Model Villages Are Not a Model

By Mungchying Rawt Jat • June 25, 2013

This short report by Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ) documents cases of farmers who have been forcibly relocated to make way for “development” projects in Kachin State, and are now staying in Sanpya camp in Hugawng Valley, and Aung Myin Thar and Maliyang camps near the Irrawaddy Myitsone.

Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ) was set up in September 2012 by farmers directly affected by government development projects in Kachin State.

As crony companies and foreign investment companies join with the government in large-scale projects, a new model of “development” is unfolding across Burma. To make way for hydropower dams and mono-crop plantations, villagers have been forced into relocation camps, or so-called “model villages.” The government and the companies state proudly in the media that the living standard of these relocated people has improved, but the reality is completely opposite.

The housing in the relocation camps is sub-standard. There is no clean water for household use, insufficient drinking water, and inadequate education and health care. Having lost their lands and livelihoods, the relocated people are forced to find insecure and low-paid daily wage jobs to try and feed themselves.

The report presents the cases of three relocation camps in Kachin State: Sanpyar camp in Hugawng Valley, and Aung Myin Thar and Maliyang camps near the Irrawaddy Myitsone. It gives an insight into people’s lives before and after relocation.

Download the report here.