Annual Report 2017 Burma Centrum Nederland
Table of Content Introduction 3 About BCN and its work 5 2017 Advocacy 6 Activities in 2017 7 Paunglaung project 7 Advocacy project 18 Looking towards 2018 25 Message from the board 27 Financial statement 28 Colofon 38 Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 2
Introduction 2017 did not do much to fulfil the hopes and expectations of the Myanmar people for peace and prosperity. Though the National League for Democracy took power in April 2016, and the actual transition of power to the new government went relatively smooth, it became increasingly clear during 2017 that the actual wielding of power was still very much with the military and military related institutions. The negotiations for peace stalemated, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement did not improve on inclusiveness, conflict escalated again in the Northern parts of the country, and in Rakhine State the Rohingya crisis became an internationally recognized human rights tragedy. The image of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi suffered greatly from the way she was perceived to handle the Rakhine issue, many blamed her for not standing up against what the UN has called ethnic cleansing. However, in Myanmar itself, the Lady is still celebrated as the leader of the country who can be trusted to handle every situation. Even though ordinary people do not always understand what she is doing and why, they firmly believe she is acting according to a plan. The international community has reacted strongly to the crisis in Rakhine State. After militants from ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) attacked police and army posts on the border with Bangla Desh on August 25, the Myanmar army has cracked down on the Rohingya population, causing between 650.000 and 700.000 people to flee to Bangla Desh. Widespread human rights abuses are reported. The civilian government, de facto led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has come under heavy criticism for the way it is handling this severe crisis, especially the State Counsellor herself has been accused of downplaying the human rights abuses and denying misconduct of the army in Rakhine. Although the NLD was elected on the promise of making change, the laws used by the old regime to repress dissent are still used by the current government, such as the controversial Unlawful Associations Act, which hinders among other things - contacts between civilians and representatives of Ethnic Armed Organisations. The ongoing peace process is complicated by this law that could punish people for allegedly meeting with EAO s who not yet signed the NCA. Press freedom has also shrunk, with the arrest of Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo as the most publicized example. Both men were investigating abuses related to the Rakhine issue when they were arrested and accused under the Official Secrets Act, a law that originated in colonial times. For ordinary citizens in Myanmar, however, it is difficult to make an assessment of the actual situation in their country and abroad. Since the transition started, internet access has exploded. Many people own a cell phone and use social media, with Facebook the primary news source for its users. Fake news, rumours and hate speech are common features on Facebook. Official sources like the State Counsellor s Office and ministries use Facebook to spread their message, which isn t Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 3
always in line with objective truth. This has not only caused confusion, but also uncritical support for the actions of the government and the Myanmar army. The awareness among people on the consequences of how the army s influence is anchored in the Constitution of 2008 is growing. The army has 25% of seats in the parliament guaranteed to them and three important ministries (Defence, Border Security and Home Affairs) are under direct control of the Commander in Chief of the Army. Especially the fact that the General Administrative Department, and thus all civil servants, are under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has direct influence on governance on village and township level and impacts directly on ordinary people s lives. The lack of implementation of laws, the lack of transparency in who holds authority and who is responsible for decisions made throw many a shadow on the lives of local communities and are counterproductive for democratic change. Land grabbing continues to be an important issue in Myanmar, forcing farmers off their land to make space for mining companies, factories, pipelines, hotels and commercial agribusinesses. Seventy percent of the workforce depends on agriculture for their subsistence. Land registration processes lack transparency and proper implementation. The Land Laws of 2012 do not sufficiently protect the farmers. Traditional farming methods and small scale livelihood farming, which are an important component of local culture and identity, are perceived to be under threat. Many farmers report that they are denied the right to register their land, and redress for land grabbing during the years of dictatorship is not secure. Licensed and unlicensed mining activities and unregulated industry are causing serious problems with regard to health and livelihood of communities, and the environment suffers damage by uncontrolled and unsustainable development. Lack of laws safeguarding health and livelihood of communities and weak implementation of existing laws contribute to a general perception of impunity for mining and other companies. Lack of proper environmental and social impact assessments and environmental management planning, as well as lack of benefit for local communities, contribute to a growing distrust of private and state driven development projects. Development is implemented without equal participation of ethnic groups, and without proper consultation of communities directly involved. To address the issues of land, natural resources, development and governance from a community perspective, BCN has supported local organisations and community based activists to provide for the growing need for information and awareness of laws, the democratic process and the role of people in decision making. Myanmar people at community level are highly motivated to contribute to transition in their society. They want to participate and have a part in shaping their future and the future of their children. BCN s support is focused on channelling anxiety based on neglect and hitherto suppressed anger of communities about their fate into non-violent advocacy activities to expand people s capacity Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 4
to engage constructively to improve their lives and support the transition to peace and democracy as actively participating citizens. Though the democratisation of Myanmar is still very much a work in progress, BCN has been working towards diminishing it s leadership role in program execution in Myanmar. With the intention of handing over all financial and management responsibility to its Myanmar partners, BCN staff has acted as advisor and trainer for its Myanmar partners, to support the transition to full Myanmar ownership of and responsibility for projects and program. About BCN and its work Mission statement BCN works towards all-inclusive democracy with respect for human rights and the environment in Myanmar. BCN considers strengthening of community based civil society, enlarging political capacity, stimulating local participation and development as well as facilitating a constructive ethnic and political dialogue crucial for a peaceful and sustainable future for Myanmar. Origins and development Burma Centrum Nederland was created in 1993 as a result of the perceived need of several Dutch NGO s to establish a centre that would specifically focus on Myanmar. For several years BCN invested in building strong networks with a wide variety of ethnic and non-ethnic civil society groups and political actors in Myanmar. From the late 1990s, BCN has been realizing a civil society