The Statement by Kachin Civil Society Organizations Concerning the 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census

Date: 9th March 2014

From 12th January 26th February 2014, Kachin Civil Society Organizations communicated their concerns and advice on the 2014 Census to the government of Myanmar, UNFPA and the donor countries in writing and by participating in Advisory Committee meetings and special meetings. We discussed the ongoing armed clashes and how the coding errors in the question for ethnicity would effectively hinder full coverage of the country and bring no accurate data. We advised the authorities to postpone the Census until the conditions are right and to consult with leaders from respective ethnic nationalities. We have, however, received no reasonable and acceptable response. In the meantime, on March 3, 2014, the census project has been commenced in Putao District, Kachin State. Therefore, today Kachin Civil Society Organizations issue the following statement on the 2014 Census:1. We generally accept the necessity of conducting census for a country. However, it is important to conduct the census at the right time in an appropriate way. 2. The 2014 Census is being undertaken not only at the wrong time but also undemocratically. The concern and advice from civil societies are being ignored. 3. Since the Census is being undertaken with errors in coding and because it does not cover the entire country, we do not have trust in, nor do we accept the resulting data. 4. The actions of the government, UNFPA and donor countries vis--vis the 2014 Census smash the aspirations of people for peace and democracy. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government, UNFPA and donor countries to be accountable for any consequences from conducting this undemocratic Census.