Students and Youth Congress of Burma

Regional Students and Youth Exchange

Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Objectives
At the end of the learning exchange workshop, the following objectives will have been achieved:
i. Participants gain common understanding of principles and applicable frameworks in conflict prevention and peace building
that are applicable to their respective contexts;
ii. Participants gain knowledge of relevant examples of conflict prevention and peace building from the region, as well as learn
of situation in other States and Regions of Burma;
ii i. Follow-up action plan and activities are developed that will encourage collaboration between participants.
Methodology
Participants will share updates about their states and regions in Burma, so that everyone will be up-to-date with the current situation.
A combination of PowerPoint presentations, breakout sessions and plenary sessions will be utilized. Q&As on presentations and
group discussion will be conducted in an informal semi-structured manner in order to promote the participation of all participants.
There will also be a strategy and planning component of the workshop that will provide participants with the opportunity to develop
concrete action plans on which they can continue to work together after the workshop.
Context
Since late 2011, the government of Burma has initiated peace negotiation attempts that have resulted in preliminary ceasefire
agreements being signed with most major ethnic armed groups, apart from the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Clashes with
the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) erupted in June 2011 and intense fighting continues to date. There have also been armed battles
between the Burma Army and the Shan State Army North (SSA-N), Shan State Army South (SSA-S), the Karen National Liberation Army
(KNLA) and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), undermining the sincerity of the government to achieve lasting peace.
Furthermore, the government is delay in to engage in political negotiations, as the umbrella organization, the United Nationalities
Federal Council (UNFC), and individual ethnic groups have repeatedly stated will be necessary for genuine national reconciliation and
sustainable peace. With few exceptions, negotiations have not included civil society, women or youth representatives.
The peace process to date has also not addressed the issue of natural resource management, which has been a long-standing
contentious issue between the government and ethnic communities. There are daily protests against development and natural resource
extraction projects throughout the country because local people are not included in decision-making processes, suffer from resulting
human rights violations including land confiscation and displacement, and do not benefit from these projects.
Overall, the process has been one-sided, divisive and has failed to lay solid foundations for sustainable peace. From both civil society
and ethnic armed groups, however, the message has been clear: a short-term development agenda cannot be a substitute for a lasting
political settlement.
Implementation
The exchange was ideally being held twice a year in four regions with possibility of a continuing partnership.
SYCB identified 50 participants from the Thai-Burma border and inside Burma, as well as 10 participants from the region and to
identify two or three relevant resource persons.
Ideally, those were from Mindanao, areas with similar situations to Burma, especially in terms of armed conflicts, development and
natural resource management. SYCB invited those resource persons to arrive in Yangon ahead of the workshop so as to have a full day
with local organizations to learn about the current situation in Burma.
Logistics and security arrangements and considerations were primarily be determined by SYCB before and for the duration of the
program.
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
History and Aims of AAPP
AAPP was founded on the 23rd of March 2000, the eleventh
anniversary of the arrest of Min Ko Naing, a student leader and
prominent figure during the 1988 uprising who has spent nineteen
of the last twenty two years in prison. The aims of AAPP are fivefold:
To report on the number of political prisoners held in Burma, and
on human rights violations carried out against them in various
detention centers, prisons and labor camps and to advocate for
prison reforms to lessen the suffering endured by political prisoners.
To secure the support of governments and international
organizations to pressure the Burmese military backed
government to stop the persecution, arrest and detention of all
political prisoners, and to release them all.
To provide political prisoners with necessities, such as food and
medicine.
To protect political prisoners from harassment and intimidation by
the military backed government once released from prison, including
when they are looking for employment, continuing their studies,
associating with friends and colleagues, and to protect them from
persecution if they resume their political activities.
To assist in the reconstruction of former political prisoners lives, including both their mental and physical well-being.
Current situation of political prisoners are:
List of Political Prisoners currently incarcerated in Burma List of (311) confirmed Political Prisoners whose whereabouts are verified and
List of (424) political prisoners whose whereabouts are currently under verification updated on 20 September, 2012.
