19 Feb APF Media Kit

MEDIA KIT (19 February 2009)
2 PRESS RELEASE: Who’ll be Playing Hot Potato at the Summit?
3 ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS: the “Hot Potatoes”
4 APF/ACSC SERVICES FOR MEDIA
5-7 WHAT’S ON: Civil Society events around the ASEAN Summit
8-11 CONTACTS FOR MEDIA

Some of the experts & spokespersons currently available
12 INTRODUCTION: ASEAN Peoples’ Forum (APF)

“Advancing a People’s ASEAN”
13-18 PROGRAM: APF & 4th ASEAN Civil Society Conference
19-21 Workshop room assignments
22-30 Description of the 29 APF workshops
31 Contact Information
32 MAP OF LOCATIONS
33 MFA Cautions Against Ignoring Migrant Workers
36 Stop Mekong and Salween Dams
38 underMINING ASEAN workshop flyer
BURMA PACKET
39 Key Issues on Burma
40 Burma is Still ASEAN’s Shame: 2 months after Charter enacted
45 A Regional First: Burma VJ special screening
46 Japan Under Fire from Lawyers over Rohingya
WHO’LL BE PLAYING HOT POTATO AT THE ASEAN SUMMIT?
Media launch of the APF & ACSC
FCCT Bangkok, 10am, February 19, 2009
Will ASEAN leaders grapple with the urgent issues confronting it, or will the ASEAN
Summit degenerate into the usual game of hot potato?
A press conference to launch the ASEAN Peoples' Forum and the ASEAN Civil Society
Conference, featuring speakers from the region, will briefly highlight these “hot potatoes”
and hint at possible solutions.
The APF/ACSC, to be held at Chulalongkorn University February 20-22, will be the

biggest civil society meeting to parallel an ASEAN Summit. The exciting and extensive
program includes:
* 30 workshops on diverse topics
* the first-ever Asian screening of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning
documentary, "Burma VJ" and
* a dialogue with ASEAN Chair (& Thai Foreign Affairs Minister) Kasit Piromya, and
ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan.
An updated media kit, listing civil society events, photo opportunities, civil society media
spokespersons, and media services such as our text alert system, will be distributed at the
press conference.
Speakers:
Mr Yap Swee Seng, Forum-Asia - on the gaps in the ASEAN Charter/ASEAN Human
Rights Mechanism and what needs to happen to ensure that it is truly a “peoples charter”
Ms Joy Chavez, Focus on the Global South - on the impacts of the global economic crisis
and FTAs in the region.
Ms Carla June Natan, Migrant Forum in Asia – on threats to the millions of migrant
workers and their families, and how these will affect the entire region
Mr Montree Chantavong - Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance

(TERRA), on ecological threats in the Greater Mekong sub-region
Ms Suluck Lamubol, representative of ASEAN Youth Camp - on the outcomes of the

