and science
Source/publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Date of entry/update:
2015-10-04
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Human rights can only be achieved through an informed and continued demand by people for their protection. Human rights education promotes values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others. It develops an understanding of everyone's common responsibility to make human rights a reality in each community.
Human rights education constitutes an essential contribution to the long-term prevention of human rights abuses and represents an important investment in the endeavour to achieve a just society in which all human rights of all persons are valued and respected.
The High Commissioner is the coordinator of United Nations education and public information programmes in the field of human rights (General Assembly Resolution 48/141).
OHCHR is working to promote human rights education by:
* Supporting national and local capacities for human rights education in the context of its Technical Cooperation Programme and through the ACT Project, which provides financial assistance to grass-roots initiatives;
* Developing selected human rights education and training materials;
* Developing selected resource tools, such as a Database on Human Rights Education and Training, a Resource Collection on Human Rights Education and Training and a Web section on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
* Globally coordinating the World Programme for Human Rights Education..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations
Date of entry/update:
2009-12-13
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English (also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)
more
Description:
Search for Burma. Major human rights networking site.
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Internet
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Human Rights Watch is one of the world?s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world....
Mission Statement:
Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Detentions, Trials, Independence of the Judiciary: specialist NGOs, Freedom of opinion and expression: specialist NGOs, Torture, freedom from: specialist NGOs
Language:
English
more
Description:
Very much dated, but there are some links I have not see in other lists
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Web
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
Handling human rights material - training and formats
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
The International Council on Human Rights Policy (ICHRP) closed down in February 2012. This is a web-archive of the 14 years of work of the ICHRP.
It provides free access to the full archive of ICHRP?s publications: over 35 reports and summaries and 200 working papers—mostly in English but also in Spanish, French and other languages—covering a wide range of human rights policy issues. On this site you can download all publications and learn more the projects of the ICHRP. You can browse by year, language, or type of document.
Source/publisher:
International Council on Human Rights Policy
Date of entry/update:
2009-08-10
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
A human rights training organisation whose website is a rich seam of reports, lists, voting records, analysis, links etc. on human rights activities and mechanisms in Geneva and New York. Treaty bodies, Commission on Human Rights, world conferences, intergovernmental organisations..."About ISHR ... An international association serving human rights defenders;
Analytical and practical information;
Training on using UN human rights procedures;
Internships;
Human Rights Defenders Office (HRDO);
Strategic lobbying and legal advice;
ISHR staff and intern networks;
Programme of activities..."
Source/publisher:
ISHR
Date of entry/update:
2004-11-04
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
"ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process...
The 13 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to advocate for justice for victims...
ND-Burma trains local organizations in human rights documentation; coordinates members? input into a common database using Martus, a secure open-source software; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns...
Vision:
A peaceful, democratic and federal Burma that has acknowledged past human rights violations and has implemented measures to uphold the dignity of victims and guard against recurrence...
Mission:
Achieve government recognition, redress and guarantees of non-recurrence for victims of human rights violations...
Goal:
Produce high-quality data that ND-Burma and other human rights advocacy groups can use effectively.
Source/publisher:
ND-Burma
Date of entry/update:
2017-08-15
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups, Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links
Language:
English, Burmese
more
Description:
Resolutions, reports, human rights instruments etc. Lots of stuff; very well organised.
Source/publisher:
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR)
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Language:
English (also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)
more
Description:
About Progressive Voice:-
Vision:
"Progressive Voice envisions a federal democratic Myanmar that is free of discrimination and upholds the principles of peace, justice and human rights...
Mission:
Our mission is to amplify the voices from the ground for a principled, rights-based policy narrative on Myanmar at a local, national and international level through participatory research, analysis and advocacy...
Who We Are:
Progressive Voice is a participatory rights-based policy research and advocacy organization rooted in civil society, that maintains strong networks and relationships with grassroots organizations and community-based organizations throughout Myanmar. It acts as a bridge to the international community and international policymakers by amplifying voices from the ground, and advocating for a rights-based policy narrative.
