Press Statement on Visit to Japan (2/2013)

1. Under the sponsorship of the Nippon Foundation (TNF) a delegation of the UNFC paid a visit to Tokyo, Japan, from April 1 to 5, 2013.

2. The TNF of Japan and the UNFC delegation together reviewed the work of delivering emergency aid in one year period, given by the TNF, to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the regions of the ethnic nationalities and had discussions on future programs […]

Statement No. (2/2013) of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Regarding the Conflict in Kachin State

The Myanmar National Human rights Commission is gratified that the Union Peace-Making Committee and the KIO delegation were able to issue a joint statement at the peace talks held at Shweli (Ruili) of the People’s Republic of China on 11-12 March 2013 and that positive developments were achieved. The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission also whole-heartedly welcomes the statement that the Union Government will accelerate development and rehabilitation tasks in the Kachin State as the process to achieve cease-fire has commenced under said joint statement […]

Burma: Rohingya Muslims Face Aid Crisis

Fears of Long-Term Segregation of Displaced Population 

The Burmese government is systematically restricting humanitarian aid and imposing discriminatory policies on Rohingya Muslims in Arakan State, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should permit unfettered access to humanitarian agencies to provide assistance to Muslim populations, end segregated areas, and put forward a plan for those displaced to return to their homes […]

Visit to Kachin IDP camps: 7 to 24 February 2013

Since the beginning of fighting in Kachin State on June 9th 2011, the Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) has been providing aid direct to IDPs with local actors. The KRF is fulfilling the major gaps using supporters’ donations, while international agencies have been preoccupied with their inability to operate freely in the KIO administrative areas.

The KRF has identified many needy spaces not been covered by the UN relief agencies or the DFID’s funded projects […]

Humanitarian Aid Denied

This week’s ceasefire talks between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Government are a positive step in what has been a devastating conflict rife with human rights abuses, displacement and death. While these talks have been praised by both international governments and the United Nations, there remain many obstacles to a sustainable political settlement and lasting peace.

Hostilities are still occurring and combatants continue to resupply, increasing tensions in an already frail situation. One positive step that has been taken is the allowance of aid to those in KIA-held areas affected by the conflict. Though it should be stated that the size and scope of this aid needs to conform to the needs identified on the ground and if all of those affected will receive adequate help is yet to be determined. It is estimated that over 160,000 people have been displaced over the course of fighting. These people are living in makeshift camps and without emergency aid are at great risk of humanitarian tragedy […]

Myanmar Must End Its Policy of Segregation in Rakhine State: ASEAN’s Inability to Act Points to Institutional Failures

The Myanmar government’s policy of segregating Muslim and Buddhist communities in Rakhine State is compounding a humanitarian crisis there, while ASEAN’s failure to positively influence the situation points to continued institutional failures in the regional grouping, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) said today […]

Statement to the Chinese Consulate, Chiang Mai

Since the resumption of conflict between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese government army in June 2011, it has been the government which has been one-sidedly launching offensives for the past 19 months. This has caused over 100,000 Kachin people, including women and children, to flee their homes and seek safe shelter elsewhere […]

Statement to the US Consulate, Chiang Mai

Since the resumption of conflict between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese government army in June 2011, it has been the government which has been one-sidedly launching offensives for the past 19 months. This has caused over 100,000 Kachin people, including women and children, to flee their homes and seek safe shelter elsewhere […]

Ongoing Conflict in Burma’s Kachin State

The United States is deeply concerned by ongoing violence in Burma’s Kachin State. Despite the Burmese government’s announcement that a ceasefire was to take effect on January 19, media and NGO reports indicate that the Burmese Army continues a military offensive in the vicinity of the Kachin Independence Army headquarters in Laiza […]

EU Should Re-Introduce Visa Ban on Military

We, the undersigned members and observers of the European Burma Network, condemn the ongoing attacks on the Kachin people and call on the international community to put pressure on President Thein Sein and the Burmese Army to immediately end the military offensive in Northern Burma and allow access to humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons […]