Myanmar at the HLP Crossroads: - Displacement Solutions
Myanmar at the HLP Crossroads: - Displacement Solutions
Myanmar at the HLP Crossroads: - Displacement Solutions
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25<strong>Myanmar</strong> <strong>at</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>HLP</strong> <strong>Crossroads</strong>Address urban and rural <strong>HLP</strong> issues.Perhaps indic<strong>at</strong>ive of <strong>the</strong> still largely rural n<strong>at</strong>ure of society, <strong>the</strong> vast majority of <strong>at</strong>tention to <strong>the</strong> <strong>HLP</strong> sphere since<strong>the</strong> new Government took power has been upon <strong>HLP</strong> issues largely affecting various classific<strong>at</strong>ions of land in <strong>the</strong>countryside. While <strong>the</strong>se rural issues are vital and certainly in need of serious <strong>at</strong>tention, urban housing conditionsalso require structural <strong>at</strong>tention by <strong>the</strong> Government. Measures should be taken to build on <strong>the</strong> positive steps recentlyundertaken in Yangon to preserve certain portions of <strong>the</strong> city and <strong>the</strong> intention of <strong>the</strong> YCDC to establish an urbanplanning department. For example, <strong>the</strong> Government should do wh<strong>at</strong>ever possible to maintain Yangon’s unique positionas <strong>the</strong> only large urban area in Asia where virtually no high-rise towers have been built, and only provide planningpermission for high-rises in areas loc<strong>at</strong>ed far outside <strong>the</strong> urban core.All relevant intern<strong>at</strong>ional tre<strong>at</strong>ies recognising <strong>HLP</strong> rights should be r<strong>at</strong>ifiedwithout reserv<strong>at</strong>ions by <strong>the</strong> Government of <strong>Myanmar</strong>.This should begin with <strong>the</strong> r<strong>at</strong>ific<strong>at</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Intern<strong>at</strong>ional Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and<strong>the</strong>n be followed by all remaining core intern<strong>at</strong>ional human rights instruments. Moreover, given <strong>the</strong> history of Intern<strong>at</strong>ionalLabour Organis<strong>at</strong>ion involvement in <strong>the</strong> country, <strong>the</strong> full r<strong>at</strong>ific<strong>at</strong>ion of all ILO Conventions by <strong>the</strong> Governmentwould send a very strong, positive signal to <strong>the</strong> intern<strong>at</strong>ional community as a whole.Finally, a Code of Conduct for Businesses Investing in <strong>Myanmar</strong> committing <strong>the</strong> companiesto a no-grabbing-no eviction-no displacement policy in all projects in which <strong>the</strong>y are involvedshould be promoted by companies already engaged in responsible investment.Every company investing in <strong>Myanmar</strong> should be strongly encouraged to sign such a Code of Conduct and act ina manner fully consistent with <strong>the</strong> <strong>HLP</strong> rights of everyone in <strong>the</strong> country. Companies need to ensure th<strong>at</strong> <strong>the</strong>y areactive supporters of <strong>the</strong> democr<strong>at</strong>iz<strong>at</strong>ion process and th<strong>at</strong> <strong>the</strong>y fully respect <strong>the</strong> rule of law, basic human rights andenvironmental protection measures and th<strong>at</strong> <strong>the</strong>y generally join forces with <strong>the</strong> Government and civil society to builda modern, fair and equitable <strong>Myanmar</strong>. In addition to taking responsibility for <strong>the</strong>ir own actions, companies shouldinsist on assurances, in entering into agreements with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Myanmar</strong> government, th<strong>at</strong> <strong>the</strong>re have been no <strong>HLP</strong> viol<strong>at</strong>ionsin <strong>the</strong> land acquisition and transfer process.5.4 RECOMMENDATION 4:FACILITATE TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS,GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND POLITICAL PARTIES ON <strong>HLP</strong> RIGHTSBEST PRACTICE AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDSRapid and comprehensive training and capacity building on <strong>HLP</strong> rights issues should be provided to Parliamentarians,Ministers, relevant ministry officials and political parties. Given <strong>the</strong> long absence of democr<strong>at</strong>ic practices andlack of legisl<strong>at</strong>ive experience and standard administr<strong>at</strong>ive practices, <strong>the</strong>re is a deficit in legisl<strong>at</strong>ive and administr<strong>at</strong>ivesophistic<strong>at</strong>ion within many political entities in <strong>Myanmar</strong>. This is particularly true as this rel<strong>at</strong>es to <strong>the</strong> protectionof <strong>HLP</strong> rights. Intensive and practical training of MP’s, relevant Government officials and political parties is a priorityand an activity th<strong>at</strong> should be pursued in <strong>the</strong> immedi<strong>at</strong>e term.