program that includes facilitating initiatives that foster independent thinking, strengthening of democratic structures and confidence building to provide participants with the tools to independently deal with their issues. Capacity strengthening activities are vital ingredients in this process of empowerment. From 2008 onwards, BCN moved towards more actively engaging democratic actors and citizens in the political process, in response to requests from key organizations in its civil society program. In 2010, BCN chose to support the democratic political actors and parties that decided to participate in the elections, through trainings and capacity strengthening, and from 2011 onwards, continued its program to support democratic forces in the changing political landscape of Myanmar. For some years, BCN was among only a few organization offering capacity strengthening and support for democratic forces inside Myanmar. Therefore, the organization is well established among civil society and ethnic groups in Myanmar. In December 2014, BCN co-founded the Myanmar People Alliance. During 2015, MPA and BCN worked closely together in Shan State and Kayah State on a program to share the Voice of the people in the transition process in Myanmar. In 2016, MPA expanded its networks to other parts of Myanmar, laying the foundations to expand its program. Even though the transition to democracy and genuine peace in Myanmar is very fragile and there are worrying signs of backtracking with regard to space for civil society and the free press, BCN will transfer final responsibility for administration and finances to its Myanmar partners gradually in 2017 and 2018. BCN will be focussing on sharing its organisational skills and transfer its knowledge and expertise to the Myanmar teams and associated organisations through training, coaching and advice Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 5
as well as provide content and training to the Myanmar community within the scope of co-designed programs as well as on demand. 2017 Advocacy Introduction The program of 2017 divides into two related parts: one part focused on the Shan State Paunglaung community, who have been displaced by the building of the Paunglaung Dam, which caused their original villages, paddy fields and gardens to be flooded (in 2013), and a wider program focused on advocacy related to the core issues of BCN s program: land, natural resources and governance. Paunglaung Community The Paunglaung Community s story has been included in the MPA book : The voice of the people of Shan State for peace and transition to democracy, accessible in English translation on www.burmacentrum.nl) (revised 2016). The project in 2017 was a follow up on previous projects with this community and focused on finding ways to reach out to authorities about the actual situation of the Paunglaung people as a result of their displacement and the lack of proper remedy for the loss of livelihood. For this project, financial management was handled by BCN s implementing partner in Myanmar. BCN took the responsibility of reporting and meeting donor requirements. Advocacy Based on the MPA method, local teams were created in Sagaing Region (Kathar), Kachin State (Mohnyin) and Mandalay Region (Kyaukse), who were trained and supported to advocate their issues to local, regional and national level authorities. BCN s local partner had full responsibility for the financial and programmatic management of this project. BCN provided advice, training and content support. This report will give an overview of BCN s activities related to the Advocacy project in Myanmar. We refer to GLAD, based in Yangon, for a full report on activities in 2017. GLAD can be contacted on gladho85@gmail.com. Colleague One of our colleagues was arrested on December 28, 2016, and charged under the Unlawful Associations Act (section 17(1). He was held for 8 months before being released on September 1. All charges were dropped. Obviously, we have tried to support him and secure his release throughout his imprisonment. We believe his arrest was arbitrary and his time in jail not justified by any breach of law or misconduct from his side. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 6
Transition to Myanmar partners In 2017, BCN has transferred most of the responsibility for program management and financial management to its Myanmar partners. Including responsibility for fundraising and sustainability for organisation and program. BCN has reduced its organisational structure and exists in a minimum set up in Amsterdam to facilitate full Myanmar ownership. BCN staff has focused on supporting its Myanmar partners in the execution of their tasks and coaching them with advice and training on the job. This report will focus on the field trips of BCN staff to Myanmar, when BCN staff functioned as trainer and coach/advisor for the local Myanmar teams executing the Advocacy project. Reporting on the Advocacy program in full will be done by GLAD - Green Life Alliance for Development, the Myanmar partner with final responsibility for financial and narrative reporting to the donor. This annual report also covers the Paunglaung project, for which BCN took narrative responsibility. Activities in 2017 Paunglaung project - Towards a promises implementation plan for Paunglaung area Pinlaung Township Pao Self Adminstrative Zone Shan State Location Upper Paunglaung - 23 villages have been directly affected by the Paunglaung Dam and the flooding of their area (in July 2013). 3 additional villages are affected because they are located in the relocation area. Background The process of preparation, informing, compensation, eviction, resettlement and alternative livelihood (including substitute land) has not been done according to promises made by the government and local authorities, and is not in line with international standards. Community has not been given proper information, and are now, more than a decade after the construction of the dam started, left in a destitute position. The current government seems to be unwilling to correct the mistakes made in the past, as they claim the project is finished and complaints will not be considered anymore. Demands for compensation as was promised therefore was not the focal point of our work with the Paunglaung community, which is still suffering from the effects of the dam and the flooding of their area. The distribution of substitute land has not been done properly. There is no assistance to start highland cultivation. There are increasing worries that there will not be enough arable highland available to support all the families. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 7
The land allocated should have been cleared and made ready for cultivation, but this was not done. Villagers approach the local GAD and land registration department for assistance, but have faced many delays. The lack of proper land distribution causes problems within the community as nobody is sure which land belong to whom. There are almost no job opportunities and no extra attention is given to the community to learn skills or trades. Due to lack of responsible governance and transparency, communities are worried for their environment as illegal logging is rampant in their area, which also causes concerns for their water supply. The situation and the lack of trustworthy authority figures in the community have created division within the community. BCN and partners have been working in the Paunglaung area from 2015. Despite many efforts to attract attention of responsible authorities, the situation of the community has not improved. The need for income drives people to find work outside the community. Youth lose education opportunities and face lack of perspective which leads them to substance abuse. Pressure, debts and loss of hope has led to an increase in suicides and general feeling of depression in the area. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 8
Training for community representatives on applied democratic principles, understanding the context of Paunglaung and advocacy skills. Participants: 42 - Pinlaung, May 15-17, 2017 After the introduction of the program and the participants, and inventory of what the participants wanted to learn was made. The current situation in Upper Paunglaung was debated and an inventory of the issues was made and presented. Participants from Middle Paunglaung were invited to join because they are confronted with the possible construction of a dam in their area. [A dam was planned in the Middle Paunglaung river and construction was supposed to start in fiscal year 2017-2018. The project was cancelled in early 2018. Middle Paunglaung representatives participated in the project in 2017 to learn from the experiences of the Upper Paunglaung community.] After debate and feedback, issues directly related to the dam construction were selected. Issues selected: Measuring and distribution of substitute land (including the division in the community due to distribution issues) (Illegal) logging and environmental protection Highland cultivation Safeguarding the future of Middle Paunglaung The second day started with an interactive Q&A session exploring reasons why the current situation did happen. Based on the inventory of what the participants want to learn, the discussions and the priority issues selected, input was given on concepts of democracy, development, the challenges of the transition, the 2008 Constitution and its consequences for the structure of state and government in Myanmar; the role of citizens in a new democracy (citizens rights and duties), non-violent activity and political participation, advocacy, as well as examples and experiences from other countries. The concepts of FPIC, EIA, SIA, EMP were introduced and basic knowledge on relevant laws, international guidelines and the meaning of Rule of Law was shared. Participants worked in 4 work groups on the priority issues selected, each group addressing one of the selected issues for further exploring and advocacy. Based on the discussion and feedback on the group work, participants shared insights on how to proceed for every priority issue. After the sharing of the outline plans and the feedback, input is given on how to organize and mobilize the community. How to share information and how to reach Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 9
decisions that are widely shared within the community. Communication is addressed: within communities, between Upper Paunglaung and Middle Paunglaung, with different stakeholders and with partner cso s/ngo s in the project. After a Q&A session, more input is shared on the need to keep a good record of activities and information, and how to do it. How to protect information and support each other when there is outside pressure. The input session was closed with an interactive session on the meaning of campaigning and how to design and plan a campaign. Follow up activities were designed and shared. The training is closed with an overview of the follow up activities within the project and planning the extension visits, including division of tasks and responsibilities. Workshop for Upper Paunglaung community, 3-5 November 2017 and 7-9 November 2017, Tiriyatana Monastery, Dalaima, Paunglaung - Participants: 42 (3-5 November), 33 (7-9 November) Both workshops were held in the Upper Paunglaung area and followed the same agenda. Workshop served as preparation for the workshop/consultation meeting held in Pekhon on 20-23 November. o Introduction. After the introductions the purpose of the program was recapped and the aim of the workshop was explained in relation to the program purpose. o Problem identification. In this session, specific issues/cases were identified and prioritized. o Explaining the data collection format. The designed format was explained as a tool to use for systematic data collection to support description of prioritized issues and document evidence to support the explanation of the issue. o Making groups. Groups were made according to issues and areas. The format was explained and debated on, and after that, the format was filled in stage by stage in group work. After each stage results were presented and feedback was given by other participants and trainer/facilitator. After the separate sessions for parts of the format all comments and feedback were incorporated and the total format was filled in and prepared for presentation. o Final comments/feedback The final format was presented and final comments and suggestions to complete the information and evidence on the identified issues were shared. o Explanation on the work plan as preparation for follow up steps and closing Work plans to complete the format and the information on each issue were made and agreed on. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 10
Workshop for community representatives on issues and activities and preparation for the petition to the government. - Participants: 10, Pekhon, 21-23 November The workshop started with sharing background on the current situation. On 23 June 2016, President U Htin Kyaw visited the Paunglaung area. He was told that the acres of land distributed totalled 8295, and the money spend on relocation totalled 31.534 billion MMK (appr. 31.354 million USD). This information was published in the Myanma Alinn Daily, a government newspaper, on June 24. These figures were also given during the formal opening ceremony of the Dam in 2015. There is no transparent information to back up these claims of acres redistributed or money spend. Already in 2014, the NLD MP for Kalaw, Daw Ngwe asked questions in parliament regarding the distribution and compensation, the water supply and situation on education and health. The questions were based on data from 2006, at the starting phase of the project, when everything was just only roughly measured. The answer to her questions included that 2524 households in the 23 affected villages were given 6876.749 million MMK in housing compensation and that 3905.87 million MMK was spend on paddy and other crop compensation. For long term cropland (gardens) 529.13 million MMK was spend, and small shop owners were compensated with 55.64 million MMK. The total money spend on compensation equals 11367.389 million MMK. The numbers given on these two occasions do not match. The flooded areas as stated in 2013 consisted of 2147 acres of land. The community was promised that the land lost would be substituted with other arable lands before the rainy season in 2013. The process of compensation and redistribution was not handled with transparency, not all people got their fair share. The process was highly corrupted and there has been no adequate accountability. Although the community has made substantiated complaints, no formal investigation has been executed. On July 26, 2017 the Paunglaung community again send a letter to the Chief Minister of Shan State with cc to the State Counsellor s Office and the Phyittu Hluttaw law and justice committee. In the letter, the community asked for an investigation committee to be formed and come to investigate the issues of compensation and land distribution. In August and September, a delegation came consisting of a representative from the Department of Electricity in Nay Pyi Taw, a representative from the Mandalay Electricity Cooperation, the State Electricity officer based in Taunggyi, and the assistant director of the Flooded Area. They asked the community if they had any evidence to back up their complaints. The community showed the evidence that they had collected, upon which the delegation said they should present to the local GAD Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 11
who carried responsibility. However, the GAD officer who signed the presented documents in no longer in function. After this, nothing happened for some time. On 21 November 2017, a delegation of the community met with the PaO Sub Administration Officer and his team, to again present their issues. But by now, the community has lost confidence in the willingness and ability of those on this level of authority to accurately address their situation. Therefore they want to go to the higher level and directly petition the central government to fulfil their promises and support the healing of their torn and disrupted communities. During the next 2 workshop days, cases were presented and discussed in detail. Analyses were made and used as preparation for the draft petition. Opportunities for alternative livelihood were discussed. Finalizing draft petition and advocacy strategy meeting - 3 day meeting with representatives from Paunglaung community - Participants: 6 - Yangon, 7-9 December. In this meeting discussions were held based on the first draft of the petition. Issues addressed were: whether the issues raised and the solutions proposed were really in line with the needs of the community, how the actual needs should be expressed to avoid misunderstanding. Evidence was sorted and prepared to back up the petition. The actual situation in Myanmar was discussed in relation to advocacy timing. The larger advocacy project executed by GLAD (with BCN taking the role as program and strategy advisor) was shared and steps to streamline the Paunglaung advocacy within the wider context of good governance and responsible government advocacy was discussed. The local Paunglaung team proceeded to generate support for the petition by sharing the content to the wider community and collecting signatures to indicate support. In 2018, the petition will be part of an advocacy effort at Union level by BCN s Myanmar partners. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 12
Petition to repair the loss of livelihood and restore faith in the future of the community displaced by the upper Paunglaung Dam, Pinlaung Township, PaO Self Administrative zone. Summary. Upper Paunglaung Hydro-electric power plant and Dam build by the Union Ministry of Electricity and Energy. Planning for the dam started in 2005. Community was informed that their area would be flooded in 2012. In July 2013 their fields and villages were flooded. 23 villages in two village tracts were relocated. 3 more villages were affected by the resettlement. Total of 2524 families are involved. During the implementation stage of the project, information sharing was insufficient. No consultation was done with the community. Compensation was not properly distributed. Resettlement and land redistribution lacked systematic implementation and transparency. Loss of livelihood and lack of alternative income generating schemes left the community destitute. Living standard has plunged after the flooding and complaints and request for support and redress have been largely ignored. With this petition, the resettled people of Paunglaung urge the government to take responsibility to improve the living conditions of the concerned community and make good on the promises made to the community. This petition offers constructive ways to move forward towards a sustainable socioeconomic rebuilding of the Paunglaung community. Background On January 9, 2013, representatives from the Ministry of Electricity came to inform the people from the affected villages on the dam project and the coming relocation. This was the first time we were informed. There has been no consultation process. We never got a change to share our voice in the decision making process. In the meeting the government made many promises, assuring us that our lives will greatly improve because of the dam construction. We were promised three years of free electricity, compensation for crops, land and houses according to the law, plots of land for house construction for every family, and substitute farmland for livelihood. Infrastructure and water supply would be constructed (with our help) and religious centres, schools and a clinic would be built to replace the structures lost under the water. There was no mechanism for us to protest the destruction of our villages and livelihood. There was no complaint mechanism for when compensation and allocation of resettlement land did not go according to promise and/or accepted law and international standard. Community representation was not included in the processes of allocating compensation and land redistribution. We are farming our land based on traditional tenure. Due to flawed land registration process confusion about land ownership and land use dominate the resettlement process. As a result, some people benefitted unduly and others were left destitute. The lack of transparency and accountability during the implementation created a large space for corruption. Negotiations on compensation were held in a threatening environment, there was no freedom to speak out or protest. Our experiences during the years of the dictatorship have left a deep fear of officials and people in uniform. The officials never gave us complete and open information on our situation. We felt forced to sign on agreements that were not according to the law or the promises made to the community. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 13
The Upper Paunglaung dam was planned in the military era and finished under the U Htein Sein government. Our paddy fields, villages, pagodas and churches are gone forever under the water of the lake. The resettlement areas are a poor substitute for what we have lost. To add to the social and cultural disruption of displacement, the economic structure of our area has been ruined, leaving most of the resettled families worse off than before. We have been calling attention to our plight since 2013, but our grievances have been largely ignored. During the opening ceremony of the Dam, on December 9, 2015, it was announced that the project has been successful, that all the people were relocated, compensation was paid and substitute land was distributed. We were not allowed to attend the ceremony. We had no opportunity to challenge what was said, even though it was clear that our actual situation was misrepresented. There have been investigations, and press coverage, but no redress mechanism has been set up and there has not been financial and technical support to restore the lost livelihood and to heal our broken community. Current situation When the new NLD government took power in 2016, we felt hopeful that they would listen to our problems and would take measures to support the rebuilding of our community. We again advocated to the new government, and this time we were told that the new government could not make up for all the mistakes of the old government or the military regime era. We were told that the project is closed and thus the dossier on compensation and resettlement is also closed. However, for us villagers and farmers the project is not closed at all. Every day we have to live with the consequences of the Dam construction and the loss of livelihood and social cohesion. We have not been given proper substitute land the land allocated to us for highland cultivation is on average 70% unworkable. There has been no proper preparation for cultivation and registration of new ownership is not going smoothly. Some land allocated to the resettlers is traditionally worked on by other communities, adding to the already existing confusion and conflicts on land. As we have no access to jobs and opportunities for alternative livelihood have not been explored or supplied, we had to find another way to meet our basic needs. Therefore we have started to use forest land in the vicinity of our new villages to plant our gardens. We have no choice, but we feel unsafe because we have no registration on the land that we work on. We also have no grants on our new houses, which adds to our insecurity. Due to lack of income generating opportunities, members of our community leave to become migrant labourers, which creates holes in the social fabric of our community. Our sad financial situation disturbs the education of our children, as they are forced to leave school to find work to support the family income. Many youngsters feel they have no future which leads them to drink and drugs to ease their desperation. Instances of domestic and gender based violence have increased. 22 people from our community have committed suicide since the relocation in 2013, because they could not see any other way out of their predicament. The bereaved widows and family members experience double hardship. What has happened to us can not be undone. The dam project as well as our situation has been subject to questions is Parliament twice. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Paunglaung on the campaign trail before the 2015 elections, she said that she would do her best to address our issues. However, our complaints and our situation has been largely ignored or denied by the authorities. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 14
