Statement of Ethnic People, Civil Society Organizations and Networks Calling for a Genuine and Just Peace

By 28 civil society organizations and networks • June 7, 2013

1. On 9 June 2013, it will have been two full years since armed conflict between the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and Myanmar government resumed on 9 June 2011. During the last two years, more than 10 peace talks have taken place and we, the undersigned social networks and civil society organizations acknowledge and welcome the 7-point agreement signed in Myitkyina on 30 May as a step of improvement in terms of transparency.

2. We welcome the discussion that took place, to a certain extent, regarding the role of civil society as well as the involvement of some women at the negotiation table. Today, we, the undersigned social networks and civil societies, on behalf of all people who want peace, would like to put forward our calls as follow in pursuit of a just, sustainable and genuine peace:

To ensure that peace talks lead towards genuine federalism.
To establish conflict-free zones, including mine-free zones, during peace talks for the protection of innocent civilians and their livelihoods; prioritize humanitarian aid over security; and provide assistance according to international human rights standards.
To officially clarify and institutionalize the role of civil society organizations and networks in every peace process, including those who are ethnic community-based and those working on women’s issues, and other social organizations and networks.
To immediately initiate political dialogue, according to the agreements reached with the United Nationalities Federal Council in February 2013.
To not allow any investments, concessions or beginning of projects in the name of development unless meaningful political agreements are reached that guarantee genuine and just peace, and unless the local people are properly informed and consulted.
To hold discussions prior to a peace agreement about the repatriation and reintegration processes for Internally Displaced Persons and conflict-affected people, in order to safeguard their rights to own land, house and property according to international principles, standards and procedures, including the Geneva Convention, of which Myanmar is a signatory.
To establish a tripartite ceasefire monitoring and advisory group that is comprised of individual or organizational representatives of the United Nations and the international community, social networks that include women, civil society and local community representatives who can convey the voice of ethnic people from conflict-affected areas. This group must monitor and assess throughout the entire peace process, to ensure that negotiations are carried out on equal terms, and to lend effective support to achieve accurate results.
To ensure that international donors, including the European Union, are transparent and accountable in their funding and support of the peace process.

Signed by following civil society organizations and networks who want a genuine and just peace: