Workshop on Federalism in Yangon

Participants of the Workshop on Federalism that took place at the Inya Lake Hotel in Yangon. The international experts are sitting in the first row (middle).

HSF

The aim of the workshop was to discuss Federalism in Myanmar with four international experts: Dr. Xavier Philippe from Aix-Marseille University, Dr. Nico Steytler from University of Western Cape and Dr. Soeren Keil & Paul Anderson from Canterbury Christ Church University.

In addition, the gathering also served as a platform to share updates on the peace process. Sai Kyaw Nyunt, Secretary of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) gave an overview of the most recent developments.

Mr. Achim Munz, Resident Representative of HSF Myanmar gave a welcoming speech and thanked all participants for coming to Yangon to discuss in-depth Federalism in the Myanmar context. He looked forward to fruitful discussions and encouraged attendants to participate actively in Group Works or Q&A sessions.

HSF

In two parallel sessions, participants split into different groups to discuss a range of topics with both international and local experts. Topics covered included self-determination, power-sharing, constitutional amendment procedures and minority rights.

The HSF thanks the international as well as the local experts for their designation throughout the workshop. Participants perceived they could use the knowledge acquired from the workshop in their daily life or later career. The HSF furthermore thanks all attendants for coming and making this workshop a great success.

An article in the Newspaper about the Workshop can be accessed through the following link:
http://elevenmyanmar.com/politics/10894 

Self-Determination and Non-Secession in Federal Constitution - Mr. Paul Anderson

HSF

Be informed that the HSF has also distributed a second questionnaire “Survey Questions on Federalism and Peace Process”. Based on the findings of this questionnaire a survey / research report will be released this year. In a comparative way the results of this Workshop will be opposed to the results of the Workshop on Federalism in Taunggyi. As the participants of those workshops on Federalism came from different backgrounds and occupations, thus they may vary in their perceptions on questions as ‘How democratic would you rate Myanmar?’ or ‘How important is a Federal system to resolve the conflicts in Myanmar?’.

For clarification:
* UNA is a political alliance of nationalities' parties from Myanmar. It was founded in 2002 and represents ALD, APP, CLDP, CPP, DNDP, KNC, Karen NP, Kayan NP, Khumi NP, MNP, MNDP, SNLD, SNSP, SSKDP and ZCD.

Its aim is to work with member organizations towards democracy and federalism in Myanmar. Members of UNA also jointly work together in ethnic areas to compete against the big political parties.