We want the government to take responsibility for the consequences of the Hydropower project that ruined our lives, and support us in rebuilding our community. Therefore we have a 5 point petition to the government that outlines how our situation can be addressed. Petition. 1. Independent Investigation Commission. We want the government to install an independent investigation committee to investigate the grievances of the communities affected by the construction of the Upper Paunglaung Dam, the flooding of our fields, gardens and villages and the relocation- and land redistribution process. We have sufficient evidence to warrant an independent investigation into the pressure and power abuse of authorities, the possible corruption during the process of deciding and allocating compensation for land house, crop- and other due compensation under the law; the resettlement process and the implementation of substitute land reallocation. The independent investigation should also include recommendations for reparations to the Upper Paunglaung community. ToR and timeframe for the independent investigation should be made with community participation. The independent investigation committee should consist of (at least): Representative from the Farmer and Land committee of the Phydaungsu Hluttaw and the Shan State Parliament Representative form the anti-corruption committee of the Phydaungsu Hluttaw An independent lawyer An independent expert on land rights and relocation issues Representative from local civil society Representative from the 88 Peace and Open Society farmers affair department Representative chosen by the community. 2. Land distribution and registration. In 2013, we were promised that we would be compensated for the loss of our land through substitute farming land, that the land would be prepared for us and be ready for use. Our actual situation does not reflect these promises. The substitute land is of bad quality and appr. 70 % is unusable for farming. To be able to meet our basic needs, we have taken fields and gardens in the vicinity of our resettlement villages on land classified as forestland under the Forestry Department. We cleared and prepared the land for farming. Some members of the community are using the land they have worked on already before the Dam was constructed, without having proper registration. Some community members have not yet been able to use any land, though they are entitled to at least 2 acres of land - if they were landless before the relocation, or enough substitute land to compensate for the farmland they have lost. In some cases, land that was traditionally worked on by other people, was distributed to resettlement villagers, causing disturbances between communities. We petition the government, the Land Use Department and the Forest Department to cooperate with us without further delay, and proceed with land distribution based on the current actual situation of land use in our area. The lands we are actually working on should be measured and allocated according to a fair and transparent system, given preference to the current actual user. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 15
Additional workable plots should be allocated to those who currently do not have the amount of land that they should have according to the redistribution agreement. Workable land (2 acres) should also be distributed to the families who were landless before resettlement, as was promised to them in 2013. We need the Forest Department to release the forestland to the community, and we need the Land Use Department to come to map the actual situation of our (traditional) land use in close cooperation with the community, finalize the distribution of substitute land and proceed with formally registering our land. We need the security of registered land to be able to plant long term crops and ensure our basic food security. 3. Alternative livelihood. We petition the government to remedy the loss of livelihood in our communities as a result of resettlement. As our current gardens and fields will not generate a stable family income to ensure our health, our wellbeing and the future of our children, we need other jobs and income generating opportunities to support a sustainable local economy and guarantee a future for our community. Vocational and skills training for our youth is needed urgently to support our next generating and prevent the social and moral disintegration that come with substance abuse and loss of hope. We have made an initial assessment of the resources available to us and are confident we can develop alternative livelihoods based on agricultural products, forest products, handicrafts and environmentally friendly community based tourism. We petition the government to provide technical and financial support to develop and integrated community development plan focused on alternative sources of livelihood for our community. 4. Services promised When our relocation was announced to us (in January 2013), we were promised adequate facilities and services in our resettlement area. Our submerged monastery, schools, church and clinic have indeed been rebuilt in our new settlements, for which we are thankful to the government. Roads have been constructed, and basic electricity and water supply infrastructure has been made. However, the clinic is insufficiently staffed and stocked and the schools lack sufficient teachers and learning materials. The roads are in bad condition, there is a danger of landslides as the hills have been destabilized by road construction without proper structures in place to prevent landslides or stones falling on the road. Villages located at the edges of the resettlement are not accessible by an all weather road. Water supply has faltered due to lack of proper maintenance. Electricity is not provided according to promise. Paunglaung has been upgraded to the status of town, but it doesn t have municipality level services. We petition the government to review the promises made to the community and implement services according to promise and municipality standards. 5. Environmental protection and illegal logging. We care deeply about our environment, our trees and our local water sources. Because of our displacement, we are very aware of the need to protect our natural resources. Destruction of our natural forests due to illegal logging has long been a problem in our area. We, the villagers, have been trying to stop illegal logging of our trees. But due to collusion between several institutions - Police, Forest Department, Land Use Department, local GAD, and Judiciary - as well as irresponsible members of the community, cases have not been properly handled. Illegal logging continues till today. Even though we have brought several clear cases of illegal logging before the authorities, no proper action is taken. Lack of accountability and absence of rule of law is depriving us of a very valuable local resource and is threatening our local water sources, our environment and our biodiversity. We propose to install a union level permanent investigation committee to cooperate with the community to address the illegal logging cases witnessed and brought forward by the community and implement strong measures against illegal loggers according to the law. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 16