Underpinning our work and identity is a commitment to human rights principles. We stand for the universality, inalienability and absolute nature of human rights, and do not discriminate against people on grounds of race, color, nationality, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, social standing, religion, political or other beliefs.
We maintain a gender-inclusive staffing policy that also draws strength from the ethnic and religious diversity of its staff while also aiming to foster and develop a young generation of people of Myanmar, particularly from marginalized communities, that will take the organization forward in years to come as well as contributing to the discourse and work towards democracy in Myanmar. Decision-making is principled, collective and consensus-orientated within Progressive Voice, ensuring the values of inclusivity and active participation.
Progressive Voice?s research is done ethically, following the principle of ?do no harm.? Based on this research, we produce independent and principled analysis that remains non-aligned and independent of any political parties and political and religious institutions.
Progressive Voice focuses on three main thematic policy areas:
(1) Governance Reforms, including political, democratic, constitutional, administrative and institutional reform;
(2) Rule of Law, including access to justice, legislative and judicial reform, strengthening the space and work of civil society and human rights defenders, and protecting religious minorities; and
(3) Sustainable Development, including labor rights, foreign investment, corruption, transparency and accountability.
Human rights is a central issue that is reflected in all analyses, publications and policy recommendations...
What We Do:
Working and cooperating with disenfranchised, disempowered and marginalized communities and civil society organizations, to amplify their voices, and concerns, thereby filling the gap between policy needs on the ground and the policy-makers themselves.
Conducting independent, participatory research and analysis to equip relevant stakeholders and decision-makers with principled, rights-based policy recommendations.
Advocating for institutional and structural reforms that comply with international human rights law and standards as well as Myanmar?s international commitments and obligations..."
Source/publisher:
Progresssive Voice
Date of entry/update:
2017-04-01
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups
Language:
English, Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
more
Description:
Useful set of links to resources for: Advocacy and Communications...Training, Networking, and Management...Law, Research and Methodology...Protection and Security...Fundraising.
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2009-09-22
Date of entry/update:
2010-01-24
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
493 results for Myanmar (1 September 2018)
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2018-09-01
Date of entry/update:
2018-09-01
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
more
Description:
Tools and techniques
last modified 2009-07-16 08:36 HURIDOCS
Important: you need to register to download HURIDOCS tools. This is free, quick and easy.
HURIDOCS has developed various tools to manage and organise information related to human rights. These tools can be divided into four groups:demo
* Monitoring and documenting human rights violations
* Monitoring respect for economic, social and cultural rights
* Tools for human rights libraries and documentation centres
* Information and communication technology tools
Source/publisher:
HURIDOCS
Date of entry/update:
2003-10-31
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
Lots of stuff and links to human rights groups and docs
Source/publisher:
University of Minnesota
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
Erratic and eccentric results from a Burma search
Source/publisher:
University of Minnesota
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Language:
English
more
Individual Documents
Description:
"This is Part One of a two-part interview with the newly appointed Minister of Human Rights for the National Unity Government, U Aung Myo Min.
[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a collaboration between Tea Circle and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University to share transcripts and reports from a series of seminars on Myanmar that ISHR is hosting.]
Thursday, May 13th at 10:30 EST/20:00 IST/21:00 MMT
Kristina Eberbach: In response to the coup that took place 102 days ago, the Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) began organizing a series of webinars focused on human rights and democracy in Myanmar. We are planning a number of further webinars over the coming months with leading Myanmar and International activists, academics, and policy-makers. To receive additional information about upcoming events in this series, please sign up for our newsletter at humanrights.org
My name is Kristina Eberbach, and I’m Deputy Director of the Institute and adjunct assistant professor at SIPA. I’m also the co-developer and co-director of the Institute’s University Human Rights Education in Myanmar.
I’d like to welcome U Aung Myo Min, who was recently named Minister of Human Rights for the National Unity Government in Myanmar by the CRPH (Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw). He is a long-standing human rights advocate and was a student leader in Myanmar’s 1988 revolution. He is also the founder of Equality Myanmar, a leading human rights organization in the country, and has been awarded seven international awards for his work in human and LGBT rights. In 1993 he also participated in ISHR’s Human Rights Advocate’s Program and we have had the pleasure of collaborating with U Myo and EQMM as part of the Institute’s University Human Rights Education in Myanmar program and SIPA’s capstone program.
