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1The PublicaTion of The human RighTs foundaTion of monland (huRfom) |

issue no. 3/2019 | decembeR 2019

issue no. 3/2019 | decembeR 2019 The PublicaTion of The human RighTs foundaTion of monland (huRfom)

News, Report, Analysis and Activities on Human Rights Situation in Mon Territory

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December 5, 2019

HURFOM: On November 27, 2019, theBurmese army and the Karen BorderGuard Force (BGF) attacked the NewMon State Party (NMSP) military base

nmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach nca

in Japanese Well village, near the ThreePagodas Pass area at the Thai-Burmaborder. The armed forces took controlof the base and village. In order toresolve the conflict, the NMSP issubmitting a report to the Joint

Monitoring Committee-Union (JMC-U)and the National Reconciliation andPeace Center (NRPC), according to asource from the NMSP.

“Regarding the armed conflict, we’vebeen planning to report to the JMC-U.Then, we’ll also try to meet withofficials from NRPC. We hope they canhelp us in solving the currentproblem,” said Nai Win Hla, a memberof NMSP Central Executive Committee.

The NMSP met with Mawlamyine-basedSoutheast Mi litary Command onDecember 2 and discussed the JapaneseWell situation. General Secretary NaiAung Min, CEC member Nai Win Hlanand Colonel Nai Han Thar of the NMSPmet with Colonel Maung Maung Latt ofthe Southeast Command but noconcrete agreement was reached.

“We met today to discuss about whatis happening in the Japanese Well base.We [tried to find a way to] negotiate

Photo:MNA

October 22, 2019

HURFOM: In the early morning ofOctober 17, 2019, violence broke outbetween the New Mon State Party(NMSP) and the Karen National Union(KNU). KNU’s soldiers attacked a NMSPcamp based in Ma Yan Chaung village

clash beTween Knu anD nmsPclash beTween Knu anD nmsPclash beTween Knu anD nmsPclash beTween Knu anD nmsPclash beTween Knu anD nmsPInjures cIvIlIans; houses anD shoPsInjures cIvIlIans; houses anD shoPsInjures cIvIlIans; houses anD shoPsInjures cIvIlIans; houses anD shoPsInjures cIvIlIans; houses anD shoPs

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DesTroyeDDesTroyeDDesTroyeDDesTroyeDDesTroyeDin Ye Chaung Pyar and a camp based inPhalae Don Pheik in Three Pagodas PassTownship.

Nai Hongsar, the vice-chair of the NMSPprovided some background to theoutbreak of violence. “There is aterritory dispute. The KNU set its flagon the NMSP’s controlled area, in thePhalae Don Pheik village. [The] NMSPhad discussed [the issue of whocontrolled the area] with the KNU longago. In the end, as [an agreement couldnot be made], the NMSP removed theirflag and sent it back to the KNU on 16

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| The PublicaTion of The human RighTs foundaTion of monland (huRfom)

News

In this issueNews : News : News : News : News : Mon teachers instructed not to get involved inpolitics

HURFOM ACTIVITIESHURFOM ACTIVITIESHURFOM ACTIVITIESHURFOM ACTIVITIESHURFOM ACTIVITIES: : : : : The 71st InternationalHuman Rights Day Statement by HURFOM

News: News: News: News: News: Burmese (Myanmar) Army and BGF troopssteal over 75 Million Kyat from Palaing JapanVillagers

News :News :News :News :News : Mae Tarow villagers worried by red flags brought to theircommunity by an armed KNU group

December 3, 2019

HURFOM: The Surbana Jurong Groupfrom Singapore launched their “MonState Investment Affair 2019” at theStrand Hotel in Mawlamyine on the29th and 30th of November, with thesupport of the Mon state government.

The topics of discussion includedinvestment potential in , agriculture,fishery, deep-seaport, oil and naturalgas, eco-tourism, real estate andconstruction as part of the “The MonState Vision Master Plan 2035”.

The Chief Minister of Mon State, Dr. AyeZan told the media that a deep-seaportis part of the strategic project plan andwill be built in Kalagote island in LaMein sub-township, Ye township, Monstate.

mon sTaTe governmenT Plans To buIlD DeePmon sTaTe governmenT Plans To buIlD DeePmon sTaTe governmenT Plans To buIlD DeePmon sTaTe governmenT Plans To buIlD DeePmon sTaTe governmenT Plans To buIlD DeePseaPorT aT KalagoKe IslanDseaPorT aT KalagoKe IslanDseaPorT aT KalagoKe IslanDseaPorT aT KalagoKe IslanDseaPorT aT KalagoKe IslanD

“Kyaik Kha Mi waters are 8-meters indepth. Ships carrying between 10,000and 15,000 tons can sail in 8-meters.There is less [depth of water] inYangon. The water depth is 18 metersto 23 meters in Kalagote island. Ourcountry will [benefit from this]development if we could build thedeep-seaport there. Whether it is forrice or other things, Kalagote island isthe main place for any trade, “ said Dr.Aye Zan.

Information presented at theinvestment affair showed that thestrategic plan is designed to address theneeds and policies of Mon State andhas been drafted with inputs from localorganizations and Mon Stateauthorities.

“The state and local governments areinviting new investments to achieve

state policies and missions. For localdevelopment, Mon state needs toinvite the investment in localareas,” continued the Chief Minister.

According to one young person, localpeople of Kalagote island are not wellinformed of the deep-seaport plans.

“We saw some people did a landsurvey last year. But we didn’t knowwho they were. Some people said it isfor a deep-seaport. There will be ahuge hardship for the fishingcommunity if a deep-seaport is built.Some villagers (who don’t understandthe impact) think there are benefitswhen the company comes,” said theyouth.

According to the Chief Minister, In MonState, there have been 80 investmentgrants made up to November 2019 andthe USD dollar value totals $5,743.980.



NewsNews from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1

nmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach ncanmsP: burmese army anD Karen bgF breach nca

and settle the problem. (But) we didn’tget an agreement,” said Nai Win Hla.

According to the NMSP, the JapaneseWell mi litary base is an officialrecognized permanent base accordingto both 2012 State and Union LevelCeasefire Agreement and theNationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)that was signed by the NMSP in 2018.

During the meeting with the SoutheastCommand on December 2, the NMSPrequested the Burmese army to

withdraw their forces from theJapanese Well base.

“According to our experience, it’s a bitdifficult (to regain control of the base).I don’t think withdrawal happenseasily. In 2017, the Burmese armyinvaded our bases and haven’t [to thisday] withdrawn from those bases. Thisconflict may be similar to thoseprevious ones. But [in those cases] wehad not yet signed the NCA. Now wehave signed the NCA and it dependson them (the Burmese army) to respect

protocols and agreement and towithdraw the base,” continued Nai WinHla.

