PREPARATORY SURVEY FORTHE INTEGRATED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR ETHNIC

MINORITIES INTHE SOUTH-EAST MYANMAR Ｉ . Planning for Return and

SettlementJune 2013

RECS International Inc.Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.

Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd.

Type 1 areas: Areas that may be developed by cooperation between peace groups and State Government

Type 2 areas: Areas to be developed carefully in consultation with peace groups

Type 3 areas: Areas difficult conceive development at present (except limited development with support by NGOs)

1. Three types of areas for return and settlement supports

2. Location of three types of areas for return and settlement supports

At least two of these areas “designated by State Government for settlement” have Tatmadaw strategic military command bases (Shan Ywathit & Kamamaung). The Burmese military has a long history of forced relocation of communities to such areas under its control as part of the “4 Cuts” policy. It is incredible that such places could chosen as part of a peace and confidence building exercise. It is also notable that fighting is now happening to expel the DKBA from nearby areas to make way for the Myainggyingu unremarkable that this can be presented as part of show this is extremely questionable.

1) Provision of comprehensive support for settlement areas initiated by peace groups (For how long? Clinics without medicines, schools without teachers…..)

2) Improvement of access to formerly sensitive areas, followed by provision of social facilities (Opening up of access to the more sensitive areas simply helps the Burmese military to better control them and has long been its strategic objective. This does not build trust in the peace process.)

3) Provision of information function on the Myanmar side for refugees and IDPs with assurance of options for temporary return to encourage voluntary return. (What options? Without evidence of sincerity in returning the displaced to their own lands, assurances can easily be empty promises)

3. Approach to development in Type 1 areas

1) Improvement of access by roads on Thai side and rivers along Thai border

2) Provision of economic infrastructure and utilities to facilitate investments through cooperation between Myanmar and Thai investors

3) Improvement of social facilities and living conditions on the Myanmar side to levels higher than refugee camps in Thailand

4. Approach to development in Type 2 areas

1) Development by initiative of respective peace groups supported by NGOs

2) No improvement of access from western side of Dawna mountain range in near future

3) Clarification of ownership for land and other resources through issue specific dialogues

4) Consideration for military presence to make it less outstanding

5. Approach to development in Type 3 areas

1) Development of settlement areas in anticipation of return of IDPs first, followed by refugees and migrant workers

2) Provision of information for refugees and IDPs and assurance of return option

3) Border areas development by utilizing relationships with Thai side

4) Issue based dialogues between peace groups and State Governments

5) Consideration for military presence to make it less outstanding in Type 2 and Type 3 areas

6. Principles for return and settlement supports