I’d also like to introduce my colleague Ben Fleming, who will be co-moderating this discussion. In addition to co-developing and co-leading our Human Rights Education in Myanmar initiative, he is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and an Adjunct Professor at South Texas College of Law Houston.
Ben Fleming: Hey everybody, thanks, Kristina. Sayar Myo, good to see you, welcome everybody, and Mingalaba.
Kristina Eberbach: How did the formation of the ministry come about within the NUG? Can you describe for us the relationship that you believe will exist with the NUG and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint if/when they are released? And finally, what is your envisioned role in this position?
U Aung Myo Min: It’s a good question. The NUG was founded by CRPH, a composition of the elected members of Parliament in the 2020 elections. The military did not want the Parliament to set up a new government according to the procedures. So they took a stage, staged a coup before the new government was founded. The first thing they did was arrest Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the President, and many other cabinet members. They are still under arrest right now, but the CRPH was brave enough to set up their interim government. It is just for the legislation process. We needed the executive body to make to prepare us. Since the state counselor and the President are under arrest, we did not have any communication. But the CRPH thinks this is the right move to act as a legitimate government because they are the legitimate members of Parliament, and they have a duty and responsibility to set up a legitimate government.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was not in the consultation during the formation of the NUG, but she heard about it through other sources. She didn’t say anything. The new stance of the NUG is a bit different from the old NLD (National League for Democracy) led government. The NLD-led government was recommended by many of the groups because this is the only party-dominated government, and there are some ministers and deputy ministers, mainly from the NLD supporters and President appointed.
The CRPH decided to make a better, more diverse NUG. Inclusion is a big issue. People want to see that. There should be more diverse and multiple ethnic representation in the new government. This is the lesson we learned from the past. Myanmar is known as a very diverse country. By diverse, what I mean is that we have diversity of ethnicity, diversity of religion, and diversity of social status. If we learn from the past, we see one-party dominated politics without any active participation from ethnic parties. Hence, the CRPH decided to set up the new government with someone from the non-political, non-NLD parties. They also wanted to include representation from people with ethnic backgrounds, who are supported by ethnic people, women, and the Gen Z participation. During this spring revolution, many from Gen Z are at the forefront. So the leaders and young generation should be in the cabinet to represent them and to make good policy.
See, I am an openly gay person in the country, and I am part of the new NUG. This is great. This is a very diverse and multicultural government. This is the lesson we learned. And we are trying not to repeat the mistakes and take recommendations from civil society.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would accept it, too, I think. I say this because she always said respect for diversity is the basis of human rights. The ethnic issue is very important, especially at a time like this, because the country is building a new federal democratic union. Without the ethnic representative or other diverse people in the government, it would be meaningless. This is in line with the guidance and statements Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has made before, so even though we have no direct communication or consultation with her, I believe that she would be happy.
The question is not that the new government has different ethnicities and the new generations involved. I think she might be more interested to know our future plan. What is our draft constitution going to look like? What is our new government going to look like?
For example, the ministry of human rights is the first of its kind in the history of Myanmar. Similarly, the federal affairs ministry is new too. So, I think she may personally be interested in our mission/vision and to know our plan. We need to explain and get her updated, but we are on the same mission and vision even if we don’t have direct communication. This government is an interim government during this revolution time, but we will make a better government when we have the space and more consultation with other leaders.
Kristina Eberbach: Thank you. You touched on this a little bit in terms of the importance of diversity and ensuring respect for minority rights, but could you speak about your mission and vision and what your priorities will be in this new position?
U Aung Myo Min: Ok, after I accepted this appointment, I’m thinking about what are my vision, mission, and strategies. This is a new ministry, and it is a cross-cutting one because a lot of the issues are interrelated.