In 2017, the Burmese army invaded twoMNSP bases – Zee Hna Pin and Hpa YarTaung check points located besideThanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas Pass roadand the army maintains control of thesebases today.

Nai Win Hal claimed that the Burmesearmy and the Karen BGF breachedSection 8(B), Chapter (3) of NCA, whichdefines the terms for movement ofarmed troops in the areas controlled byother ethnic armed groups, is allowedonly after obtaining prior agreement.

“They reported to us that they wantedto observe the Thai-Burma border. Thelocal officials reported to us and weallowed the request. But they couldn’twait till the official order reached thelocal officials and then they invaded(our controlled area). So an armedclash broke out. Their actions breachedthe NCA,” said Nai Win Hla.

Since the Burmese army and the KarenBGF control the Japanese Well village,approximately 900 local villagers fledtheir homes and have taken shelter onthe Thai side of the border.

October 2019. They were not satisfiedand attacked,” explained Nai Hongsar.

As a result, Phalae Don Pheik villagershad to flee from their homes and anumber of shops were destroyed.Villagers later discovered theirbelongings, gold, and money were alsostolen. Due to the displacement of thevillagers, HURFOM has not yet been

able to gather further details about therobberies and destruction of property.

“Due to the fighting, while villagerswere running off, one woman and herbaby were grabbed (by a KNU soldier)and he shot a gun near their ears. Andthe baby fell down from his mother.Now, both mother and baby got asudden hearing loss and also gotfrightened,” reported a health activistworking on the Thai-Myanmar border.

A deputy company commander ofPhalae Don Pheik NMSP was killedduring the fighting.

“(KNU) made attacks at two places atthe same time. Mainly, it was due to aterritory [dispute]. They said it is their

territory but NMSP said it is theirs. Theconflict arose from this and nowfighting has happened,” stated NaiNyan Htun, the Chairman of the Tavoydistrict of the NMSP.

Nai Nyan Htun added that the leadersfrom the two sides will attempt tonegotiate a resolution.

“This occurred at the ground level . To prevent the recurrence, we musthave a negotiation at the district level.So today (October 18) we are travelingto Three Pagodas Pass to meet withthe KNU officials [who] arrived thereyesterday. We need to negotiate anagreement. But we don’t [yet] have aplan to report this issue to the MonState Joint Ceasefire MonitoringCommittee (JMC-S),” said Nai Hongsar,vice-chair of NMSP.





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Photo:MNA

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News

October 7, 2019

HURFOM: Teachers appointed for Monlanguage teaching in governmentschools in Kyaikmayaw Township, Monstate, were warned not to becomeinvolved in political issues by DeputyChief Officer of Kyaikmayaw TownshipDepartment of Basic Education,according to a Mon language teacher.

Last week, Deputy Chief Officer U AungNaing Oo, instructed Mon teachers tostay away from politics. The directivewas made during a staff gathering at theTownship’s education department asthey waited for their monthly salarydisbursements.

mon Teachers InsTrucTeDmon Teachers InsTrucTeDmon Teachers InsTrucTeDmon Teachers InsTrucTeDmon Teachers InsTrucTeDnoT To geT InvolveD InnoT To geT InvolveD InnoT To geT InvolveD InnoT To geT InvolveD InnoT To geT InvolveD In

PolITIcsPolITIcsPolITIcsPolITIcsPolITIcs“You all are using Unicode font nowso your posts and comments (in socialmedia/ Facebook) can be read(monitored by the government).[Anyone] involved in political issuescan’t hide. Therefore, you all must stayaway from politics. Don’t involve[yourself] in it. As you all aregovernment staff, you can’t dopolitics,” said the Deputy Chief Officer,according to one of the Mon teachers.

There are over 100 language teachersassigned for the Mon language and 20teaching assistants in KyaikmayawTownship.

“I don’t know if all school teachers are[being] pressured not to be involvedin politics. Though we are governmentstaff, most of us are providing supportto Mon literature and culture and Monnational affairs so I think, theinstruction may be a warning to us. Hetold us that so we need to be cautiousnow. [Most Mon teachers] areinvolved in Mon affairs so we are a bit

afraid of being monitored andpunished,” continued the teacher.

According to some teachers, there is nota friendly relationship betweengovernment teachers and Monteachers. In the 2017-18 academic year,the principal hid the chalk box duringMon language class so the Ethnic AffairCommittee had to step in to solve thatproblem.

“Learning [ones mother tongue]language and [being] involved innational affairs could not be banned.Everybody will work for thedevelopment of his/her nationals. Youcan inform Ethnic Affair Committee ifthere is a prohibition,” stated Nai MonRajar, a Mon representative of EthnicAffair Committee.

In the 2019-20 academic year, theMinistry of Education and Ethnic AffairsCommittee appointed 340 teachingassistants in Mon state and of the 340teaching assistants, 171 will bededicated to Mon language instruction,148 for Karen language and 21 for thePa’O language, confirmed U Saw AungMyint Khine, from the Karen EthnicAffairs Minister of Mon Stategovernment.

October 25, 2019

HURFOM: In the third week of October,2019, there were 3 armed clashesbetween the New Mon State Party(NMSP) and the Karen National Union(KNU).

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On October 17, 2019, two clashes tookplace in the early morning. One was atthe NMSP base nearby Ma Yan Chaung,Ye Chaung Phyar Region, Ye Township,Mon State, and the other at the NMSPbase nearby Phalae Don Phike village,Three Pagodas Pass, KyarinnseikyiTownship, Karen State. On October 23,the KNU battled with the NMSP nearbyNgar Kalay Chaung village, KyaungYwar village track, Ye Township.

The armed clashes forced schools toclose and villagers fled from theirhomes. The Mon National High Schoolat Win Kabar village, KyarinnseikyiTownship, a school at Phalae Don Phikevillage and schools at Min Hla or LakePote village and at Ngar Kalay Chaungvillage have closed due to security

concerns.

“…parents have been worrying abouttheir children so they withdrew them

from the school. The school teachershad to close the school. We don’tknow when the school will reopen. Itdepends on the situation between theMon and Karen,” said a parent fromMudon whose child attends the WinKabar Mon National High School.

There were also arbitrary arrests,detentions and other human rightsviolations in the conflict areas.

“KNU arrested pedestrians andvillagers who went to theirplantations. They arrested 12villagers and 7 of them were tied withropes. And they were detained at anearby plantation. We requested thevillage Administrator and villageprominent persons to find them. Wefound them about 2 pm. As theAdministrator requested the KNU release them [which they did]. BothMon and Karen villagers were




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A few hours after the release, localvillagers heard gunshots coming fromthe NMSP base nearby Ngar KalayChaung village.

“We don’t know how the armed clashstarted. A Mon soldier was killed inthe battle. At the moment, the whole(Ngar Kalay Chaung) village weremoved to Kyaung Ywar village,” saida local resident.

