Burma’s Facade: An Update on Conflicts, Displacement & Human Rights Violations

By Altsean-Burma • March 12, 2013

This briefer, which covers the period from October 2012 to March 2013, includes the following developments:

Regime authorities continue to commit serious human rights violations against Rohingya in Arakan State, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, the rape of women, and restrictions on religious freedom. The regime also tightens restrictions on freedom of movement, and refuses to consider citizenship rights for Rohingya
From December, the regime dramatically intensifies military offensives against the Kachin Independence Army. The Tatmadaw uses fighter jets, helicopters, artillery, mortars, and cluster bombs during military operations. Tatmadaw attacks claim several civilian lives.
Over 115,000 predominately Rohingya IDPs remain displaced in Arakan State. Rohingya IDPs continue to endure terrible conditions in camps. Thousands of Rohingya boat people die during perilous journeys in search of safety in Southern Thailand or Malaysia.
Regime’s determination to stifle freedom of speech and freedom of assembly persists. In numerous cases, the authorities respond to peaceful protests with arrests and excessive use of force.
Severe restrictions continue to characterize Burma’s media environment, with the regime replacing its notorious Censorship Board with a similar body tasked with monitoring publications and suspending/revoking publishing licenses.
The USDP-dominated Parliament approves massive military spending, with over 20% of the total budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year allocated to military expenditure and only 4.4% and 3.9% to education and healthcare respectively.
Burma continues to rank poorly on international surveys measuring perceived corruption, risks posed to investors, and transparency in the financial sector. The regime’s push for the development of Special Economic Zones continues to adversely impact local communities.

Download the full briefer here.