The military is committing everyday violations across the country. Many people have been killed. Right now, about 800 people have been killed. People have been shot dead, including young children. Around 4000 people are in detention, many arrested without proper legal procedure. They are committing military offensives, including airstrikes in the ethnic minority areas. This has forced thousands of already civil-war-affected people. New waves of IDPs (internally displaced persons) have been created. Such incidents are taking place everywhere.
My background in human rights documentation came to my mind because it is important to collect all the human rights violations. I would say that not only are they committing human rights violations, but they are committing crimes against humanity. They are ordering systematically. Order and command are being passed out from the military to all the military, the police forces. This is taking place all over the country, not only in Yangon or Mandalay but everywhere! This kind of criminal act and various human rights violations should be well-documented and securely stored. There should be a strong database system so we can easily learn what is going on and the different trends and think about our next steps, as well as on the issue of accountability.
In Myanmar, we have long histories of the culture of impunity. We have more than five decades of civil war, and many people were arrested and detained, but the perpetrators were never taken to trial. The culture of impunity is so well-established that the survivors feel they have no protection and feel hopeless. They get used to it, but they think no one cares or will stop these things. On the other side, the perpetrators said, ok, we’ve got the license to kill, license to rape, because they don’t have to worry about any legal action against them. So, this is very dangerous, not only right now but for any future generation to face the culture of impunity. Stopping impunity and building justice is another step.
The judicial system in Myanmar has totally collapsed. No court is running properly. There are military tribunals where there is no legal protection or witnesses or testimonies allowed. So military officers just listen to the reports by the police and make a long sentence. It is hard for us to take legal action or exercise justice domestically. We need to beyond that. Regional countries and associations like ASEAN need to utilize their HR mechanisms to hold the perpetrators accountable. They can take some bilateral or regional intervention towards the military to start to bring the power back to the people.
Another issue is the international level. Myanmar is known as a long champion of violations of war crime against ethnic people and genocide against the Rohingya people. Now again, we have crimes against humanity. They are criminals. They should proceed and be treated according to the international criminal process. There are so many ways to do this. The UN can use the mechanisms of the human rights council. The security council can be pushed for responsibility/accountability for global/un-led intervention, but unfortunately, China and Russia are not supporting that one. Another way is the ICC, which already accepted the file of Myanmar for the genocide against the Rohingya people. Bangladesh is a signatory of the Rome statute, but not Myanmar. So, we are thinking, the NUG, as the legitimate government, can ratify the Rome statute.
This is all difficult and challenging. As I mentioned, the Human Rights Ministry is a cross-cutting ministry. Everything relating to Human Rights is our responsibility. For example, if we have the Ministry of Interior to propose the citizenship law under their mandate, but it is not only the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Interior but also related to the Human Rights ministry. We have a long history of citizenship lawthath is discriminatory against minorities. For example, the people who are born in Thailand but live in Myanmar for a long time have no rights. So, we have to see this law from the perspective of human rights.
All the international human rights standards and considerations should be well-reflected, so I have to work with them. If we have another ministry, for example, the humanitarian affairs ministry, and if they decide to deliver humanitarian assistance along the border, then this is their job. But my ministry has to make sure no one is left behind. Everyone will need to be treated from a humanitarian perspective. There should be no discrimination and no abuse of power in food distribution or any kind of religious system. This is where my ministry is the focal ministry for every single ministry to ensure that every policy and program and action by ministers is in line with international standards. We have to check if this is not the right way and if there is something missing. For example, if the ministry of women, while drafting the violence against women law, exclude transgender woman, that’s not acceptable. I am doing this monitoring of every single policy, and you can see the responsibility for our ministry, just like the other ministries in the cabinet.
My background is from civil society. I duly respect the role of civil society, their commitments, their inputs, and ideas to make government better. That is what I had done when I was outside of the government. Government should listen to and coordinate with civil society. I have a series of consultations with different civil society members—by secretary, by ethnicity, by gender, you know, like women, and disabled, other minorities. Every day I have a series of
consultations to listen, and my duty is to make sure their recommendations and suggestions are well-reflected and implemented in the everyday policy of the government.