Due to security concerns, the villagersabandoned their homes and plantationsand took shelter at nearby villages anda monastery. Houses and shops leftempty were robbed and destroyed by the

KNU soldiers. A mother and child fromPhalae Don Phike village sufferedhearing injuries when a gun was firednear their ears.

During the October 17th armed clash,a Lieutenant Deputy CompanyCommander was killed and two villagerswere injured by landmines.

The NMSP and the KNU heldnegotiations on October 20th and 23rd.Despite a joint agreement to stop thearmed clashes, there have been fightsat the ground level.

Efforts to contact officials from theNMSP and the KNU by HURFOM for up-to-date comments, have been unsuccessful at the time of publication.

October 17, 2019

HURFOM: On May 5, 2016, thePresident’s Office formed the CentralCommittee for Scrutinizing ConfiscatedFarmlands and Other Lands. One of theduties of the committee is to returnunused, confiscated lands to theoriginal owners.

Villagers in Thanbyuzayat Townshipfrom Mon State who had landsconfiscated by the local battalion havebeen waiting for this committee to solvetheir land dispute.

vIllagers hoPe conFIscaTeD lanDs, byvIllagers hoPe conFIscaTeD lanDs, byvIllagers hoPe conFIscaTeD lanDs, byvIllagers hoPe conFIscaTeD lanDs, byvIllagers hoPe conFIscaTeD lanDs, bymIlITary wIll be reTurneD To rIghTFulmIlITary wIll be reTurneD To rIghTFulmIlITary wIll be reTurneD To rIghTFulmIlITary wIll be reTurneD To rIghTFulmIlITary wIll be reTurneD To rIghTFul

owners.owners.owners.owners.owners.One Pa Nga resident who lost a 5-acrerubber plantation to the BurmaArtillery Regiment Command No. 315(ARC No.315) said, “After myplantation was seized, I had to work(as a daily laborer) at otherplantations. I can’t feed my stomachfull. As soon as my plantation wasconfiscated, I couldn’t sleep well. I wasdeeply depressed. I had to try a lot torecover from the situation. After Ireported [what happened] to thecommittee, they said [they wereworking to solve] the land disputes [inthe whole country]. So I hope [one day]the committee will also solve my landdispute.”

The villager tended to about 1,000rubber plants on his 5-acre plantationbefore the local army confiscated theplantation in 2005. The army did allowthe owner to work in his plantationafter paying a tax to them. However, in2008, the army denied the villager awork permit and fully confiscated theplantation.

“Regarding land confiscation, Isubmitted reports (to particulardepartments or committees) severaltimes. The land committee never calledus. They never came to meet with us. Isubmitted reports so I hoped theywould come to meet us. Now, the army

chopped down the old rubber plantsand substituted with new ones. But noone came to help us. Now we heardthat the committee came toinvestigate the land disputes and wehad a chance to get back ourplantations. But in reality, we’re theones who have to suffer the loss,” saidthe villager.

Plantation owners began submittingreports to the authorities dating backto 2013 but they have not received anyremedy to date.

“We didn’t complain if the armyconfiscated the plantation for [the]battalions expansion. But now theyconfiscated the land and sold them toother [villagers]. They did that undermy very eyes. Is it fair for me to sufferthis kind of pain?” asked the villager.

Nearby the ARC No. 315, there are 400acres of rubber plantations owned by57 local farmers and the local army hasconfiscated all the plantations.

We didn’t complain if the armyconfiscated the plantation for[the] battalions expansion. Butnow they confiscated the landand sold them to other[villagers]. They did that undermy very eyes. Is it fair for meto suffer this kind of pain

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News

October 22, 2019

HURFOM: As of the first week ofOctober, 2019, more than 1.7 millionpeople have been added to the 2020general election voter list in Mon State.Now the Mon State Election Sub-commission is awaiting approval fromthe Union Election Commission to startthe collection of military voters’ to thelist.

“We can collect the list of soldiers andtheir household members only afterwe [have] received instructions fromthe Union Election Commission. Nowwe [have collected the non-militaryvoters names across Mon State] butcan’t collect the list of military voters.The whole country is like that (can’tcollect list of military voters). We needinstructions from the Union ElectionCommission to list military

mon sTaTe elecTIon sub-commIssIon neeDs unIonmon sTaTe elecTIon sub-commIssIon neeDs unIonmon sTaTe elecTIon sub-commIssIon neeDs unIonmon sTaTe elecTIon sub-commIssIon neeDs unIonmon sTaTe elecTIon sub-commIssIon neeDs unIoncommIssIon aPProval To collecT lIsT oF mIlITary voTerscommIssIon aPProval To collecT lIsT oF mIlITary voTerscommIssIon aPProval To collecT lIsT oF mIlITary voTerscommIssIon aPProval To collecT lIsT oF mIlITary voTerscommIssIon aPProval To collecT lIsT oF mIlITary voTers

voters,” said U Hein Lin Htet, the DeputyDirector of Mon State Election Sub-commission.

The background to this process situationis linked to election laws and the desirefor free and fair elections.

According to election laws, the voterlists of soldiers and their householdmembers must be present at the pollingstations in the wards nearby particularmilitary commands. However, electionlaws do not state polling stations couldbe on military bases.

In the 2015 general election, there wasan attempted negotiation to removepolling stations from military bases, butno agreement was reached. As a resulta non-military eligible voters lists iscompiled first, and then military votersare added to that list.

U Hein Lin Htet explained that duringthe 2015 election, monitoring groups,election candidates and media groupscould freely monitor polling stations onmilitary bases like they did at stationsin civilian awards. Further that mostmilitary polling stations were located atgovernment schools and common hallson military bases.

However, the Central ExecutiveCommittee of the National League forDemocracy (NLD) opposed placingpolling stations being set up onmilitary bases as well as advancevoting by military voters, reported UNgwe Myint, the Secretary of the MonState NLD Office.

U Myint Naing, Spokesperson from theUnion Election Commission (UEC),noted that placing polling stations onmilitary bases remains a controversialissue, and the (UEC) still needs to havea discussion with military officialsabout the matter.

“In the recent central committeemeeting, we decided to submit areport to the Union ElectionCommission [urging them] not toplace polling stations in militarybases. Voting in military bases isn’tfree and fair,” said U Ngwe Myint ofthe NLD.

In the 2015 general election, therewere 919 polling stations in Mon Stateand 49 were military polling stations,according to the Mon State ElectionSub-commission

November 26, 2019

HURFOM: A child, just under two yearsof age, was abducted and killed on 18November 2019 according to sourceswithin the police department in Ye. Theincident took place in the Old CityQuarter, Ah Sin vi llage tract, YeTownship, Mon state.