List of Released Political Prisoners:
Total Released (1,731) Political Prisoners List from 2007 up to 2012 and recently released (88) Political Prisoners list on 17 September, 2012.
List of Deaths in Custody: 1988 to 2012 Death PPs list (156) updated on 27 Sep 2012.
Presented by Ko Aung Myo Thein (AAPP
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students rights and movement
1. 1885-1948 (Under British Colonial Government)
Rangoon University Buddhist Association and Young Men Buddhist Association(YMBA) were founded in 1904 and 1906. Established
RUSU (Rangoon University Student Union) in 1930 and ABFSU (All Burma Federation of Student Unions) in 1936. General Aung San was
the second Chairman of ABFSU. Three Student Demonstrations in 1920, 1936 and 1938. Revolutions against British, Japanese and
British again and most of the students founding ABFSU participated in these whole activities.
2. 1948 1962
Democratic Republic Government but no much Democracy and Human Rights. Tried to restrict the student rights all the time and even
tried to abolish the Student Unions. Civil War and Ethnic Arms Struggles were started from this time. Transferred power temporarily to
Army from 1958 to 1960. Military tried to oppress the students.
Involvement are Small-scale student demonstrations demanding students right between 1948 to 1952. In 1956, a demonstration
against the Govs announcement to abolish Student Unions. 26 imprisoned, 256 expelled from schools. But they were successful. Under
the three years of temporary military rule, student movement became stronger because they couldnt accept the military rule and the
militarys oppression on students.
3. 1962 1988
No Democracy and Human Rights since it was military dictatorship. ABFSU became underground since then. Oppression anywhere
including ethnic areas. Peace call from Gov in 1963 but it was just for show. In 1974, they pretended to change to Civilian Government,
BSPP (Burma Socialist Program Party). It was not a real Socialism. (Enforce so many laws to restrict Freedom and Rights) The
situations of Burma (Economic, Social and Political) terribly declined and Burma Became Least Developed Country (LDC). There was
1988 people uprising and military staged second coup in 1988.
Involvements are 1962 student strikes (7
th
, July strike). Demolished the ABFSU building. 114 killed. Over 100 injured. So many students
were imprisoned and expelled. 1963 demonstration about peace call of BSPP. 1969
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
demonstration when South East Asian Peninsular Games was held in Burma. 1970 demonstration in Diamond Jubilee of Rangoon
University. 1974 worker demonstration (June 6) and student demonstration about U Thant (UN Secretary Generals funeral) (November).
A student named Salai Tin Maung Oo was executed. 1975 student and worker demonstration (June 6 anniversary). 1976 student
demonstration (Thakin Kodaw Hmaing). 1987 student uprising about the Demonetization of BSPP to its bank notes without any
compensation. 1988 people uprising (March, June, August, September). Could hold the ABFSU conference and students could select the
chairman of ABFSU. Min Ko Naing is our chairman since then. Second Military Coup in Sept, 1988.
4. 1988 2010
Still No Democracy and Human Rights and worse H.R violations all over the country, worse in ethnic areas. Held the 1990 election but
when oppositions (NLD) won, regime neglected the result. Arrested most of the leaders came out from the 1988 movement like Aung San
Su Kyi, Min Ko Naing, Khun Tun Oo. More ethnic arms conflicts.
Drafted the constitution full of flaws one-sidedly to make sure their influence in Burma for long. Forced to endorse their constitution
in 2008 held the election in 2010 to rectify this constitution. So-called civilian government has been appeared.
Just after 1988 movement, students decided to go on the revolution with three ways : (1) Union (ABFSU) (All Burma Federation of Student
Unions), (2) Political Party (DPNS) (Democratic Party for New Society) and (3) Arm Struggle (ABSDF) (All Burma Student Democratic
Front).
1991 student movement for DASSKs Noble Prize. 1993 7
th
July small movement. 1996 student uprising and 1998 student uprising. In
2005, 88 Generation Student Organization. Saffron Revolution (2007). Small Movements all the time.