We, the communities of all the 26 villages affected by the building of the Upper Paunglaung Dam and the creation of the lake, are willing to fully cooperate with the government to implement activities mentioned in this petition. We will share out information, the data collected, our experiences openly and will fully participate in the implementation of the points of this petition. We expect the government to take our current sad situation seriously, be accountable and accept responsibility for us as citizens of Myanmar. Our current situation is not of our making, it is a direct result of intervention from the Union Ministry of Electricity. We can never get back to what we have lost, but we are willing to adjust and make a new life for our community. For this, we count on direct support and assistance of our government. (translated from the Burmese original) On June 6-7; July 13, August 1-4 and October 3, community level awareness meetings were held in the villages of Middle Paunglaung, sharing information relevant to the community in relation to the proposed construction of the Dam in the Middle Paunglaung area. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 17
Advocacy program The 2 year program Building the courage or change - Empowering communities to support the peace process and the transition to democracy through lobby and advocacy under the Accountability Fund of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Dutch Embassy in Yangon, started in December 2016 with assessment, planning and strategizing meeting with local partners. In 2017, BCN staff made 2 fieldtrips to support this program. During this fieldtrips, local Myanmar partners were supported in Organisational Development, planning and organising meetings, workshops and trainings, creating logical sequences when executing the program. Researching and writing cases studies was addressed, as well as how to collect data to substantiate claims made and how to design advocacy campaigns. Fieldtrip April 26 till May 20 After update meetings on the actual ground situation in the project areas (Mohnyin Kachin; Kyaukse Mandalay and Kathar Sagaing), BCN staff and local team visited Mohnyin. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 18
May 1 to May 9 discussion on local issues with regard to land, resources and governance. In the case of Mohnyin, being located in Kachin State, the peace process was added to the main focus points. Since the collapse of the bilateral Cease Fire between the KIA and the Myanmar Army in 2011, fighting has returned to the region. Though Mohnyin doesn t experience actual violence, the area does suffer from the conflict. Tensions between ethnic groups, notably the Red Shan and the Kachin disrupts the harmony of communities. Small and large scale uncontrolled goldmining threatens the environment. The peace process seems to be losing momentum as the KIA has as yet not signed the NCA. A fieldtrip to Indawgyi Lake was made, to observe the consequences of mining in the area and to meet with the local Environmental Conservation officer. A fieldtrip to Myitkhine and the Myitsone Dam area was made. After the fieldtrips, program planning meetings were held with the local partner, the structure of the local organisation was discussed and fundraising activities supported. Local case studies were selected and data collection planned. May 10 - on the way from Mohnyin to Kyaukse in Mandalay, a sharing information meeting was held in Mandalay town with a local cso working on environmental issues in the region. May 11 - Villages in the Kyaukse Township were visited, to meet with the villagers as well as observe the impact of development projects. Main issue here is the impact of cement factories on the environment and the health of the people living close to the factories. (The factories were built on land taken form the local population without due regard for procedure or compensation.) May 12 the field visit was evaluated and a meeting to prepare for the training was held. May 13 to 14 BCN staff gave a workshop to participants from the Mohnyin team and the Kyaukse (40 participants), Kyaukse. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 19
Purpose of the workshop was to strengthen cooperation, give guidance, share background and theory information, create understanding on current circumstances in Myanmar, design outlines of case histories and find common ground on steps forward. After introductions, the trainings held by the local team in March and April were briefly recapped. The main issues were summarized and discussed and put into the political context of today s Myanmar. Input on democracy Basic input on democracy is shared: the need for an organising mechanism in every society is explained. Different forms of organising were shared related to Myanmar recent history and current context. The need for people participation is highlighted, as are the principles of majority minority relations, common ground and consent. Representation, elections and space for participation between elections is shared as well as the role and responsibility of representatives and the people in a democratic society. The role of civil servants, rule of law and implementation are shared. The issues of violence, fear and obedience are related to non-violent principles and civil rights. After the input, there is space for questions and debate. Input on decentralisation Issues related to unity and diversity, one country and different states and regions, common rules for all and region specific rules and regulations are introduced. Topics such as divisions, ethnic relations, lines of communication with stakeholders and authorities in a decentralised system and people supported (local) decision making are discussed. Schedule II of the 2008 Constriction is shared, as is the principle of self-determination. After the input, participants are divided in groups to discuss what development means to them. After a lively debate, each groups presents a summary of the discussion. Peace is identified as the most important condition for development. Accessible healthcare and education, transportation, infrastructure, electricity, agriculture support, guaranteed land use rights and access to markets are considered important too. Transparent and accountable government, rule of law, citizens right, freedom of information, law implementation and space for CSO and CBO to participate are identified as necessary elements for development. The need to be consulted and community involvement in decision making is considered a condition for development for the benefit of the people and the country. Comments and input Based on the presentations, comments and input are given and topics such as short term and long term development, sustainable development, environmental and social impact of development as well as consequences of choices and decisions made. Examples from experiences in other countries are shared. Input on current situation on Myanmar, linking with local issues and wider context of peace process and transition After the lively session on development, the day is concluded with a sharing session linking the days discussions with the wider context of the current situation in Myanmar. The democratic transition and the remains of the past structure are shared. The peace process is discussed, the space for civil society Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 20