Mg Ye Yint Thu, 20, and Mg Ye Yint Myo,16, from Sai Pyin village, Bu TalinTownship, Oak Chin Twin District,Sagaing Division, kidnapped (abducted)

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TownshIPTownshIPTownshIPTownshIPTownshIPthe child to extort money from theparents. Both culprits worked at afishery owned by the child’s parents, UPhoe Sal and Daw Thin Thin Aye.

”The mother of the (culprits) is a friendwith the child’s father and they hadbeen there only one month working forhim. The child was abducted while themother was taking a nap at noon anda phone was also stolen”, said thepolice chief of Ye police station.

When the mother awoke, she looked forher baby. A taxi driver told her that twobrothers were seen with the childheaded towards the railway station, butcould not be found there.

The culprits phoned the father at 6:00pm and said ”to bring 500,000 kyat to

exchange for the child and [that theywould] do something bad if [theparents did not pay] because they’reimpatient”. The parents contacted thepolice station after receiving the phonecall.

The culprits were caught at the busstation at midnight after attempting toobtain a Wave money transfer of300,000 kyat sent from the parents. Atthe arrest, there was no sign of thechild.

The culprits admitted that, Mg Ye YintThu, had closed the child’s mouth as shewas crying loudly. The child died ofsuffocation. At approximately 4pm onthe 19th, the body of the child was foundin a canal near a field behind the railwayroad in Chaung Taung village, accordingto the police.

The police in Ye Town are trying the twobrothers in court for child abduction,intimidation, murder and theft.



News

October 23, 2019

HURFOM: On October 22, 2019, a Karenarmed group entered Mae Tarowvillage, in Kyaikmayaw Township, MonState around 3 pm. The group tied longpieces of red cloth to trees and villagers’homes. Local residents feared thearmed group has plans to take over thevillage and are worried about theirsafety and livelihoods.

“They [the armed group, included] fourmembers with two motorbikes. Theyentered the village and tied red flagsat every house without saying a word.I don’t know if they did this becausethey weren’t satisfied that we’ve paidtaxes to the New Mon State Party(NMSP) or if they want to rule this

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village. Most villagers are worriedthey will take over the village,” said aresident of Mae Tarow.

Mae Tarow is located in an areacontrolled by both the NMSP and theBurmese government. The Karenarmed group has been seen on patrolat night near the entrance of old MaeTarow village, according to the resident.

“There are lots of rubber plantationsat the entrance of old Mae Tarow guarded by them (the armed group).As they are on patrol, the villagershave to be cautious about theirmovements. At the moment, there aresome villagers who dare not go totheir plantation,” said the resident.

According to U San Oo, theAdministrator of Mae Tarow, thevillagers should have a discussion withthe NMSP regarding the red flags thathave been tied to trees and homes bythe Karen armed group. Villagers areeager to know the reaction of theNMSP. A report of this incident hasbeen sent to the Mon Stategovernment.

“The villagers are very (worried andscared). They don’t want the villageruled by another (ethnicity). If (the)Karen take over the village, the villagewill be destroyed. Also the village (wasnot) included in the Karen territory.We also phoned the NMSP. If (we ar)thinking about what to do (and wedon’t have an urgent solution), theywill take over the village. I think, theKaren armed group belongs toKNU,” said the Administrator.

Mae Tarow has more than 300 housesand is inhabited only by Mon people.

They [the armedgroup, included]four memberswith twomotorbikes. Theyentered thevillage and tiedred flags at everyhouse withoutsaying a word. Idon’t know ifthey did thisbecause theyweren’t satisfiedthat we’ve paidtaxes to the NewMon State Party(NMSP) or ifthey want to rulethis village. Mostvillagers areworried they willtake over thevillage

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News

November 26, 2019

HURFOM: Toyo Thai Company Ltd. triedto build a 1,280-megawatt coal-firedpower plant near Andin village, YeTownship, Mon State in 2015. Theproject was valued at 2.8 million dollarsUSD.

Andin residents developed an extensiveunderstanding of the environmentalimpacts such a project would mean fortheir community. They systematicallyorganized a united opposition, and wereable to have the initiative suspended inearly 2016.

Although residents successfully stalledthis first mega-development project,now a second mega-project is beingplanned.

Forever Thanlwin Company Limited(FTCL) recently announced its interestto build an offshore supply base nearAndin village. These types of projectsinvolve building a sea wall near land toallow for large ships to dock andtransport machinery and supplies. Theyare a critical component for offshore oiland gas exploration initiatives andMyanmar is currently one of the world’shotspots for offshore oil & gasexploration.

FTCL had notified the public they wouldhold a consultation meeting as part ofa legally required EnvironmentalImpact Assessment (EIA) procedure. Athird party, called Sea Trust Co., Ltd wasto conduct the meeting set forNovember 14, 2019.

Villagers issued a public statementopposing the project two days before

anDIn vIllagers FIghT oFF a 2nD mega-ProjecTanDIn vIllagers FIghT oFF a 2nD mega-ProjecTanDIn vIllagers FIghT oFF a 2nD mega-ProjecTanDIn vIllagers FIghT oFF a 2nD mega-ProjecTanDIn vIllagers FIghT oFF a 2nD mega-ProjecTThreaTenIng TheIr lIvelIhooDs anD communITyThreaTenIng TheIr lIvelIhooDs anD communITyThreaTenIng TheIr lIvelIhooDs anD communITyThreaTenIng TheIr lIvelIhooDs anD communITyThreaTenIng TheIr lIvelIhooDs anD communITy

the consultation meeting. On the dayof the meeting villagers were organizedand held up signs with their message“no offshore supply base.”

Forever Thanlwin Company nevershowed up for EIA consultation.

“We have been against this projectbefore. No matter how many (times)they want to negotiate, we will keepopposing it. The company has comehere often to measure the land andwater. This EIA procedural meetingwas not [shared] with local peopleahead of time. We only knew of it fromthe news, “ stated Ko Htwe, from aAndin youth group.

Villagers are concerned aboutenvironmental and social impacts of theproject. Fish species can decline to thepoint of extinction when sea walls areconstructed disrupting ocean wavepatterns and creating lasting effects on

the small-scale fishery community ofAndin.

“It will doom our fishery community ifthey build the offshore supply base. Asthe boat can’t shift and the fish willbe less too. The water may hit theshore when it can’t flow as there is awall that blocks them. If it happenslike that all things will be destroyed.We could not fish anymore when thereare big ships travelling [to and fromthe supply base], “ said U Lwin, afishermen in Hta Min Seit village.

Another potential implication of theproject is that the Hta Min Seit villagemight need to be relocated and 1,400of villagers who rely on farming,plantation gardening and fishery couldlose their livelihoods if the offshoresupply base is built.

In addition, local villagers areconcerned that an increase of migrantworkers needed for the construction ofthe base may add to social conflicts,increase cultural and/or ethnictensions, or add to religious disputesand generally provoke xenophobia andnationalism controversies.

“The problem of the coal-fired powerproject has not been finished yet, thisoffshore supply project is causing localpeople more fear. That is why we didnot accept this project,” said one of theAndin villagers.