Urban Areas
No good Education. Spoil the civilian education system. Some students and youths are still in the prisons as political prisoners.
Morally spoiled the youth and students. Not interested in Education (Distance Education). Cocaine, Illegal entertainment. High dropout
rate at the outskirt areas because of poverty and increase in sex workers, crime rates, PLHA rates, drug trafficking. Low labor charges,
no protection of labor rights and have migrated to borders to have better jobs. (Human trafficking, increased in sex workers in abroad)
Rural Areas
No adequate provide for the education. No enough schools, no enough teachers, teaching aids. High dropout rate because of poverty
and have migrated to urban to have better jobs. Child Labor, Child Soldiers, Human Trafficking, increased in Sex Workers. Regime paid
money to them and used them as the thugs to oppress the people who participate in the demonstrations. (In the past)
Ethnic Areas
No adequate provide for the education. No enough schools, no enough teachers, teaching aids. Because of arm conflicts and wars
crimes committed by Military Regimes troops (like rapes, burning down the villages, forced allocations), there are so many IDP
(Internally Displaced Persons), refugees, migrant workers. Increased in sex workers, drug trafficking and crimes.
Current Student and Youth Involvement
Workers strikes, Farmers (Land confiscations), Environment and Development projects (Forced displacements), Arm conflicts, peace
(supporting Refugees, IDP), Right based activities and Peace movement.
Presentation by Ko Thwin Lwin Aung (FDB)
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Ethnic Rights and Peace Process
Actually there is three step of Peace Process as (1) Peace Making (2) Peace Building (3) Peace Keeping. But Burma has only steped
on Peace Making process four time in during 60 years from 1958 to 2011 of civil war. The peace making of Burma in (1) 1958 (U
Nu), (2) 1962 (U Ne Win), (3) 1989 (Khin Nyunt) and (4) 2011 (Thein Sein). The peace making process of regime in the whole history
of Burma is just to make ceasefire or stop fighting. Weakness and strong points of learning from the peace making process in
history of Burma and finding solution from them.
Presentation by Hkun Okker (UNFC)
Impact of Mega-Development
Naw San was briefing on Joint Report of SYCB and NY-Forum * Excluded: Burmas Ethnic Nationalities on the Margins of Development
and Democracy. Report presents documented evidence that ethnic nationalities directly affected by development projects in Burma are
systematically denied their right to free, prior, and informed consent.
Development projects and impacts in Kachin State after 1994 ceasefire are 1. Dams 2. Gold Mining 3. Jade Mining 4. Logging, 5. Mono-
crop plantations.
Environment and Social Impact are 1. Culture Heritage will be flooded, 2.Deforestation, 3. Force relocation, 4.Lost of Livelihood,
5.Military increase, 5.Human Rights Abuse.
The impact of Jade mining, Gold mining and Logging are 1. Environmental Destruction, 2.
Military increase, 3.Human Rights abuse, 4. Land confiscation, 5. Lost of livelihood, 6. Drug Abuse, crime and gambling, 6.Increase
HIV/ AIDS.
The Root of Clash after 2011 June to 2012 October are 1. Burmese government force KIA to become
Border Guard Force under Burma Army, 2. Burmese government wants to control natural resources, 3. Burmese government and KIA
start clash over Chinas Dapein dam,
Lessons from 17 years cease-fire are 1. Kachin State didnt have peace even during cease-fire, 2. Losing human dignity, 3. Increasing
militarization, 4. Getting more poverty by development projects, 5. Massive exploitation and export of natural resources, 6. More and
more human right abuses, 7. Without a political resolution first, there can be no peace, 8.Large-scale development projects should not
be implemented in areas where conflict remains unresolved, as this will simply fuel further conflict, 9. Every development project
should be done transparently with participation of local people.
Political agreement first? Or Development first?
Government peace road map are 1. Ceasefire (individually) 2. Development, 3. Ethnic armed groups form political parties and join
parliament.