ASEAN youth camp
Ms Lway Aye Nang , Women's League of Burma - on the most urgent recent
developments concerning Burma
Mr Egoy Bans, Initiatives for International Dialogue - on challenges and opportunities for
democracy and peace in the region
For more information, please contact tel: +6685 070 8954 (Thai) or +6681 771 6075
(English)
ENDS
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS: The “Hot Potatoes” at the 14th ASEAN Summit
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations will hold its 14th summit from February 27 - March 1 in
Hua Hin, Thailand.
Below are some of the key issues and questions that should be seriously pursued at the ASEAN
Summit. The ASEAN Peoples’ Forum Meeting and ASEAN Civil Society Conference in Bangkok
will be formulating recommendations that will be presented to the summit.
These discussions will take place against a backdrop of political instability in some countries: The
governments of Thailand and Malaysia are struggling to assert their authority, with growing
concerns that democracy is being undermined in both. Meanwhile, Indonesia will be holding
parliamentary and presidential elections this year.
The ASEAN Charter – The ASEAN Charter came into force in December 2008, and the Summit
will be the first to be held since then. What are the social, political, security and economic
implications as this regional grouping moves to implement this charter? How likely is ASEAN to
meet its goal of creating a single market by 2015 and what challenges lie ahead? How will it
achieve the Millennium Development Goals along the way?
ASEAN Human Rights Body – The ASEAN Charter allows for the creation of a regional human
rights body, and a High Level Panel has drafted a terms of reference for it, which is expected to be
presented to the Summit. What does civil society in the region think of this human rights body?
What will role should this body play and how can it be effective?
Human rights in Burma and the Rohingya refugees – The plight of Rohingya refugees from
Burma’s Arakan State in recent weeks has highlighted the ongoing marginalisation of ethnic
minorities in the military-run country. How can Southeast Asia best help the Rohingya?
Free trade agreements – ASEAN leaders are expected to sign free trade agreements (FTA) with
India, Australia and New Zealand at the summit. With the completion of these pacts, ASEAN will
have forged trade deals with every major economy in the Asia-Pacific region. The grouping is now
negotiating with the European Union for a FTA. What are the implications for workers, labour
conditions, the environment and regional migration as these agreements come into force?
Global economic slowdown – Southeast Asian economies are being badly hit by the global
economic slowdown. How will Southeast Asia recover from the crisis and how will nations resolve
related problems such as rising unemployment, and food and energy security?
ASEAN’s migrant labor - The slowdown will also have major implications for more than 45 million
migrants in the Asian region, up to 20 million of whom are “intra-regional” workers in Southeast
and East Asia. Malaysia has already announced the deportation of 100,000 Indonesian migrants
because of the economic downturn amidst warnings from civil society over their fate. Thailand is
on the brink of a crackdown on migrant labor. Singapore has announced 300,000 layoffs, mostly
affecting migrants. What will become of these migrant workers? Will there be more mistreatment of
these ASEAN citizens by ASEAN governments?
A Community of Conflict – Southeast Asia is home to the world’s longest-running war. For many,
war, or the threat of war, remains a daily reality. Instead of any improvements, prospects for a
different future have deteriorated in recent years. Will ASEAN’s quest to reinvent itself as a
community involve a commitment to peace?
Environmental & Energy Crisis – The lives of millions of ASEAN people continue to be affected
by environmental pressures, including those linked to the pursuit of export dollars and energy. For
many communities, environmental challenges have become environmental crises.
APF/ACSC SERVICES FOR MEDIA
Media Centre: ISIS, level 5, Prajadipok Rambaibhani Building

• Free Wi-Fi
• Citizen reporting on website www.apf2008.org
(within 1~2 hour of event)
• Live Streaming of key events
• Twitter
• SMS alerts & updates
• Interviews, briefings upon request
To subscribe to our sms alert service, pls text your business card
(your name & media organization) to +6681 771 6075
Media enquiries
• 085 070 8954 (Thai)
• 081 771 6075 (English)
APF Administration:
• Ms. Wuttinee Kamolpattarakul, 089 445 4808
• Mr. Jon Fox, 086 998 2613
APF Program Committee:

• Ms. Gayoon Baek, 085 056 6548
• Ms. Jan Boontinand, 089 678 3038
• Ms. Niza Concepcion, 089 216 2991
• Ms. Anelyn de Luna, 081 403 4830
APF Local Organizing Committee:

• Ms. Supawadee Petrat (Kratae), 081 645 7146
• Ms. Chanida bamford, 086 768 8130
• Ms. Suntaree Sae-king 089 713 2070
WHAT’S ON: CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES AROUND THE ASEAN SUMMIT PAGE 1 OF 3
This list updated on February 18, 2009.