News

About 1,000 of villagers have signed apetition opposing the construction ofthe offshore supply base and it has beensubmitted to the Andin VillageAdministrator, the Land Records andIrrigation Departments and the MonState Chief Minister as of the 29th ofMarch 2017.

“All of the monks, senior people,villagers and youth in this area do notaccept this project. There is notransparency from the company side.There is no pre-notification. Theproblem of a coal-fired power has notyet disappeared. As for me, I will notaccept any project and same for the willof the villagers,” said U Soe Moe Kyaw,Village Administrator of Andin village.

Due to villagers opposition andsolidarity, the company cancelled theplanned EIA procedural meeting. It ishard to predict when the company willcome again. Andin villagers had onceovercome plans for a coal-fired powerplant but are now waiting to see if theycan, again overcome a 2nd mega project–the construction of an offshore supplybase.

Forever Thanlwin Company Limited

Forever Thanlwin Company Limited is aprivate company and was registered onFebruary 24, 2017, according to aDirectorate of Investment and CompanyAdministration (DICA) statement.

The Myanmar Investment Commission(MIC) granted FTCL permission toreceive both domestic andinternational investments for livestock,seaport, hotel and hospital projects. FTCL is one of eight companies thatwas granted this investmentpermission in February 2018.

MIC indicated this permission wasbased on an agreement andrecommendation made by stategovernments and particular ministries.

Forever Thanlwin and Andin Offshoresupply

MIC also issued a permit to FTCL on 2February 2018 to allow for theconstruction of an offshore supplybase on 68.11 acres of land (No.1249)in Hta Min Seit village in Andin villagetract, Ye Township, Mon State.According to FCTL’s Managing Director,U Zaw Min Aung, this projectrepresents over 60 million-dollars ofinvestment to the region.

Plans for the project date back to2012.

The company tried to hold meetingswith local people in May 20, 2017 butthe villagers declined to participate.

According to Senior Monk Ah ShinNanda from Andin village, this offshoresupply project may be somehow

connected with coal-fired plant whichthey successfully opposed in 2015-16.

However, U Zaw Min Aung has deniedthis offshore project is related to coal-fired power plant project.

The proposed Offshore Supply Basenear Andin would service Ye Ta Kon andZaw Tika Fuel and gas extractionefforts.

Although there has been growingopposition to the project at thecommunity level, FCTL had been ableto host a meeting to discuss their planswith the Speaker and Deputy Speakerof the Mon state Hluttaw, and MonState lawmakers on March 8th, 2018.


We have been againstthis project before. Nomatter how many(times) they want tonegotiate, we will keepopposing it. Thecompany has come hereoften to measure theland and water. This EIAprocedural meeting wasnot [shared] with localpeople ahead of time.We only knew of it fromthe news,

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News

November 28, 2019

HURFOM: At 9:30 am on November 27,2019, the Burmese army and the KarenBorder Guard Force (BGF) invaded theNew Mon State Party (NMSP) base nearJapanese Well village, Three PagodasPass (TPP), Kyarinnseikyi Township,Karen State. There was an armed clashbetween the two parties. More than500 villagers had to flee their homesand took shelter at a Mon monasteryin Thailand, according to the localsources.

“When the fighting took place, I andmy children were hiding at home. Wedare not run outside. A lot of bullets[were shot] in front of my house. They(the soldiers forcefully) knocked on thedoors of houses that raised the Monflags. I don’t know if they are Burmeseor Karen soldiers. They ordered us tocome outside but we did not. I have atwo-month-old child and all of mychildren were crying. We fled (because)we are afraid of (the soldiers),” said alocal woman who witnessed the clash.

More than 500 Mon villagers have takenshelter at Gok Cha monastery inThailand and Thai authorities areproviding assistance.

According to a video clip posted by alocal woman, empty houses wereinvaded by both the Burmese army andthe Karen BGF. Individuals who wereforced to flee were robbed of various

FIghTIng beTween nmsP anD burmese armyFIghTIng beTween nmsP anD burmese armyFIghTIng beTween nmsP anD burmese armyFIghTIng beTween nmsP anD burmese armyFIghTIng beTween nmsP anD burmese armyForces 500+ vIllagers To Flee homesForces 500+ vIllagers To Flee homesForces 500+ vIllagers To Flee homesForces 500+ vIllagers To Flee homesForces 500+ vIllagers To Flee homes

housing materials, commodities andother valuables.

The NMSP said that the actions of theBurmese army and the Karen BGFconstitute a breach of the NationalCeasefire Agreement (NCA).

“There was an attack at 9 am andanother at 10 am. Each attack lastedfor only five minutes. The Burmesearmy and Karen BGF informed us theywant to observe the Thai-Burmaborder. We replied that they can dothat but as they have to pass throughour base, they must wear civiliandresses. But I don’t know if they wantto make a conflict as they came in

military uniform. As they came inmilitary uniform, (followed by)fighting,” said a Central ExecutiveCommittee member of the NMSP.

It has been reported that two militaryofficials from the Burmese army and theKaren BGF were killed during the armedclash but no casualties have beenreported by the NMSP.

Currently the Burmese army and theKaren BGF have taken control of theNMSP base nearby Japanese Wellvillage and Burmese and Karen soldiersoccupy the village monastery and thefootball field.



HURFOM ACTIVITIESNews from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1News from page no.1

December 10, 2019

HURFOM: Today, we celebrate the71st International Human Rights Dayand stand with all nations around theworld in commemorating the UnitedNations General Assembly’s adoptionof the Universal Declaration of HumanRights.

As this year’s theme is Youth StandingUp for Human Rights, HURFOM aimsto support the potential of youth asconstructive agents of change inBurma/Myanmar and encourage themto participate in all decisions that haveimpacts on their wellbeing.

We believe that youth participation isessential in the fight against racism,

The 71sT InTernaTIonal human rIghTs DayThe 71sT InTernaTIonal human rIghTs DayThe 71sT InTernaTIonal human rIghTs DayThe 71sT InTernaTIonal human rIghTs DayThe 71sT InTernaTIonal human rIghTs DaysTaTemenT by hurFomsTaTemenT by hurFomsTaTemenT by hurFomsTaTemenT by hurFomsTaTemenT by hurFom

bullying, discrimination, hate speech,and climate change.

Today Burma/Myanmar is facing manychallenges. The human rights situationcontinues to deteriorate dramatically,and 100,000s of IDPs and war-affectedcommunities in many minority ethnicareas have fled crimes against humanity

to safer places. The restriction ofhumanitarian access has continuedacross the country, particularly inRakhine and Kachin states, andextensive violations are ongoing.Impunity persists for past and currenthuman rights violations by state forces,and the NLD-led government continuesto dismiss allegations of rights violationsand ignore calls for investigations andaccountability.