Ethnic demands are 1. Nationwide ceasefire, 2. Inclusive political dialogue outside parliament, 3. Constitutional reform, 4. Development.
Presentation by Naw San and Lway Phoo Reang (SYCB)
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Women rights and Movement
King Era
Women had control at the back especially for new king appointed without recognized from queen (the back power), women judge,
women commander in chief and women were villages leaders.
The British and Japan colonial period (Rights base Actions)
Womens cooperated in education movement (1920), Yangon college and Judson college (university), an against oppressive university
law Act, women national school (1921 FEB 26), women association and national council helped.
Women against oppressive law on taxation
An against taxation on paddy land, land avenue and ,capitation tax, National campaigning on to used domestic or local product and
goods, action on non-cooperation, setup non corporation association group and give speech in public against on unlawful association
act.
No rights to Vote and representation 1927 to 1929
Women had rights to represent in only Municipal Corporation, Women again No rights to vote and representation in legislative
council by the mobilizing, Violating women participation in politic, Burmese women point out King Era time women had position,
why now? Second point, women gave speech in public how India and British women tried heard for women participation in politic.
Corporation and demonstration in front of legislative council, Burmese women got rights to vote and participation 1929.
Women against Fascism Japan colonial period 1942 to 1945
1943 women are tried by Burmese Community party, Women strength and actively involved to against fascism, 1945 women the
military cope were founded order by General Aung San one of the independent father of Burma.
Pre-Independent period 1945 to 1948
Many women association excited and women involved different organization as well. After the independent 1953-1955 only one
woman in parliament her name is Ms Ba Maung Chain as Karen Ethnic and also minister of Karen State.
Women representation in Parliament 1956 to 1962
There is womens rights, Equal payment, Marry law and inherent law for Buddhist women, Prostitute disappearances law
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Groups Decision
on Youth Activities
Where is Burma Advocacy in 2012
The priority issues are Human rights, Peace and Political Prisoners Campaign, youth and anti-drug campaign, stop large scale of
mega development project in ethnic conflict areas, transparency and accountability in foreign investment.
What advocacy plan would like to carry out are using local media, T-Shirt, Sticker, capacity building training on campaigning, lobby
in International conferences and seminar, showing documentary film, video, pamphlets.
Presentation by Ma Ohmar (Burma Partnership)
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Nationwide ceasefire agreement and Peace process
Since late 2011, the government of Burma and 16 Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) has been meeting over 120 times but negotiations
have not included civil society, women or youth representatives or stakeholders. Therefore, during the first day of the exchange
seminars discussions of objectives were to stop armed hostilities. Since there are a total of 36 ceasefire agreements already (a new
record in the world), 14 signed ceasefire agreements are at state level, 19 signed ceasefire agreements are at Union level of 14 Ethnic
Armed Organizations (EAOs) and Union Peace Making Working Committee (UPWC). Even so, the situation of the peace process and
ceasefire agreements that are in progress in military code of conduct, such as ceasefire monitoring systems, joint ceasefire committees
and joint ceasefire management; is the process is very slow, very long and very difficult to be done.
Therefore, it is very important for the students and youth movements to know their role in each step of the peace process and the peace
implementation. There are 16 EAOs recognized by U Thein Seins government and 14 EAOs has already signed ceasefire agreements
with UPWC, but 2 EAOs of KIO/KIA and PSLF/TNLA have not signed ceasefire agreements yet.
A chair-person from Hpa-An district region of Karen Youth Organization (KYO) Mr. Saw Eh Htee Kaw was presenting between KNU and
UPWC has signed a preliminary ceasefire agreement in 2012 January 12 with 11 points agreed in principles. But until 2013 June, no
results this mutually-binding joint military code of conduct (CoC) has guaranteed livelihood or security for the Karen community
based in Karen State, Mon State, Begu division, Tharnintarri division, or Irrawaddy division of KNU control areas. Also other steps of
Joint Monitoring System (JMS), Joint Monitoring Mechanism/Management (JMM) could not go forward because of military code of
conduct (CoC) have not been finalized yet. Trust building between KNU and chief negotiator U Aung Min and Burma Army is important
for the Karen community.