Please subscribe to our text alert service by texting your name and organization
(or business card) to + 6681 771 6075
Date Event /location Description Media Contact
16 -19 ASEAN YOUTH CAMP 90 youth representatives from eight Jaruwan Supolrai
February Students Christian ASEAN countries will meet to learn (Netting)
more about ASEAN, regional issues Tel. (+66) 810722714
Centre, Phayathai Road, and discuss how they can engage the
Bangkok (Thai/Eng)
regional organisation.
Email:
Participants are expected to produce netting2005@gmail.c
recommendations on 5 pressing issues om
in the region: the food crisis, peace,
natural resource management,
globalization, natural disaster
management, and political participation.
They will draft a common statement for
presentation in the interface session
and to the APF.
18 PRESS CONFERENCE The Thai civil society involved in the Kannikar
February ON THAI NATIONAL national process of the APF (held in Kijtiwatchakul
PROCESS early February) want to state directly to Tel (+66) 85-070-
1pm the Thai government their views on
Chulalongkorn 8954
many core issues.
University, Bangkok
18-19 GLOBAL Leading peace activists from the region, Gus Miclat
February PARTNERSHIP FOR including Timor Leste, Indonesia, Tel: +639209124309
THE PREVENTION OF Cambodia, Vietnam, West Papua and
ARMED CONFLICT Thailand gather to push further the
regional peace agenda.
(GPPAC) Regional
Steering Grp Meeting
18-19 REGIONAL It is anticipated that the first draft of the Yuyun
February CONSULTATION OF Terms of Reference (TOR) for the will Wahyuningrum,
WOMEN’S GROUP ON be discussed in the summit. FORUM-ASIA
ASEAN HUMAN Key women’s networks in the region tel:+ 6687 991 4451
RIGHTS BODY under the banner of the Solidarity for
Bernice Aquino See,
Asia Peoples’ Advocacy (SAPA) Task
Windsor Hotel, Bangkok Force on ASEAN and Human Rights FORUM-ASIA
(TF-AHR) will meet to discuss recent tel + 6685 145 7869
developments and make inputs to the
1st draft of the TOR based on “inside
information” gathered.
The meeting will bring in 30 human
rights defenders, experts, and
academics from ASEAN countries who
work on women’s rights together.
19 WHO'S GONNA BE Will ASEAN leaders grapple with the hot Kannikar tel: +6685
February PLAYING HOT POTATO issues confronting the regional grouping 070 8954 (Thai) or
AT THE ASEAN or will the ASEAN Summit degenerate
10am into another game of hot potato?
Debbie +6681 771
SUMMIT? 6075 (English)
(Press Launch Of Asean The press conference will feature
Peoples’ Forum / Asean speakers from the region discussing the
Civil Society) hot issues threatening the region, and
possible solutions..
Foreign Correspondents’
Club of Thailand (FCCT)
19 CIVIL SOCIETY STUDY This activity aims to orient participants Ed Legaspi

February SESSION ON ASEAN on the basic aspects of ASEAN, its
Phones: +63 928
transition towards a rules-based
Windsor Suites Hotel, regional community, and how civil
5211596 (Phils No)
Sukhumvit Soi 20, society has been engaging this process. +66 876701678
Bangkok (Bangkok – from 16
to 26 February)
19 WORKSHOP: TO BUILD The workshop, organised by South- Bonnie Setiawan,
February PEOPLES’ South People’s Solidarity Platform is Senior Researcher,
ALTERNATIVE TO bringing members of the solidarity forum Institute of Global
REGIONALISM IN formed during the World Social Forum Justice,
in New Delhi and Nairobi and also
ASEAN bonnie@globaljust.or
practitioners in development of
Bangkok alternatives. Participants will initiate g
discussion and move forward on the
formulation of People's Alternative to
Regionalism in ASEAN.
20-21 ASEAN PEOPLES’ The largest gathering ever, of Kannikar tel: +6685
February FORUM grassroots and regional organisations to 070 8954 (Thai) or
parallel an ASEAN Summit:
Chulalongkorn Debbie +6681 771
University, Bangkok 33 workshops, cultural programs, video 6075 (English)
fest – all focused on grappling with the
(Plenary sessions at challenges confronting the region.
Mahitaladhibesra See program for more details
Building,
Workshop sessions at
Political Science Dept. –
Building 1 & 2)
20 PHOTO OP Activists wearing masks of ASEAN Jan Bootinand,
February In front of APF Plenary leaders will hold banner calling for end Actionaid
to hunger in the region tel + 6689 678 3038
0830am Building
21 SPECIAL SCREENING: A sneak preview of Anders Roby Alampy,
February BURMA VJ: Ostergaard's award-winning "Burma VJ: SEAPA
REPORTING FROM A Reporting from a Closed Country" will tel + 6681 550 1120
7pm be one of the highlights of the ASEAN
CLOSED COUNTRY
Peoples Forum cultural program.
at the APF venue,
See handout for more details
Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok
22 4TH ASEAN CIVIL The ACSC is an ongoing process that Kannikar tel: +6685
February SOCIETY brings together regional and national 070 8954 (Thai) or
CONFERENCE (ACSC) networks that have been actively
engaging with ASEAN and ASEAN
Debbie +6681 771
including 6075 (English)
processes.
Dialogue with
In addition to a dialogue session with
ASEAN Chair/Thai FM the ASEAN Chair & ASEAN Sec-Gen, a
Kasit Piromya & delegation will also meet with ASEAN
ASEAN Sec-Gen Heads of State/Govt in Hua Hin.
Surin Pitsuwan See program for more details
(3.30 – 5 pm)
Mahitaladhibesra
Building, Chulalongkorn
University, Bangkok,
23-25 THE THIRD The Solidarity for Asia Peoples’ Yap Swee Seng,
February SOLIDARITY FOR ASIA Advocacy is the network of more than FORUM-ASIA and
PEOPLES’ ADVOCACY 100 civil society organisations, peoples’ co-convener of
(SAPA) GENERAL organisations, and trade unions working SAPA, yap@forum-
in Asia that meets to discuss on the
FORUM and Concurrent asia.org
yearly basis its plan in engaging with
Events inter-governmental bodies such as Tel: +66 (0)2 653
Bangkok ASEAN, SAARC, Asia-Europe Meeting 2940-1
(ASEM) and United Nations. Jenina Joy Chavez,
The working groups of the network such Focus on the Global
as the SAPA Working Group on South (FOCUS) and
ASEAN, SAPA Working Group on UN co-convener of
Human Rights, and SAPA Working SAPA,
Group on Migration and Labour will also joy.chavez@focuswe
meet to discuss its advocacy and b.org
lobbying plans in 2009.
27 CIVIL SOCIETY In 2008, civil society organisations Rafendi Djamin,