Ben Fleming: It is a very big portfolio, Myo. I don’t envy the number of meetings that you will have if we can switch gears quickly, in 1988, you went to the jungle to train, but you realized that your talents lie elsewhere. We now know that many young people are going to the jungles or taking up arms in their village. We know there was violence today in Mingyan, and in Chin State, the NUG has set up a People’s Defense Force and is negotiating with the EAOs [Ethnic Armed Organizations] in the hope that one day they can form a federal armed force. What are your thoughts on the process of defeating the junta? How would you speak to Gen Z? Is armed conflict a foregone conclusion, or can there still be a peaceful process, given the inequality of arms, what is it you hope for people to do?
U Aung Myo Min: Ok, you remind me of the days when I was a Gen Z back in 1988. I understand why many Gen Z have decided to leave for the border like me and want to take some kind of military action. There are two ways, the conventional military army and also the guerilla strategies. Young people think that we are left defenseless on the streets during the military crackdowns, and many are killed because they don’t have weapons to defend themselves. So they really want to fight back. They need weapons. I understand how they feel. Taking up arms is one of the strategies, but this isn’t the only solution to solve the problem.
We have so many other strategies and actions taken by different people every day at different stages. Some of the Gen Z are still out on the street every day. There is no massive peaceful demonstration like before, but there are still hit-and-run demonstrations. Youngsters are showing how they want their voices to be heard. They look for the flag. They are ready to join. They are showing the defiance of the people. The military has got the message that you cannot run the country like this.
First, that’s also opposition. Second, the civil disobedience movement (CDM), mainly by the staff, thousands of doctors, nurses, teachers, professors, and government servants, are still taking part in CDM. They are not going to work under the military government. There are huge numbers refusing to go even though the military is desperately saying everything is running well. We know that they cannot manage the situation while the massive CDM movement stays strong. This is another strategy. And this also is effective. You can see the military every day announces the list of people that got fired because they are part of the CDM. They threaten people who join the CDM. So, these are two strategies.
Third, the NUG is trying to work on the diplomatic strategy, using all kinds of international cooperation, trying to get the legitimate vote as the legitimate government. They are looking for international or bilateral cooperation for the NUG movement. This is also another strategy. That is why we are calling for intervention. We are asking ASEAN, EU, or the US government to take action on the military’s ‘three-cuts’ policies.
First, please cut the financial support to the military. Don’t do any economic transactions that benefit the military. Don’t do investments that directly benefit the military. Second, cut their weapons. For example, a small arm embargo can stop any kind of military training. It can stop any military-related support to the government. Third, cut the immunity to the military as a legitimate government. Bring these perpetrators to the stage of the international justice criminal system. With these three weapons and tools, we are working on our diplomatic strategy.
So maybe armed struggles and federal people’s defense forces are one of the strategies, but I would say it should be a combined strategy. Whatever path you take, our goal is to stop the human rights violations, abuses by the military, and step them down and bring in the normal civilian government.
Ben Fleming: To carry on from that, about the CDM. What are your thoughts on if and when the junta is defeated? What does national reconciliation look like? How do we reintegrate the Tatmadaw, in which case there needs to be a criminal process? But we are already getting so many messages from people who remain in CDM, those who have returned to work from the CDM, and also those who were never part of the CDM. We hear that these personal relationships have been broken, in some instances, beyond repair. How would you speak to those who remain in CDM, those who have left, and those who never were believed in the hopes of unifying the country and overcoming the junta?
U Aung Myo Min: How to deal with the CDM non-CDM and former CDM – good point! We have been discussing this issue.
For those who are committed to continuing CDM, the NUG is supporting them. Financially, at least with some international donations and through the overseas Burmese support, we are giving them the minimum amount. The money is not that much. But more so, we give them the recognition and moral support for their participation in the movement. But we cannot reach every single person who is part of the countrywide CDM. Communication is very difficult, and supporting CDM is considered a ‘crime’ by the military. We sometimes, we didn’t know the personal information of individuals, but at least we are providing some small token of appreciation to the CDM movement.
Second, we understand it has been 100 days already. Some people are having a hard time being in the CDM. Their whole family is kicked out of from the government. They have lost their quarters, jobs, salaries. They have to support their children and the elderly. We understand that one from a humanitarian perspective, humanitarian reason, and you know no one can be 100% committed, sacrificing their whole life. It happens, so we understand.