in the upcoming Union Peace Conference, the role of the voice of the people and the CSO forum are shared. The second day started with a recap of the day before. Discussion on cases and finding common ground The main issues in the program areas, such as: land grabbing, environmental pollution, unbalanced economic development, polluting factories are presented. Common elements in the issues are identified, such as: lack of information, lack of law implementation, lack of transparency and accountability of (local) authorities, lack of organizing and communication within and between communities, lack of access to (local) MPs. After the inventory of the issues and identifying common elements, the participants are again divided in 4 groups to discuss how and to whom they can address their specific issues. Comments and input on how to address the issues Based on the presentation by each group, issue specific comments and suggestions on how to address the issue and to whom are given, as well as advice on what data and information is still needed to be able to present the issue in a complete and convincing way to identified authorities. Specific input is given on: - advocacy strategy and preparation How to make sure the information shared is complete and supported by the community. Different ways of addressing different stakeholders. The importance of planning and always having a follow up step. Importance of reporting and keeping a log of activities, importance of having a good archive of information. - Negotiation Ensuring you can back up your demands with information and support from the community. How to use CSR, FPIC, laws and rights in your negotiation. - How to campaign How to organise a campaign, step by step planning, making a committee, risk and protection - Analysing context, analysing stakeholders; communication and mobilizing skills as well as data collection and case study construction are also (again) briefly addressed. Summary and closing A short summary of the workshop was given. Plans for follow up and future activities were shared. After travelling back to Yangon, the fieldtrip was evaluated, follow up plans made and strategy discussed. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 21
Fieldtrip November 15 to December 13 After arriving in Yangon, update sessions were held on the situation in Myanmar as well as the program and the program areas. November 20 meetings with local partners in Kayah / Karenni State to be updated on the situation in Kayah / Karenni and to prepare for the advocacy effort in 2018, when the 3 new program areas (Mohnyin, Kathar and Kyaukse) will be joined with issues from Kayah/Karenni and Shan State. The activities in Paunglaung are linked with this planned advocacy effort in 2018. November 25 travel to Kyaukse from Pekhon area (where a workshop within the Paunglaung program was held) November 26 meeting with the local partner in Kyaukse on networking and organization development. November 26 27 workshop in Kyaukse with teams from Kathar, Mohnyin and Kyaukse. The morning sessions for this 2 day workshop were filled with gathering details on the specific issues the local teams wanted to include in the advocacy effort, both on state/region level and on Union level. In interactive session, cases from different areas were presented and commented upon by BCN staff and participants. Analyses of the cases were made, and outlines for advocacy strategies were discussed. o For Kathar child rape case, related to gender based violence and general lack of security for women and children. This issue was related to lack of accountability and rule of law, which could be Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 22
addressed under the governance topic. Especially the role of the police was highlighted by the team from Kathar. Based on the sharing of the participants, the outline of the system of power sharing between the elected government and the army, with emphasis on the position of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was explained and related to the local context. Envrionmental protection, especially focused on forestry, is identified as important for Kathar region. Mining coppermining is a source of worry for the community. The successful campaign against a local Coppermine (in 2013) is shared as an example of an advocacy effort that worked. After analyses, it is understood that the key for this campaign was the fact that the mine was illegal, local cso was united and the Chief Minister of Sagaing took the matter seriously. This can be used as a model to campaign against illegal and/or destructive mining. As the cso in this region is as yet not as well developed as in other parts of Myanmar, special attention will be given in the follow up to upgrade the local team to support the project. o For Mohnyin - based on the joint statement (March 18, 2017) made after farmer meetings in 4 townships in the Mohnyin area, the issue of land rights and needs of the local farmers was discussed and linked to the advocacy strategy for the Union level. The statement was also used to explain more in-depth how to design an advocacy campaign, how to construct logical arguments, how to be selective and how to put demands and/or needs in context. Land grabbing cases are outlined and data collection needs are debated. The issue of drugs, using, selling and producing, is a big issue in Mohnyin area, but it is a complicated issue to address as it is related to conflict as well as criminality. It is agreed that the issue should be included in the advocacy papers that will be produced for this project, but no specific data will be collected because of the security situation. Lack of security, lack of accountability, impunity and collusion between authorities and the drugs issue will be entry points for advocacy. The situation of Indawgyi lake is identified as one of the cases that should be presented with case description backed by data and suggestions for remedy. It is again stated that genuine peace is needed to effectively address the issues identified in the Mohnyin area. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 23
For Kyaukse land grabbing cases and factory issues have priority for the Kyaukse community. Data are collected on several cement factories who are built on grabbed land and situated close to villages. These village suffer from the smoke and dust, and fear for their water sources. The local environment is also damaged by random extraction of limestone from the local mountains without any program to repair the damage for longer term sustainability. Local health is affected by the factories, and local livelihoods are destroyed. The Kyaukse team is organising a network with appr. 25 local cso and community based organisations who are supporting the community, ranging from charity and emergency assistance to awareness raising and sharing policy input. Relations with the local authorities are expanding and the connections with the local MPs and the Chief Minister are being cultivated. Reacting to the general lack of response from the authorities to the needs of the communities, advice was given on how to generate interest from the community to support activities as well as how to make sure the authorities have to pay attention to the issue one is advocating on. Non-violent methods of gaining support and attention were discussed. As it appears to be difficult to create unity among the communities, this topic was analyzed and suggestions for cooperation and creating unity were shared. The workshop was concluded with step forward and follow up planning. November 28 Field visit under guidance of the Kyaukse team to observe an irrigation project gone wrong as well as the area of the town that is flooded because of the flawed damming of the local stream. November 29 Visit to a community forestry project in the Magwey region that has been established with the guidance of the local partner. An information meeting on Community Based Tourism was organised for the Magwey community with BCN staff sharing information on the benefits and challenges of CBT. December 1-5 After travelling back to Yangon, the Myanmar team and BCN staff evaluated the field visits and results of the workshops. Partner assessment and needs for improved capacity for the Advocacy project were discussed. Organisational Development needs for GLAD (implementing Myanmar registered organisation with final responsibility for the Advocacy project) were addressed and procedures, tasks and responsibilities were analysed and adapted to the actual needs of smooth project implementation. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 24