February
INTERFACE WITH THE under the banner of the Solidarity for Convener, Solidarity
HIGH LEVEL PANEL Asia Peoples’ Advocacy Task Force on for Asia People’s
3.30- ASEAN and Human Rights (TF-AHR)
4.30 pmON THE Advocacy Task Force
has held national consultation to solicit
ESTABLISHMENT OF on ASEAN and
inputs from human rights organisation in
THE ASEAN HUMAN 9 out of 10 ASEAN countries namely in Human Rights,
POSTPO RIGHTS BODY rafendi@hrwg.org
NED TO Burma (on Mae Sot-Thailand border),
tel + 62813 1144
MARCH Hua Hin, Thailand Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR,
13, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 2159
POSTPONED TO Thailand, and Vietnam regarding what Yap Swee Seng,
KUALA
LUMPUR MARCH 13, do human rights organisations look Acting Executive
toward the roles and the mandates of
KUALA LUMPUR ASEAN human rights body.
Director, Asian Forum
for Human Rights and
The human rights groups agree that Development
they need an ASEAN human rights
(FORUM-ASIA),
body “with teeth” that can bite when
there is human rights violation. yap@forum-asia.org
In this meeting, key actors in the SAPA
TF-AHR will have an interface with the
High Level Panel on the ASEAN human
rights body (HLP) who act as drafters of
the Terms of References of the ASEAN
human rights body and to submit inputs
on what human rights groups want and
what has been the progresses of the
drafting of the TOR.
28 ASEAN HEADS OF Representatives of regional youth with Jaruwan Supolrai
February STATE/GOVERNMENT present their concerns and proposed (Netting)
INFORMAL DIALOGUE solutions to ASEAN leaders. Tel. (+66) 810722714
1200-
1230 WITH ASEAN YOUTH This is the first event of this nature. (Thai/Eng)
Hua Hin Email:
netting2005@gmail.c
om
28 ASEAN HEADS OF Representatives of civil society with Kannikar tel: +6685
February STATE/GOVERNMENT present their concerns and proposed 070 8954 (Thai) or
INFORMAL DIALOGUE solutions to ASEAN leaders.
1230- Debbie +6681 771
1300 WITH ASEAN CIVIL This is an ongoing process. 6075 (English
SOCIETY
Hua Hin
CONTACTS FOR MEDIA
This is a selection of experts and spokespersons who will be in Bangkok and/or Hua Hin before/during/after the ASEAN Summit.
Most of the moderators, speakers, workshop resource persons and organizers of the ASEAN Peoples’ Forum and ASEAN Civil Society will also be
available for media interviews and/or background briefings.
Simply drop by the APF/ACSC Media Centre or ring +6685 070 8954 (Thai) or +6681 771 6075 (English) with your request or enquiry.
NAME ORGANIZATION EXPERTISE PHONE No. LANGUAGES AVAILABLE