In addition, the government hascontinued to use a range of oppressivelaws to restrict the rights to freedom ofexpression, peaceful assembly, andassociation and imprison civilians forpeacefully exercising such rights. Humanrights defenders, journalists, andlawyers who speak out about humanrights conditions around the countrystill face intimidation, surveillance, andattacks. Women and children are stillsubject to violence and need betterprotection under domestic legislationand through rule of law.

Together with human rights promoters,we want to support youth communitiesto take their role as major drivers ofpolitical, economic, and socialtransformations in Burma/Myanmar, aswe desire to see young people leadingpositive change and assisting inresolving the country’s currentproblems.

The Human Rights Foundation ofMonland (HURFOM) is a non-governmental human rightsorganization founded in 1995 by a groupof Mon relief workers, students, andcommunity leaders. HURFOM works tomonitor the human rights situation insouthern Burma, publishing print andonline news, lengthy reports, andanalysis of ongoing human rightsviolations.

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News

December 4, 2019

HURFOM: Human Rights Foundation ofMonland (HURFOM) conducted a shortinterview with internally displacedpeople (IDP) who fled their homes inJapanese Well due to armed conflictsthat began on November 28th,between the New Mon State Party(NMSP) , the Burmese mi litary(Tatmadaw) and the Karen BorderGuard Force (BGF). Many of theseinternally displaced people have takenshelter at a Mon monastery inSangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Q: How is the current situation?

A: We are at this monastery and thesoldiers have occupied our village. Wecame from the Japanese Well village.

Q: We’ve heard the Burmese militarycalled you all to come back. Is thatcorrect?

A: Yes, it is. We had to go to the villagehead and put our names on the list (ofthose who will come back to JapaneseWell). We told the village head that wetruly lived in the village and fled fromhome as we were afraid of thegunshots. The village head will submita report to the Burmese army. Thosewho have not been listed yet can puttheir names on the list, tomorrow. TheBurmese military is allowing us toreturn to our homes but we dare not

an InTervIew wITh jaPanese well InTernallyan InTervIew wITh jaPanese well InTernallyan InTervIew wITh jaPanese well InTernallyan InTervIew wITh jaPanese well InTernallyan InTervIew wITh jaPanese well InTernallyDIsPlaceD Persons (IDPs)DIsPlaceD Persons (IDPs)DIsPlaceD Persons (IDPs)DIsPlaceD Persons (IDPs)DIsPlaceD Persons (IDPs)

to do so. We are worried that ourchildren will be harmed.

Q: So you dare not go back home?

A: We dare not go back home yet. Weare worried about our children’s safety.If I had not gone to the school yesterday(November 27), all of our childrenwould be in trouble. I ran to the schooland told the school teachers what washappening. I said the Burmese soldierswere invading (our village) and thesituation is getting worse. So I urged theteachers to send the students backhome. They sent back the students andkept some students whose home wasvery far from the school in theclassroom.

Q: What caused the fighting?

A: The armed clashes will be due to theterritory dispute. They (the Burmesearmy and the Karen BGF) attacked theMon base (in Japanese Well) and somany bullets were found scattered inthe vi llage. The houses were notattacked. But a heavy weapon explodednear my house and the explosion madean umbrella-size hole in the roof. All ourhousing materials were destroyed. Wewere at home when the heavy weaponexploded. I did not hear that anyvillagers were shot. They did break intohouses that had Mon flags and robbedthose home of their valuables.

Q: Is the situation getting stable now?

A: The Burmese army has been callingus to return but we dare not. We aren’tafraid of them, but their guns. Schoolswere also closed.

Q: Who told you to go back to thevillage?

A: The village head came and said —now, the Burmese army has control ofthe village and if we don’t return to thevillage now, the army will not beresponsible if our houses are destroyed.They will do nothing (to protect ourproperties). If we go back to the villageand stay at home, the army is unableto occupy our houses. The village headexplained this to us. (Because) theBurmese army is still in the village, thevillagers don’t want to go back.

Now, (the Burmese army) has beencollecting a list of all households. Aftercollecting the list, there must be peoplein every house. The Burmese army saidthey won’t be responsible for housesthat are empty. We asked the villagehead what can we do if the armedclashes between the New Mon StateParty (NMSP) and the Burmese armybreaks out again after our return, andthe village head is unable to guaranteeanything. Even the village head does notknow if the armed clashes will (reoccur)so we dare not go back to our homes.We don’t go back. None of the villagersgo back.




News

November 5, 2019

HURFOM: The Ye-based Mon AreaCommunity Development Organization(MACDO) and the Ye Mon YouthNetwork organized an anti-drugcampaign in Ye Town, Southern MonState recently.

Both organizations collaborated withlocal residents to speak out againsti llegal drug use, however, localauthorities from the GeneralAdministration Department (GAD) andthe Ye Police Force did not made acontribution to the campaign,according to a Ye resident.

local auThorITIes FaIl To maKe a conTrIbuTIonlocal auThorITIes FaIl To maKe a conTrIbuTIonlocal auThorITIes FaIl To maKe a conTrIbuTIonlocal auThorITIes FaIl To maKe a conTrIbuTIonlocal auThorITIes FaIl To maKe a conTrIbuTIonTo anTI-Drug camPaIgnTo anTI-Drug camPaIgnTo anTI-Drug camPaIgnTo anTI-Drug camPaIgnTo anTI-Drug camPaIgn

“In order to organize this campaignsystematically [and peacefully], wealready applied [for permission inaccordance with] the PeacefulAssembly and Peaceful ProcessionLaw. As we’re officially allowed by thelaw, the Myanmar Police Force mustprotect us. They must direct the roadtraffic. We hoped they wouldcooperate with us. But there was nocontribution from them,” said theresident.

On the morning of November 1st, morethan 100 young people from Yecampaigned throughout the town withanti-drug posters by motorbike.

In the evening, there was a debateabout the harmful impacts of drugsfollowed by Mon traditional dances.

The organizers had invited officials fromthe Township GAD and the Anti-Narcotic Task Force to speak at theevent, but they did not participate.

“Their absence means they don’t wantto make a contribution, I think,” saidthe Ye resident.

The Program Coordinator of MACDOsaid their campaign wants to makemore people aware of the harmfulimpacts of drugs.

Organizers are calling for three actions,i) To provide more rehabilitationsupport for drugs victims. ii) To holddrugs dealer accountable under thelaws. iii) To prevent the peace processfrom being destroyed due to drugs andiv) To provide more educationalprograms that expose the harm causedby drugs.

Since 2017, MACDO has delivered anti-drug campaigns in the Basic EducationHigh Schools in Southern Burma.

Q: Are there any villager who hasreturned?

A: Some went back home to collectthings they left and gave the householdlist (to the Burmese army). After that,they came back to this monastery again.

Q: How have villagers prepared thehousehold list?

A: We have to make our household onthe list (collected by the Burmesearmy). (Our village) has 250 houses. Allhouses are empty. No one stays there.Every one fled from the village. If wego back, the Burmese army will(officially) acknowledge that we arevillagers who really stay at that village.For those who don’t go back, if

something bad happens to their housesor if others have occupied their houses,the Burmese army won’t take anyresponsibility.

Q: So it looks like the Burmese armycontrols everything, right?

A: Sure, they do. They have controlledeverything. Now, the Burmese armygoverns the village and they will do asthey like. It is impossible for us to goback home (at the moment).

As of November 30, 2019,approximately 700 internally displacedpeople (IDP) are at Gok Cha Monmonastery on the Thai side of theborder and there another 170 IDPs inanother Mon monastery. In additionsome villagers have taken shelter innearby plantations.


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News

November 19, 2019

HURFOM: June Cement IndustryLimited held a meeting with localvillagers in the monastery of MaeGarow village in Kyeikmayaw Townshipon 18 November 2019 as part of arequired Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) for its plannedcement industry building.

Company representatives, theKyeikmayaw Township’s Hluttawrepresentative Daw Khin Myo Myint,the Mon state EnvironmentalProtection department and theAdministrator from KyeikmayawTownship joined the consultation.

Local people have demanded there befull responsibility and accountability ofthe environmental impacts of theplanned operation.

“We won’t accept if they takeresponsibility only after their plant is operating. We want them to meet withlocal villagers and authorities togetherto [develop a] contract on how theywill take responsibility andaccountability for the negativeimpacts from the operation beforethey build the industry” said Nai HteinWin, a Mae Garow villager.

June company has taken 889.96 acresof land to build the plant. Nai Shwe Win,one of the Mae Garow villagers, askedthat the unused land be returned to theoriginal owners.

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From cemenT InDusTry ProjecTFrom cemenT InDusTry ProjecTFrom cemenT InDusTry ProjecTFrom cemenT InDusTry ProjecTFrom cemenT InDusTry ProjecT

“(The company) used force to buy landfrom farmers in 2010 — whether soldor not. The company will have to usehow many acres of land? Is there anyplan to give back the unused land tolandless farmers?” asked Nai ShweWin.

The company responded that there isno unused land and that the 889.96acres is still less than their needs.

At the EIA consultation local people alsoraised concerns about a third partycalled the E-guard company who hadbeen asking unrelated questions of thevillagers while conducting an EIAsurvey.

In addition villagers expressed concernsthat historical temples and a Buddhastatue in the mountain range will beaffected when the cement companystarts mining.

According to U Tin Oo, project director,“The company will follow rule of lawtaking responsibility andaccountability to maintain the least[possible negative] effects on theenvironment. The residents cancomplain …and [it has already been]explained how to [register theirconcerns.]

Nine women among the participantswho joined the EIA public consultationmeeting, reported they don’tunderstand the Burmese language very

well and did not receive a properexplanation of the EIA procedure.

“We don’t understand what they saidat all. We’ve joined the meeting[because] we didn’t want to embarrassour village administration. If theyspeak (Mon), we will understand. Wecan say no if we don’t like it (if weunderstand). But now, we do not daresay (anything as we don’t understandthem)” cited Daw Shaw, one of MaeGarow villagers.

The villagers are not totally against theproject, and their main demand is withthe plans to use coal-fired power,according to local resources.

One local woman, Daw San Oo said “if[this is a] coal powered plant, we won’tagree as it is most dangerous andaffects our health. We alreadywitnessed the impacts. Due toMawlamyine Cement Limited – MCL’sship, our river and houses aredestroyed so that we don’t want it tohappen again”.

The company argued it must use coal-fired power until the government is ableto provide natural gas and electricity.

“As (the state) could not support [gasor electricity], we need to use [coal-fired power]. We will change itimmediately when they provide us

[with natural gas or electricity]

. As we are not sure when that will be,we can’t provide an exact time tochange [the power source],” continuedU Tin Oo.

The June company received permissionfrom the Myanmar InvestmentCommission (MIC) on 26 March in 2016,for the construction of the plantfollowing an Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) and a Social ImpactAssessment (SIA), according to U Tin Oo.

The June company has invested 471million USD in the project and plans toproduce 5,000 ton of cement per day.

○ ○ ○



News

December 10, 2019

HURFOM: The village leaders in PalaingJapan village (literal translation-Japanese Well) have calculated thelosses of stolen belongings anddamaged property, during the raid ofBurmese Army and Border Guard Force(BGF) on the 27th of November. Theycalculate villagers lost approximately 55million Kyat, from looting by armedsoldiers. Added to this loss the soldiersalso took a Toyota Tiger model (D4D)truck, with an estimated value of 20million Kyat, from the village.

In the morning of 27th November, theBurmese Army troops from LIB No. 283and two BGF battalions broke theNational Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)and entered the village, which is underthe control of the New Mon State Party(NMSP) and its armed forces (MNLA). Fighting broke out and the BurmeseArmy along with the BGF membersoccupied the village.

One village leader said, ”After theoccupation, we heard the BGF forcewere searching every house, belongingto Mon soldiers, and took theirbelongings.”

Individual households reported theirlosses to the village leaders. 11households reported they lost a lot ofbelongings, varying from cooking potsto motor repair equipment,

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jaPan vIllagersjaPan vIllagersjaPan vIllagersjaPan vIllagersjaPan vIllagersApproximately 900 vi llagers fromPalaing Japan, Guu Bowl, and Don DotPoik villages have fled to temporaryshelter in Thailand or have soughtrefuge in nearby plantations. Thaiauthorities including the Thai Red Crosshave lent basic food assistance, healthcare services and clothes.

After the villagers had fled, BGF Karensoldiers searched some of their housesand their belongings were taken.

Village heads have confirmed the lossesof repair equipment and supplies froma motorbike repair shop. Nai SoeKhaing, the owner says he lost over 300,000 Baht (15,000,000 Kyat) just fromproperty taken from his house. He alsoshowed lists of equipment and suppliesfrom his house.

It is also believed that soldiers took aTiger model Toyota car belonging to aNai Pyeal.

The village heads explained, ”there areabout 11 houses that were looted andthe MNLA base’s motorbikes,ammunitions, TV, Skynet equipmentwere taken by Burmese soldiers.”

They value of lost goods is estimated tobe 1.1 million Baht or 55 million Kyat. A Toyota car is worth approximately, 20million Kyat, bringing the total losses to75 million Kyat.

The village heads will report these lossesto the Liaison office of the New MonState Party (NMSP), who in turn willdiscuss the matter with commanders ofthe Burmese Army in order to return thelooted goods or reimburse for the lossesin cash.

After more than a week of militarytension, NMSP leaders and the BurmeseArmy military commanders negotiateda remedy. The BGF troops withdrewfrom the border on 4th December. TheMNLA troops took over their bases. However, the Burmese Army set upanother base just 300 meters away fromthe MNLA base.

