Resource information
Summary:
“As crony companies and foreign investment companies join with the
government in large-scale projects, a new model of “development” is
unfolding across Burma. To make way for hydropower dams and mono-crop
plantations, villagers have been forced into relocation camps, or so-called
“model villages.” The government and the companies state proudly in the
media that the living standard of these relocated people has improved, but the
reality is completely opposite.
The housing in the relocation camps is sub-standard. There is no clean water
for household use, insufficient drinking water, and inadequate education and
health care. Having lost their lands and livelihoods, the relocated people are
forced to find insecure and low-paid daily wage jobs to try and feed themselves.
They are constantly worrying about their future, and how to provide for their
children’s education. Women face increased risk of sexual harassment and assault by migrant laborers. In this situation, people do not feel like they are
living in “model villages.” They feel like they are living in refugee camps, full of
wretchedness and difficulty...
This short booklet presents the cases of three relocation camps in Kachin State:
Sanpyar camp in Hugawng Valley, and Aung Myin Thar and Maliyang camps
near the Irrawaddy Myitsone. It gives an insight into people’s lives before and
after relocation...
Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ) was set up in September 2012 by farmers directly
affected by government development projects in Kachin State.
The objectives of Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ):
• Development of grassroots communities
• Sustainable development.
• Protection of natural resources
• Ensuring local people’s participation in decision-making around
development projects
• Letting local people lead peaceful and secure lives...”
