CBO and Opposition efforts

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

25 Jul 2012: Suu Kyi’s first speech in parliament called for an end to discrimination against ethnic minorities as part of the “emergence of a genuine democratic country.” She urged “all lawmakers to enact necessary laws or amend laws to protect the rights of ethnic nationalities.”

28 July 2011 Aung San Suu Kyi appealed to stop all ongoing wars and to observe a cease-fire immediately. She also pledged that she was ready to help in the peace process.

16 June 2012: At “My party, the National League for Democracy, and I stand ready and willing to play any role in the process of national reconciliation”

10 Feb 2012: Met with KNU Peace Council in Yangon.
8 Apr 2012: Met with KNU leader in Yangon

Nov 2010: Suu Kyi first broached the possibility of a “Second Panglong” after her release from house arrest.

Exile groups

The Thein Sein government has encouraged exile groups to return to Myanmar to cooperate with them in achieving peace and implementing democratic reforms in the country. Following the release of many prominent political prisoners and leaders in November 2011 many individuals and groups that have been in exile for over 20 years were invited to return home. Some of these include:

• AAPP
• ND-Burma
• ABSDF
• DPNS
• Shwe Gas Movement
• Burma Partnership
• FTUB
• DPNS
• Peace Mission in the Motherland
• WRWAB/WLB
• Vahu Development Institute (VDI)

CBOS

Activities can be categorized into four main areas:

1. Peace talks facilitation – facilitating and mediating peace talks (e.g. Karen Peace Support team, Shalom Foundation for KIO talks)
2. Monitoring peace talks and ceasefire agreement – monitoring both ethnic armed groups and government actions and violations relating to ceasefires and peace agreements (e.g. Mon Regions Peace Monitoring Group, Shan Women Action Network, Karenni Civic Society Network)
3. Ceasefire implementation – carrying out development and assistance programs, monitoring human rights, environmental issues (e.g. Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People, Karen Office for Relief and Development, Shan Relief and Development Committee)
4. Policy and peace advocacy – activities promoting peace: protests, rallies or prayer meetings (e.g. Women’s League of Burma, White Holding Hands, Peace Network, Kachin Peace Network, Generation Wave)

It is still unclear exactly which groups are involved in what activities or their connections to various INGOs and donors. Several are involved with the MPSI such as the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA). Many have been advising both the government and ethnic armed groups on ceasefire talks as part of the IPSG. In addition to these, some are working independently with individual armed groups observing the peace talks, providing training and consultation (e.g. Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), Swiss Peace).

At a Myanmar Peace Center meeting on Jan.27, 2013 that was hosted by Aung Min for CBOs involved in the peace process the following groups were involved:

• Peace Network
• Generation Wave
• Women Organization Network
• Shalom Foundation
• Kachin Peace Network
• New Myanmar Foundation
• Student Christian Movement
• Community Management Center
• Mekong Peace Journey
• Open Network
• Hope
• WPN
• Vision of Peace
• Interfaith Youth Cooperative Action for Peace (IYCAP)
• Myanmar Social Development Network
• White Holding Hands
• Karen Women Action Group
• Karen Youth Network
• Former Political Prisoners Association
• Karen Development Network
• Paung Ku Foundation
• Women’s League of Burma
• Yangon Base Volunteer Youth Network
• Myitta Ein (Home of Love)
• Yangon Social Action Network
• Shan State New Generation Forces
• Loving Children Network
• Sein Yaung So
• Karen Peace Support Team