The displaced villagers remain afraid ofreturning to their homes fearing thatfighting could break out any time. Thaiauthorities have closed the temporarycamps in the monasteries, and manyvillagers remain in the plantations alongthe borderline, although some menhave returned their homes.

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News

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December 12, 2019

HURFOM: On December 9, 2019, 20human rights organizations jointlylaunched a report called “A Little LessConversation, A Little More ActionPlease” in Yangon.

The report analyses the performanceof the Myanmar National HumanRights Commission (MNHRC) andhighlights human rights violations in2018 and 2019. The report also calls forreforms within the MNHRC in order tobetter promote and protect humanrights.

“In order to handle human rightsproblems effectively, MNHRC mustfirst bring in some new blood, [newpeople are needed] who really respectand follow human rights norms.Secondly, the law governing theCommission must be amended toexpand its authority,” said MaungSaung Kha, an organizer of Athan, agroup advocating for freedom ofexpression.

The report notes that currentCommission members lack a strong

human rights ideology and there areproblems in the commission’s structureand election processes. As a result, theCommission has been ineffective inhandling human rights problems andserves as an organization that protectsthe military.

Ko Aung Zaw Oo, a member of theAssociation of Human Rights Defendersand Promoters, said “The mainchallenge is that those who protect thegovernment for their human rightsabuses have been included in theCommission. The old members areproblematic. They’ve run theCommission as a (government)department. In fact, the Commissionmust be free and independent. Butthey protect the wrongdoings of themilitary and the police force. That’swhy we asked for [for newCommissioners] to be included, thosewho really respect and follow humanrights norms must serve on theCommission.”

Another current and serious challengehuman rights defenders face is beingsued with existing laws for their work.

“There are oppressive laws for humanrights defenders. They were sued withthose laws and some of them havebeen in jail. Some are facing legalaction in the courts. (It looks like thegovernment has planned that) humanrights defenders must be busy andannoyed with long legal proceedings.Those are challenges for us,” said KoAung Zaw Oo.

In order to get a better and effectivepromotion and protection of humanrights, the report urges reforms bemade to the Commission.

“The commission has no desire tohandle human rights violations in war-torn ethnic areas. Or they have nocapability to handle the violations.Especially, when the Commission isunwilling to handle violationscommitted by the military,” said Ko BoBo from Generation Wave.

The term for current Commissionmembers expired in September, 2019but the Commission has not releasedany official statement about re-electionof its members.



Information on HURFOM and Invitation for Feedbacks from Readers

Dear Readers,

Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) was founded in 1995, by a group of young Mon people, Themain objectives of HURFOM are:

· Monitoring the human rights situation in Mon territory and other areas in southern Burma· Protecting and promoting internationally recognized human rights in Burma,

In order the implement these objectives, HURFOM produces the monthly “Mon Forum” newsletters. Ifpublication is delayed it is because we are waiting to confirm information, and it comes with our heartfeltapologies.

We encourage you to write to us if you have feedback or if you know someone who you think would liketo receive the newsletter.

Please email or mail a name and address to:

HURFOM, P.O. Box 35, Sangkhalburi Post Office,

Kanchanaburi, 71240 Thailand

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.rehmonnya.org

With regards,

Director

Human Rights Foundation of Monland

December 16, 2019

HURFOM: Before 2020, a drugrehabilitation center will open in theNew Mon State Party(NMSP)controlled area of Wel Zinregion, East Ye Town, Ye Township, MonState.

“We’ve planned to open before the endof 2019, so we have to start with whatwe havenow. Only the cell and thekitchen are left to be constructed so wecan surely run theCenter before theend of 2019. We have already

Drug rehabIlITaTIon cenTer soonDrug rehabIlITaTIon cenTer soonDrug rehabIlITaTIon cenTer soonDrug rehabIlITaTIon cenTer soonDrug rehabIlITaTIon cenTer soonTo be oPen In easT yeTo be oPen In easT yeTo be oPen In easT yeTo be oPen In easT yeTo be oPen In easT ye

explained to the locals aboutthecenter,” said Nai Jel Tar Mun, theVice Chair of the Center and theSecretary of Dawei District.

Operating procedures of the Centerwere explained to the Parlain andSouthern Ye residents in the secondweek of December.

“We already explained to the villagerswhy we operate the center and how wewill run it. We also explained ourconstruction work and what challengeswe have. We let themknow how they

can contribute to the center. Villagerscan donate money to theoperations,”said Nai Jel Tar Mun.

The opening had been planned forAugust, 2019 but Ye Township wasflooded at that time, so the launch hadto be postponed.

Officials met with community basedorganizations in Mawlamyine andexchanged knowledge and operationalrecommendations.

“I like the services that will be providedby the rehabilitation center. They(officials of the center) explained to ushow many kratom leaves will result in aperson being arrested and how manypills of illicit drugs can result in jail time.This information is useful, so Iappreciate it,” said Nai Kaung Kalayfrom Andin village.

The committee to establish the drugrehabilitation center was founded in2018 at the Youth and Drug Forum heldin Koyinlay Sayardaw Monastery, Ye andconsists of 45 members – 15 from thereligious community, 15 from CBOs and15 from NMSP.

18



December 23, 2019

HURFOM: On May 21st 2018, Police Sergeant Thein Hline Ooand Police Private Sai Htet Aung, from the Yin Nyein PoliceStation, seriously beat two villagers from Kyauk YeTwinvillage, Paung Township, Mon State.

The two villagers suffered cuts and bruises due to the policeabuse and filed a lawsuit against the two policemen underCriminal Acts #323 – punishment for voluntarily causing hurtand #506 – punishment for criminal intimidation on May 25,2018.

The Paung Township Court conducted a hearing on July 2,2018 and after 55 court hearings, Paung Township Judge DawAye Mi Thu sentenced the two police officers to three monthsin jail on December 18, 2019.

“I’m satisfied with the court’s decision. I was beaten withouthaving done anything wrong. The legal proceedings tooknearly two years. During this time my family endured

livelihood hardships. I worry the two policemen will tryto hurt me again after their release,” said one of thevictims.

Even though the two villagers reported their cases to thevillage Administrator, nothing was done for them, accordingto U Sein Aung, who provided legal aid to the victims.

“Let’s say, I am satisfied (with the court decision). (Indeed,the amount of punishment is) just a (small) lesson (to thetwo policemen). (The judge just warned them) not toabuse civilians. There was a significant amount of mediacoverage of the case so the judge had to sentence thetwo policemen to three months in jail. If (there was nomedia coverage), the legal procedure would have likelyended with just a monetary fine,” said U Sein Aung.

According to U Sein Aung, even the two policemen weresentenced to three months in jail, they were not handcuffedwhen they left the court.

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