Anwar Upahm United Youth for Peace The worsening conflict in Southern +63920 9132472 English, Feb 19 - 26
and Development Philippines, peace campaign and (c/o Egoy) Filipino
conflict resolution advocacy, working
(Mindanao, with the communities in Mindanao
PHILIPPINES) displaced by war
Arze Glipo Convenor, Asia-Pacific global food crisis its impact on ASEAN +639178576203 English Feb 20 - ?
Network for Food and the Philippines in particular arze_glipo@yahoo.c
Facilitator of the APF Workshop:
Sovereignty (APNFS) Defining ASEAN People's Agenda in
om
Response to the Food Crisis
Aung Myo Min Human Rights BURMA: Child Rights, Child Soldiers, c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-28
Education Institute Human Rights Burmese
Burma
Bo Kyi Assistance Association BURMA: Political Prisoners c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-22
for Political Prisoners Burmese
(Burma)
Carla Nathan June (Ms) Migrant Forum in Asia Labor & Migration in Asia Please check with English, Feb 19 – 26
English language Bahasa
media coordinator Indonesia
+6681 771 6075
Cynthia Gabriel (Ms) International Human Rights +6012 379 2189 English, Feb 21 - 23
Federation for Human Migrant labor & health rights, HIV/AIDS Bahasa
Will speak at workshop on human
Rights (FIDH) rights defenders
Malaysia
Caram-Asia
Dr Chris Beyrer Professor of infectious diseases and human rights + 1 443 807 0412 English Feb. 28th-
Epidemiology, research and programs. March 3rd
International Health,
and Health, Behavior,
and Society
at Johns Hopkins
School of Public Health
Dr Thein Naing National Health and BURMA: Education c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-23
Education Committee Burmese
(Burma)
Ellene Sana Migrant Forum in Asia Labor & Migration in Asia Please check with English, Feb 22 – 26
English language Filipino
media coordinator
+6681 771 6075
Emmanouil Athanasiou International Human Rights +668 4330 6927 English, Feb 19 - 26
Federation for Human +33 6 85 73 54 95 French
Rights (FIDH)
Eurico Perreira Radio Rakambia, peace and reconciliation issues and +670 7243674 or c/o English, Feb 19 - 26
Timor Leste Timor Leste's entry into ASEAN. +632 9132472 Tetun, Bahasa
(egoy) Melayu
Freddy Gamage Leading peace activist conflict situation and humanitarian +632 9132472 (c/o English, Feb 19 - 26
& journalist in Sri crisis in Vanni, Sri Lanka Egoy) Sinhala
Lanka fgamage@gmail.co
m
Gus Miclat Initiatives for Regional peace-building & conflict +639209124309 English, Feb 19 - 26
International Dialogue resolution Filipino
People-to-people solidarity
Global Partnership for Timor Leste, Burma
the Prevention of
Armed Conflict
(GPPAC)
Jaruwan Supolrai (Ms) Collaboration for the Youth Issues +66 8 1072 2714 English, Thai Feb 19 –
Young Generation in Youth participation in ASEAN early March
Mekong Region
(CYM),
Thai Volunteer Service
Joy Chavez (Ms) Focus on the Global Economic Development, Free Trade, +66806036162 English, Feb 19 -27
South Globalisation, FTAs, ASEAN Economic Filipino
Integration
Khin Ohmar (Ms) Burma Partnership BURMA: 2010 Elections/ c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-28
Politics/Migration/ Rohingyas Burmese
Margarita "Maita" Policy Officer, Reality - speaker during the workshop CSO +639279444470 English, Feb 19-23
Gomez (Ms) of Aid Network effectiveness for development and mgomez@ibon.org Filipino
human rights advancement in the
region, feb 21, 2-4pm
- Expertise: economics, aid
effectiveness, CSO effectiveness
Montree Chantavong Towards Ecological Environmental Issues +668 1950 0560 Thai Feb 19 – 26
Recovery and Regional Dams & ecology in Greater Mekong
subRegion
Alliance (TERRA)
Muhadi Sugiono Center for Strategic and An academic and forerunner in the +62878 77182780 English, Feb 19, but
Peace Studies, peace and conflict prevention Bahasa available by
advocacy in Indonesia
Yogyakarta, Indonesia cellphone
INDONESIA after that
Naw La Kachin Development BURMA: Environment/Natural c/- +668 1107 2801 English, No
Network Group Resources Burmese photograph
s or video,
feb 18-23
Premrudee Daoroung Towards Ecological Environment, Mekong region +668 1434 2334 English, Thai Feb 19 – 28
(Ms) Recovery and Regional Will speak at plenary on Energy and
Environment crisis and workshop on
Alliance (TERRA) People's politics and alternative
communities
Rafendi Djamin Convener, SAPA Task ASEAN human rights body, civil Please check with English, Feb 19-28
Force on ASEAN and society engagement with government English language Bahasa
on ASEAN human rights body,
Human Rights Indonesian human rights and political
media coordinator Indonesia
Indonesian NGO for situation +6681 771 6075
International Human Speaker in Concurrent workshop 2, on
Rights (Human Rights Toward on establishment of Regional
Working Group) Human Rights Protection Mechanism
Robert Pinauin Jr. Policy Officer, IBON - speaker during the workshop CSO :+639063322765/ English, Feb 19-24
International effectiveness for development and rpinauin@ibon.org Filipino
human rights advancement in the
region, feb 21, 2-4pm
- Expertise on aid effectiveness, Paris
Declaration, development work
- also working on climate change and
food sovereignty
September Paw (Ms) Karen Human Rights BURMA: Mass Atrocities and Human c/- +668 1107 2801 English, Thai feb 18-23
Group Rights Abuses against ethnic groups
Soe Aung Forum for Democracy BURMA: Democracy and Human c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-28
in Burma Rights, Political Prisoners Burmese, Thai
Thura Burma Partnership Media Liaison for Burmese +668 1107 2801 English, Feb 19 -28
spokespersons Burmese, Thai
Toe Toe (Ms) Women's League of BURMA: Women's Issues c/- +668 1107 2801 English, feb 18-23
Burma Burmese
William Gois Migrant Forum in Asia Labor & Migration in Asia +6392 0960 0916 English, Urdu, Feb 22- 26
Hindi
Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Asian Forum for Expert on Human rights in ASEAN, +668 7991 4451 English, Feb 19-
Ms Human Rights and ASEAN human rights body, Human Bahasa early March
trafficking in ASEAN, Speaker in
Development concurrent workshop 2, Promoting the
Indonesia
(FORUM-ASIA) rights of Indigenous Peoples in
ASEAN
THE ASEAN PEOPLES’ FORUM &
ASEAN CIVIL SOCIETY CONFERENCE
Objective
The ASEAN Peoples’ Forum seeks to strengthen civil society across the ASEAN region,
through direct People-to-People engagement. This regional forum establishes a two-way
process, in which domestic issues are escalated to higher regional forums and the local
impacts of regional issues are highlighted for community level groups. The ASEAN
Peoples’ Forum encourages regional civil society to engage on critical ASEAN issues both
among itself and with ASEAN institutions.
Design
APF participants will gather to articulate common positions on key issues confronting
the region, and develop joint action among civil society actors in Southeast Asia.
Participants will have an opportunity to take part in various plenary sessions and
workshops addressing a wide spectrum of urgent contemporary issues for all ASEAN
peoples. Joint activities will tackle core issues, both descriptive, providing information
and insights, and normative, providing analysis and alternatives.
Workshops fall into three broad categories, following the ASEAN Blueprint model:
1. Peace and Human Security dimension of ASEAN regionalism.