A leader from Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO) Mr. Khun Oo gave a presentation of the complicated situation in Shan state. Even though
there are ceasefire agreements with EAOs and UPWC there is still military fighting in northern Shan state. The mandate of UPWC is not
clear and the ethnic political parties in Shan state would like to join in the peace process. Their parties intention, interest and aim are
to win the 2015 election. Until now there are still conflicts going on in the northern Shan state and U Aung Min (UPWC) seem to have
no authority or power to stop it. Other issues such as drugs, relocation and land confiscation are also unsolved problems in the Shan
state.
A chair-person from Mon Youth Progressive Organization (MYPO) Mr. Min Nyen Seik Rarman gave a presentation about the five
points of signed ceasefire agreements with UPWC and New Mon State Party (NMSP). NMSP could open eleven liaison offices with the
consent of UPWC. On May 7
th
2013 CSOs and youth organized Peace Monitoring Working Group. After ceasefire agreements with
UPWC, there are increased numbers of International NGOs interested in investing in the rural areas of Mon state. Since ceasefire
agreements were signed by both parties, there has been no clash between Burma army and NMSP.
General secretary of All Kachin Students and Youth Union (AKSYU) Mr. Lum Zawng gave a presentation about the process of 1) ceasefire
agreements, 2) peace process, 3) political dialogue and how these three process must go together at the same time. Because of the
governments intention of the 2015 election to finish their activities but for the EAG the goal is to have Panglong Conference or
National Dialogue and 2008 constitution amendment is also very important for all involved. At the same time the transitional
arrangement to refugee and IDPs, national reconciliation, land mine, food security, etc. are also important.
A member from Working Group for Ethnic Coordination, Mr. Naw San and Kyar Yin Shel gave a presentation on the concepts of Ethnic
groups in draft as (1) Principles /Preamble (2) Nation-wide ceasefire agreement/accord (3) Framework for political dialogue (4)
Transitional Arrangements (5) National Dialogue. The feedback from workshop discussions and suggestions will be taken under
consideration in the upcoming monthly meetings to be re-drafted in the framework.
Impacts of Mega Development Projects
The peace process has also not addressed the issue of joint ceasefire management as a whole including natural resource management,
which has been a long-standing contentious issue between the government and the ethnic communities. There are daily protests
against development and natural resource extraction projects throughout the country because local people are not included in the
decision-making processes. The local people suffer from human rights violations including land confiscation and displacement, and
they do not get any benefit from these projects. Overall, the process has been one-sided and has failed to lay solid foundations for
sustainable peace. From civil society, women, youth and ethnic armed groups, the message has been clear: a short-term development
agenda cannot be a substitute for a lasting political settlement!
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Mr. Min Aung Thu is a vice-chair person of Tavoy Youth Organization (TYO) had a presentation on mega development projects in the
Dewei areas such as (i) Dewei deep sea port (ii) Dewei economic zone and (iii) the Kalonta dam, all are built by a Thai company. At the
beginning there was no transparency of the projects and the company took huge pieces of farmland from the local community for
payment to the company. The resistance movement of Dewei community asked the Thai company to share information about the
projects also motivated by the need of assessment of EIA and SIA, but also to take social responsibilities. With experiences of Thai
Economic Zone and Thai social activists, they encourage the local villagers to find facts and documentation, if any human rights
violation had occurred in the major projects. If so, they could bring their cases to the Thai Human Rights Commission.
Mr. Mai Anm Ngeal (TSYO) gave a presentation on the major projects in Taang areas and northern shan state, but local community did
not have any information about these projects which were taking place in their nearby farmland. There are (1) Huge of commercial
logging exported to China by the government & China company and (2) Mining exported to China by militia leaders of Pan Say Kyaw
Myit, U Ti Khun Myat and company from China (3) Shweli Dam (Number 1, 2, 3) the electricity from the Dam is not for Burma (4) Shwe
Gas pipe line and Petrol pipe line.
