In
my visit to Kachin State, I met state authorities and the KIO technical
team that had recently opened an office in Myitkyina, where I discussed
ongoing human rights and humanitarian concerns. I received further
information about the seven-point agreement signed by the government and
the KIO on 30 May 2013, which I welcome, and I was encouraged by the
inclusion of an agreement to undertake relief,
rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons.
However, there remains a serious challenge regarding the implementation
of this provision. I learnt that UN humanitarian agencies had only been
provided with access to non-government controlled areas once between
July 2012 and July 2013. The information I have received about these
areas is extremely concerning, particularly with regard to food
security. I also attempted to visit Laiza during this mission, but
unfortunately the state and central government were unable to grant
clear permission. This pattern of denying access not only to address
humanitarian shortcomings, but also serious human rights concerns, needs
to change immediately.
Over the years there have been serious allegations of human rights abuses against villagers from Kachin, though I believe these have reduced following progress with ceasefire negotiations. However, some clashes continue to occur in Northern Shan State. What is also concerning is the information I received about the lack of consultation with internally displaced communities on their return. Any initiative to return IDPs to their places of origin has to be done with the free, prior and informed consent of the ethnic communities concerned, and also involve consultation with humanitarian agencies working in the State, including UN agencies.
In Myitkyina, I went to Jamai Kawng IDP camp and met with Buang Shawng, who I had met in detention during my previous visit and who had been recently released. As well as welcoming his individual release, I hope this will be a sign that the Government will stop the practice of detaining people for their alleged association with non-state armed groups.
I also met with members of the large Shan community living there, and listened to how they had been affected by the ongoing conflict. It is vital that the ceasefire and political negotiations in Kachin State also address the concerns of this group.
ကင္တားနား
Over the years there have been serious allegations of human rights abuses against villagers from Kachin, though I believe these have reduced following progress with ceasefire negotiations. However, some clashes continue to occur in Northern Shan State. What is also concerning is the information I received about the lack of consultation with internally displaced communities on their return. Any initiative to return IDPs to their places of origin has to be done with the free, prior and informed consent of the ethnic communities concerned, and also involve consultation with humanitarian agencies working in the State, including UN agencies.
In Myitkyina, I went to Jamai Kawng IDP camp and met with Buang Shawng, who I had met in detention during my previous visit and who had been recently released. As well as welcoming his individual release, I hope this will be a sign that the Government will stop the practice of detaining people for their alleged association with non-state armed groups.
I also met with members of the large Shan community living there, and listened to how they had been affected by the ongoing conflict. It is vital that the ceasefire and political negotiations in Kachin State also address the concerns of this group.
ကင္တားနား
Credit..Ah Phu
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