August 6, 2016

On 12 August, 2016, Burma Link, Burma Partnership and Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFORM) will launch a new report titled, Invisible Lives: The Untold Story of Displacement Cycle in Burma. The report focuses on the continuing concerns of the displaced ethnic nationality communities from Burma, particularly the ethnic Mon, living along Burma’s southeast border. The report finds that the recent reforms have yet to sufficiently address causes of displacement in the southeast.

The Invisible Lives  recalls the case of Mon refugees who were sent back to Burma in 1994 from Thailand, yet became IDPs on their return. Over 20 years have passed and these IDPs remain dependent on humanitarian aid without adequate livelihood solutions. Prospects for return to their origin remain uncertain as the peace process has yet to address the root causes of their displacement. Furthermore, ongoing housing, land and property rights violations continue to render the definition of a safe and durable return meaningless. From the experiences of Mon refugees-turned IDPs, the report aims to shed light on lessons that can be learned from the past for all stakeholders currently involved in planning for the return of Burma’s refugees and IDPs along the Thailand-Burma border.

The report will be launched ahead of the “21st Century Panglong Conference” and a week before World Humanitarian Day.

When: 12 August, 2016

Time:  10:00am – 12:00pm

Where: Best Western Green Hill Hotel, No-(12), Pho Sein Road, Tamwe Township, Rangoon, Burma

                                                                           
For more information, please contact:

Aung Khaing Min; Advocacy and Research Officer, Burma Partnership; +95 (0) 9261009995, +66 (0) 979955305, akm@burmapartnership.org (Burmese/English)

Nai Aue Mon; Program Director, Human Rights Foundation of Monland; +95 (0) 9776 228040,   auemon@rehmonnya.org (Burmese/English/Mon)

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