Because of these major projects, there is and increasing presence of Burmas army near the site of the pipeline. This is for security but
it has also lead to armed conflicts, torture, killing, forced labor, refugees and IDPs, relocation, land confiscation, small payment for
farmland, prostitution, gambling and several negative environmental impacts.
Miss. Naw Khu Khu Ju (KHRG) gave a presentation on their recent report of Losing Ground: Land conflicts and collective action in
eastern Myanmar. These reports are based on actual facts between KNU and UPWC signed a preliminary ceasefire agreement on
January 12, 2012. After that, the challenges of local community are exclusion of villagers from the project planning stages, lack of
knowledge of details and impacts of the planned projects. There are also some challenges that are direct violations the law, such as
threats of violence and abuse related to armed conflict. The recommendations to the government and EAOs are to consult and to take
consent from the local people, recognize land rights and usage, support community solutions and have awareness of the ceasefire
context.
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Rights based movement of Students Union
Mr. Kyaw Ko Ko, a chair person from All Burma
Federation of Student Union (ABSFU-OC) gave a
presentation about how they are organizing student
unions on district level in many areas and later on
it will hopefully represent Burma as a whole. The
student unions are networking, working against
the drug related problems and towards
constitutional amendments with ethnic youth
groups.
Mr. Moe Thway, a chair person from Generation Wave (GW)
working in the Myanmar Youth Forum (MYF) and Peace
Network gave a presentation about how Myanmar youth
networks and forums were started in several states and regions
but some areas still does not have networks or functioning
forums. Discussion occurred on how the MYF was faced with
so many challenges and how they are planning to carry on the
next MYF in December. The capacity building and youth leaders
program were introduced during the presentation.
Miss. Phue Phue is one of the young activist in ASEAN and a leading committee member in National Youth Congress (NYC). Different
leadership activities between MYF and NYC are still problematic issues since the participants are hand-picked by the Government.
There are also opportunities for youth to lead and raise their local issues to the ASEAN meetings in coming 2014.
ASEAN 2014 strategy
Mr. Aung Myo Min (HREIB, SAPA and Equality Myanmar) has been involved and has many years of experiences in ASEAN advocacy.
He gave a presentation with five parts (1) the background of historical facts and progress development of ASEAN, (2) ASEAN charter,
(AICHR), ASEAN Children and Women Commission (ACWC), ASEAN Civil Society Forum (ACSF) or ASEAN People Forum (APF)/
ASEAN Youth Forum (AYF), (3) Preparation process of 2014 ASEAN in Burma with CSOs and Myanmar government and (4) how to
participate in 2014 ASEAN as in organizing committee, steering committee as a leading role and other working committee of
programming, drafting, media, logistic and finance committee.
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Small groups discussion for future plans
Over views discussion on current peace process was led by U Aung Min. Since there is an unbalance of power it makes it not a true
peace process from the ethnic minoritys perspective. There is no rule of law and no human rights; there is no accountability and no
transparence. There are still unjust laws that threaten the activists. All ethnic groups want peace in Burma. A discussion on the future
planning was to increase youth participation in the peace process so that they can be included in ceasefire monitoring, approaches to
the government, parliament and ethnic armed groups (EAGs). It will also be through conflict resolution training, empowerment
workshops and peace campaigns with all parties of the conflict. To inform and raise awareness among the youth to the local
community of EIA, SIA, FPIC and to build up regular information sharing and network could be done by data collection and reporting
legal protection to the human rights defenders.
ASEAN 2014 strategy plans for youth to be a participating part in the discussions concerning political reform, education, job
opportunities, health and drug issues.