December 8-12 Reorganising financial management and office HR for GLAD. Assessing progress of Advocacy project and preparation for reporting on the first year of the project. Planning for 2018, making a workplan and a clear division of tasks and responsibilities, taking into account the reduced role in direct implementation and leadership of BCN staff. Looking towards 2018 In 2018, BCN will further reduce its involvement in direct program implementation and responsibilities for content and organisation and will focus on advising its partners and support full Myanmar ownership of implementing the MPA method. BCN will further transfer skills and knowledge to Myanmar colleagues so they can independently continue to work on democratisation in Myanmar with respect for human rights and the environment. BCN will give advice and support when needed and on demand to support its local partners in working towards transition to genuine democracy and sustainable peace with equal participation of all ethnicities in the country. BCN will function from a virtual office and will re-assess its involvement in the long road to democracy, human rights and sustainable peace in Myanmar. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 25
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Message from the board regarding BCN s 2017 financial report 2017 has been a year of transition for BCN. Reducing direct management of its programs in Myanmar and handing over implementation, planning and financial responsibility to its Myanmar partners as part of the process of assisting its Myanmar partners to grow into their own strength. BCN has taken responsibility for the content and reporting of its program with the Paunglaung Community (funded by Open Society Foundation), while its Myanmar partners took the responsibility for the financial management and the financial statements. For the Advocacy project, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Dutch Embassy in Yangon, BCN s Myanmar implementing partner has taken full responsibility, with BCN staff supporting, guiding and advising the Myanmar team, as well as providing training on content and strategy to program participants and staff. Apart from the Paunglaung project, all responsibility for providing sustainable funding was taken by BCN s Myanmar partners, based on skills and experiences gained through years of collaboration with BCN. BCN has set up a minimum scenario to cover the organizational costs and the strictly necessary other operational costs for 2017. These minimum costs have been partly covered by project and training fees and partly by the reserves. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 27
Financial statement BCN 2017 Balance as of 31 December 2017 ASSETS 2017 2016 Current assets Amounts receivable - 237 Prepaid costs 152 - Safety deposit Karel Doormanstraat - 900 Bank and cash balances 10.895 18.574 ----------- ----------- TOTAL ASSETS 11.047 19.711 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accrued salaries of staff 1.661 1.532 Other liabilities - Amounts payable 155 139 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 1.816 1.671 Reserves Capital 9.231 18.040 ----------- ----------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 11.047 19.711 Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 28
Records of Receipts and Expenditure over 2016 2017 2016 Realized Realized RECEIPTS Grants 23.441 50.000 Interest 2 5.087 ----------- ----------- 23.443 Total receipts 55.087 EXPENDITURE Personnel expenses 18.320 54.861 Other organization costs 6.248 14.397 Costs of interest on 2016 (correction) 159 - ----------- ----------- Total organization costs 24.727 69.258 Activity costs International travel cost 2.780 5.894 Activity costs/per diem Myanmar 4.744 64.016 ----------- ----------- Total activity costs 7.524 69.910 Total expenditure 32.251 139.168 Total result (8.808) (84.081) Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 29
Explanatory notes to the Balance sheet and the record of Receipts and Expenditure Accounting principles applied to the valuation and determination of the result Assets and liabilities are stated at face value unless indicated otherwise. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Euro at the purchase rate as derived from actual exchange transactions during the reported period. Income and expenditure are recorded in the period to which they relate. A possible positive result is designated to an allocated reserve for the purpose of continuity of the organization. The allocated reserve for continuity is restricted to a maximum for covering half a year of salary and organization costs. The basis of allocation every year is a decision of the board. Survey tangible fixed assets The tangible fixed assets are stated at acquisition cost, less straight-line depreciation. The depreciation is calculated on the basis of acquisition cost less residual value and the estimated useful life of the related asset. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 30
Explanatory notes to the BALANCE sheet as of 31 December 2016 ASSETS Current assets 2017 2016 a. Prepayment (Zorg van de Zaak Insurance) 152 1.137 b. Bank and cash balances 10.895 18.574 ------------ ---------- Total current assets 11.047 19.711 b. ABN-AMRO Bank - 3.197 ASN Bank (2 accounts) - 5.148 Triodos Bank 10.325 10.088 Triodos Rendement 570 141 ----------- ----------- Total bank and cash balances 10.895 18.574 The amounts on all the bank accounts are immediately payable. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 31
LIABILITIES Current liabilities 2017 2016 a. Accrued salaries of staff 1.661 1.532 b. Other liabilities 155 139 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 1.816 1.671 a. Income tax December 40 436 Holiday pay 621 1.096 Salary December 2017 1.000 ---------- ---------- Total accrued salaries of staff 1.661 1.532 b. Prepaid by staff (visa fees a.o.t.) 155 Office & diverse costs - 139 ---------- ---------- Total Other liabilities 155 139 RESERVES Capital at January 1 st 18.040 102.121 Result allocated (8.808) (84.081) ----------- ----------- Capital at December 31 9.232 18.040 Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 32
Specification of the record of Receipts and Expenditure in the calendar year RECEIPTS Grants 2017 2016 OSF 23.441 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - 50.000 ----------- ----------- Total grants 23.441 50.000 Other receipts Donations - 694 IUCN - 4.156 Interest 2 237 ----------- ----------- Total other receipts 2 5.087 Total receipts 23.443 55.087 Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 33
EXPENDITURE Organization costs 2017 2016 Personnel expenses BCN staff a. Salaries 14.375 40.914 b. Social security 2.743 8.345 c. Insurance 1.311 4.499 d. Other personnel costs (restitution travel insurance) (109) 1.103 ----------- ----------- Total personnel expenses BCN staff 18.320 54.861 Note on staff, volunteers and board Paid staff at the end of 2017 = 1 x 0,3 fte The highest salary paid is 14.375 for 0,3 fte. BCN s board members work unsalaried. Other organization costs a. Office accommodation 4.583 7.906 b. Accounting, auditing, salary admin 158 2.966 c. General office costs 1.506 3.525 ----------- ----------- Total other organization costs 6.247 14.397 Costs of interest correction 2016 159 - ----------- ----------- Total costs of interest correction 2016 159 - Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 34
2017 2016 Activity costs 1. International travel costs 2.780 5.894 2a. Human resources (local) - 13.890 2b. Offices (local) - 1.155 2c. Travel/perdiem expenses (local) 4.744 3.429 2d. Workshop, training, advocacy costs - 45.542 ----------- ----------- Total activity costs 7.524 69.910 Additional activity costs in 2017 have been covered through grants received by Myanmar partners and will be accounted for under responsibility of Myanmar partners through their activity reports and financial statements. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 35
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Colophon BCN Annual report 2017 Board Rikje Jansen, chairperson Namalie d Abrew, treasurer Nathalie Noach, secretary Staff Saskia Kunst, managing director Volunteer Simon Schagen This Annual Report is written and compiled by Saskia Kunst Photographs by: Ko Zaw Myo Htet and Saskia Kunst Burma Centrum Nederland Mail address Hasebroekstraat 71 hs 1053 CP Amsterdam The Netherlands Telephone +31(0)6 18151666 E-mail info@burmacentrum.nl Website www.burmacentrum.nl All information is subject to errors and omissions. Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 38
Annual Report Burma Centrum Nederland 2017 39