Statement by KWAT on the 4th Anniversary of Renewal of war in Kachin Areas

The conflict situation in northern Burma has worsened during 2015. Despite the Burmese government’s claims to be promoting peace, they have continued their military build-up in Kachin and northern Shan State, launching large-scale offensives, including aerial bombings, which are devastating ethnic communities […]

Statement: Position of the Restoration Council of Shan State on the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement

1.On 12 February 2015, the 68th Anniversary of the Union Day, the Chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State, Lt. Gen. Yawd Serk, signed the Deed of Commitment for Peace and Reconciliation with the Government at the signing ceremony held at Naypyidaw […]

Burma Army Shoots at Civilian Vehicles in Two Separate Incidents in Northern Shan State, Seriously Injuring Three and Killing One Civilian

On April 14, 2015 at 8 am, a family was travelling in a Honda car from Lashio to Hsenwi in northern Shan State. The father, U Min Naing, was driving, his wife Ba Harn was sitting beside him, and their three children were sitting in the back seat: Nang Khawn Nan, aged 16, Sai Phyo Wei Lin, aged 10, and Nang Sai Sai Sen, aged 9 […]

Statement No. (7/2015) The Visit to Maing-Sat Prison in Shan State

A team from the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission comprising of members U Zaw Win, Dr.Daw Than Nwe and Assistant Director Dr. Zay Yar Soe from the Commission’s Office visited the Maing-Sat prison in Shan State on the 7 of May 2015. During the visit, the team inspected the sleeping quarters and the records of the prison. Interviews were also conducted with prisoners and detainees on an individual basis. The team found out that the prison was holding detainees and prisoners in excess of the capacity of the prison. They also observed that the prison’s dispensary has no bed for the inpatients and vacancies for the post of Assistant Doctor and medical personnel vacancies have yet to be filled in accordance with the organizational set up. Although the prison was a “C” category type prison, prisoners who have been sentenced to prison terms for more than 10 years are detained in this prison. The cells designated for long-term prisoners have no covers on the latrines. Two prisoners who have been imprisoned have been found to come from a very distant destination. It was also observed by the team that the sleeping quarters of the detainees are prone to lashings from the rain during the rainy season. For long-term female prisoners, there are 2 cells reserved for them but both cells have no latrines, washing facilities and corridors. It was observed by the team that there are two under trial detainees who have been under detention for more than 6 months. Five prisoners/detainees have also been found to be above the age of seventy years. There are no facilities for meditation and no vocational trainings have been given. Turning their attention to the kitchen, the team noticed that rice has been cooked with tin drums which are not very hygienic […]

Mong Ton Villagers Protest Against Salween Dam at Consultation Meeting

About 150 local villagers protested against the planned Upper Salween (Mong Ton) dam during a consultation organized by Australia’s Snowy Mountain Engineering Corporation (SMEC) in Mong Ton, southern Shan State, Burma on April 6, 2015 […]

Press release by the communities in Shan State marking the International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Dams

The communities in Shan State are holding a press conference today in Taunggyi, Southern Shan State to urge the Burmese government and foreign investors to immediately stop plans to build large dams on rivers in Shan state, where conflict is escalating […]

Shooting, Killing and Torture of Civilians by Burma Army During Kokang Conflict

Interviews by SHRF provide evidence that during the current conflict in the Kokang area, Burma Army soldiers have been indiscriminately shooting at civilians, causing injury and death; have used civilians as hostages for ambush; and have also tortured civilians on suspicion of supporting the Kokang armed resistance group […]

Update of Humanitarian Situation in Northern Shan State

After the 1989 ceasefire agreement between the Myanamr Tatmadaw and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army ( MNDAA ), fresh fighting erupted on 9 February 2015 in the Kokang self-administered zone of northeast Shan State, Myanmar […]

WORLD REPORT 2015

Burma

The reform process in Burma experienced significant slowdowns and in some cases reversals of basic freedoms and democratic progress in 2014. The government continued to pass laws with significant human rights limitations, failed to address calls for constitutional reform ahead of the 2015 elections, and increased arrests of peaceful critics, including land protesters and journalists […]

Burma Army Kill Villager in Front of His Parents, then Force over 1,200 Villagers to Demonstrate Against “Insurgents” for Killing Civilians in Murng Yawng

Burma Army kill villager in front of his parents, then force over 1,200 villagers to demonstrate against “insurgents” for killing civilians in Murng Yawng

On December 12, 2014, Burma Army troops from LIB 573 shot and killed a 32-year-old mentally ill villager, Sai Sarm Tip, at his house in front of his parents, in the village of Wan Tinn, in Murng Yawng, eastern Shan State. The troops had surrounded the house, ordered Sai Sarm Tip to come out, then shot him as he stepped outside […]