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Outputs
The participants have an increased knowledge and understanding of the ongoing peace process and nationwide ceasefire process since
2011 to up to dates. They have gotten this information through discussions and brochures that we have provided. We have also made
sure that the participants have understood the information by giving them the opportunity to ask questions regarding the material
provided. We have also posted the material on a visible wall during group discussions and presentations during the exchanges. The
participants have increased understanding and awareness about the impact of mega-projects in ethnic areas in Tavoy, Taang and over
view of land confiscation in the eastern Burma. The participants have increased their knowledge of student rights and the importance
of forming unions. The understanding of 2014 ASEAN chair in Burma and how to use that opportunity to engage in discussions have
improved. The new cooperation with student and youth activist in the Yangon based and ethnic youth network from different states
have been successfully executed.
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Introduction (SYCB)
The introduction of SYCB current activities in 2013 of regional student exchange program like exchange, joint campaign, journal,
newsletter, leadership and management program, working with ethnic groups, HIV-Aids program and CORE program (community
Organizing and Rights Education). The future plans are common goal and principles of Peace, Federal, Constitution, political dialogue
and also 2014 the strengthen youth network, capacity build program to be expanded and continuously implementation of exchange
program.
Groups Discussion on Youth Activities
Strong Points
There are strong points of student and youth organizations
are 1. Increased numbers of civil society organizations 2.
Open space for media 3. Increased coordination with
government and CSOs 4. People are supporting the youth
movements 5. Easy to collect survey and documentation
than before 6. Larger expansion of networking and
coordination among women and youth 7. CSOs
participation in peace process and politic 8. Build up
coordination among youth networks 9. More capacity
building program from border and international groups
10. Some opportunity to build up empowerment program
for the people and 11. More youth in leadership role in the
organization.
Weak Points
The weakness of student and youth organizations are technical
problems in forming a new organization, insufficient of funding,
instabil ity of organization, difficulties to reform the
organization, information sharing, mutual trust, capacity of
members, a few active members, no social media watch and
competition among youth. There are still weak in organizational
experiences, network building, populism among youth,
participation peace process, future planning and community
organizing.
Opportunities
There are new political space is opening, more support is coming from the international community, media freedom is expanding,
people are more open to talk, free to form new ethnic organizations, cultural and literature freedom, more recognition from government
and from the people, improved ways of communication as well as access and networking among youth.
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Threats
There is the undemocratic 2008 constitution which is still in place. The peace process is not as successful as people hoped, there is
no rule of law, no finance or lack of fund in education and health sector, more drug users among youth, no transparency in economic
investments from the government, there are still ongoing land confiscation, more natural disasters, civil war is still ongoing, there
is still poverty, weakness of exchange and coordination among youth, cooperation of some NGO in ethnic areas.
The future plans for the next two years of 2014- 2015 and divided into 4 groups to discuss and presentation in the public.
Outputs
The participants have increased knowledge and understanding of up to date information sharing from 27 organizations about the
situation in different areas in Burma. And also 15 students and youth organizations are presenting of their main current activities and
future plans of long term capacity building program, exchange, conference and seminar. The participants have evaluated of students
and youth organizations in Burma since 2008 to 2013 their weakness, strong points, opportunities and threats. And set up common
strategy for the joint campaign and local actions and regional advocacy campaign in order to push for an authentic democratic Federal
state with constitutional protections of the rights of ethnic minority and religious groups.
The new cooperation with student and youth activist in the Yangon based and ethnic youth networks from different state have been
increase mutual respect, understanding, trust building and based on Pang long spirit to rebuilding federal in Burma.
All the participants are marching to the Pang Long Monument to dedicate Burma to be an authentic democratic Federal state with
constitutional protections of the rights of ethnic minority and religious groups. And also exchange experiences from Shan Youth Network
leaders in Pang Long and their main concern on the currently rebuilding of Pang Long monument around the areas by Shan state
government. The true story of Pang Long and the historical facts show how the important of trust building in Burma.
Acknowledgement
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Regional Students and Youth Exchange
Students and Youth Congress of Burma
P.0.box,123 Mae sot,tak- 63110,Thailand
Email; congressnewsinformation@gmail.com
www.sycbyouthorg.blogspot.com
Web; sycbyouth.org