So long people are not being double agents, for example like informing on the other CDM people, and making reports, or forcing the other CDMs to return home, it’s fine. There are some people who are motivators for harassing the CDM movement staff. We are recording all these kinds of activities and making a list. The Ministries of Education and Health are also making a list. Such people might be expelled from the government jobs with the NUG side. We never encourage anyone to kill or abuse. We need to keep the dignity of the people even though they don’t have the same ideas or same side as us.
In the future, we can promise that we will compensate the CDM people who are still on strike to get their jobs back, get compensation and reparation, so we can make sure they are safe, that they can get their job back. We will give some kind of recognition to these people.
But for the people who are totally at the forefront of opposing the CDM movement, really, we cannot forget. There should be some kind of action. I don’t mean legal action, maybe not social action but some action by the government..."
Source/publisher:
"Tea Circle" (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2021-05-27
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Right to life: standards and mechanisms, Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Theory and practice of national human rights institutions, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, National Unity Government (NUG), 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
more
Description:
"Myanmar: cooperation with UN needed, UN must put rights up front (UN statement)
MARCH 12, 2018
The ICJ today delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council calling on Myanmar to cooperate with UN mechanisms and for all UN agencies in the country to make human rights central to their approach.
The statement, made in the interactive dialogue with the international Fact Finding Mission on Myanmar, and the Special Rapporteur, read as follows:
“The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes the update of the Independent International Fact Finding Mission. In relation to crimes under international law, the ICJ encourages the experts to continue to develop further specific recommendations for securing criminal accountability and providing redress.
The ICJ also welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur, and strongly supports the renewal of her mandate and tenure.
As a UN Member State, the Government of Myanmar should fully cooperate with all the organs and mechanisms of the UN, in accordance with its obligations under the UN Charter.
At this session, the government asked for ‘concrete evidence’ of alleged human rights violations, and committed to taking action against perpetrators, but permission to enter the country is still refused to the Fact Finding Mission, to the Special Rapporteur and to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
To demonstrate a genuine commitment to truth and accountability, the Government must allow them full access to areas of concern, particularly to Rakhine State and to conflict areas in Kachin State and Shan State.
Humanitarian actors and independent media must also be immediately allowed full and unimpeded access, particularly to Rakhine State, as recommended by the government’s own Advisory Commission...''
Source/publisher:
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
Date of publication:
2018-03-12
Date of entry/update:
2019-02-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human rights issues, UN human rights bodies and mechanisms, Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Various rights: reports of violations against several ethnic groups, Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies)
Language:
English
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Description:
''Prior to this workshop, on 6 April the ICJ met with the Mon State High Court, including its Chief Justice.
Legal advisers from the ICJ had a constructive discussion with the justices about judicial reform in Myanmar, including the role of lawyers and civil society, as well as jurists, in advancing accountability and access to justice.
The two-day workshop aimed to identify challenges and opportunities for human rights advocacy using law, and to encourage the building of relationships and networks between lawyers and civil society.
The workshop considered strategic litigation concepts and case studies in the region. It also discussed the landscape of rule of law and justice in Myanmar, particularly the experiences regarding access to justice of some sixty participants from Mon State.
The sessions were introduced by international and national experts and leaders from partner CSOs, followed by interactive discussions where participants contributed their own observations and experiences.
Sean Bain, ICJ International Legal Adviser recognized in his opening statement that the formal justice system in Myanmar was making moves toward reform, offering new opportunities for legal advocacy for human rights across issues...''
Source/publisher:
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
Date of publication:
2018-04-09
Date of entry/update:
2019-02-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Business and Human Rights (Burma/Myanmar-related), Peace processes, ceasefires and ceasefire talks (websites, documents, reports and studies), Laws, decrees, bills and regulations relating to the judiciary (commentaries)
Language:
English
more
Source/publisher:
Transnational Institute (TNI)
Date of publication:
2018-02-05
Date of entry/update:
2018-02-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Armed conflict in Kachin State - human rights violations
Language:
more
Description:
"...Plural
legal orders occur in numerous circumstances: for example, where different
family laws apply to specific ethno-cultural groups, where customary dispute
resolution mechanisms operate without state sanction, where non-state legal
orders (such as chiefs? courts) are officially recognised, or where quasistate
legal orders (such as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms) are
established....The report contributes to the discussions on plural legal orders in four ways:
It identifies some important misunderstandings and false dichotomies
that have made coherent discussion of plural legal orders particularly
difficult (and which similarly undermine the understanding of how religious,
indigenous, and gender rights actually interact). (Chapters I to IV)
It sets out the human rights issues that need to be addressed in the context
of plural legal orders. (Chapters V and VI)
It examines some specific policy challenges, notably those that occur in
the context of recognition of non-state legal orders; recognition of cultural
diversity in law; and justice sector reforms. (Chapters VII to IX)
It offers a practical approach ? some principles and a framework of questions
? that human rights advocates and policy-makers can use as a guide when
they work in plural legal contexts. (Chapters X and XI)..."
Source/publisher:
International Council for Human Rights Policy
Date of publication:
2009-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2014-11-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Decentralisation (Decentralization) - international examples, definitions, theory, Human rights organisations, networks: resources, training, methodology and other links, Legal Pluralism - global and regional
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
794.55 KB
Local URL:
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Description:
The Events Standard Formats are a methodology for using the ?violations? approach in monitoring and documenting all types of human rights: civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural. They are integrated, flexible and adaptable, and cover the various aspects of documenting human rights events.
This document contains formats with defined fields and instructions to assist organisations in documenting human rights-related events and in designing their databases, and for exchange of information among organisations.
The document introduces basic concepts in documenting violations and describes tools and techniques that can be used. It provides a general overview of the Events Standard Formats and the Micro-thesauri for terminology. It gives guidelines for completing, using and adapting the Events Standard Formats. Scope notes contain principles and guidelines for recording information in specific formats and fields.
Dueck, Judith ; Guzman, Manuel ; Verstappen, Bert
Source/publisher:
HURIDOCS
Date of publication:
2001-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-11-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English (French and Spanish also available)
more
Description:
HURIDOCS Standard Formats for the Recording and Exchange of Bibliographic
Information concerning Human Rights includes the following chapters:
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 1985...
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION...
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION... .
CHAPTER 2
TABLE OF FIELDS...
CHAPTER 3
SCOPE NOTES
OR
DEFINITION OF FIELDS...
CHAPTER 4
EXAMPLES OF RECORDS...
CHAPTER 5
ANGLO-AMERICAN CATALOGUING RULES...
CHAPTER 6
GUIDELINES FOR MAKING CATALOGUE CARDS...
CHAPTER 7
COMPARISON OF FIRST AND SECOND EDITION
OF HURIDOCS BIBLIOGRAPHIC STANDARD FORMATS...
CHAPTER 8
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER FORMATS...
CHAPTER 9
GLOSSARY...
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Source/publisher:
HURIDOCS
Date of publication:
1993-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-11-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English (French and Arabic also available)
more
Description:
This collection of 48 lists with terminology was developed by HURIDOCS or adapted from a variety of authoritative resources. The Micro-thesauri are intended for use in conjunction with HURIDOCS Standard Formats manuals, and in particular with the HURIDOCS Events Standard Formats: a tool for documenting human rights violations.
The Micro-thesauri can be used as a starting point for developing index terms for libraries and documentation centers, keywords for organising information on websites, or controlled vocabularies for databases to record violations.
They have been translated into the following languages, often by volunteers: English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, and Bahasa Indonesia.
Dueck, Judith ; Guzman, Manuel ; Verstappen, Bert
Source/publisher:
HURIDOCS
Date of publication:
2001-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-11-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English (French, Russian and Spanish also available)
more
Description:
A major tool for linking violations of economic, social and cultural rights to standards. English and Spanish
Stephen Hansen
Source/publisher:
Huridocs
Date of publication:
2000-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more