2. Social and Cultural dimensions of ASEAN regionalism – focus on environmental
and sustainable development, special interest groups, media, women's rights, and
youth,
3. The Socio-Economic Dimension of ASEAN regionalism – focus on globalization,
labor, trade and global financial crises.
The APF was initiated by Thai and ASEAN civil society groups, is coordinated by the APF
program committees, and is funded through financial support of both regional civil
society groups and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand, through the
Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS) at Chulalongkorn University in
Bangkok.
Output
The ASEAN Peoples’ Forum will conclude with the 4th ASEAN Civil Society Conference
(ACSC 4)on Sunday 22 February 2009. The ACSC 4 will prepare a joint statement, to be
presented by ASEAN civil society to the ASEAN Leaders during a special interface
session in Hua Hin on 28 February 2009. This interface provides ASEAN civil society
with a singular opportunity to directly engage on vital issues with ASEAN’s most senior
political leadership.
The ASEAN Peoples’ Forum will strengthen links both horizontally across ASEAN civil
society and vertically, providing a crucial interface ASEAN’s political leadership.
Workshops and plenary session will highlight key regional issues, provide a forum for
direct engagement among ASEAN peoples, and facilitate in the formulation of solutions
to address ASEAN regional challenges.
The combined elements of the APF and the ACSC 4 play a crucial role in establishing the vitality
and strength of ASEAN society as it marches into the 21st century, establishing its rightful place
among the nations of the world.
ASEAN Peoples’ Forum (APF)
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
20 – 22 February, 2009
DAY 1: Friday, February 20
Venue: Mahitaladhibesra Building
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
Opening Rite – Song/Ritual by ASEAN Youth & opening

remarks by Thai village leader
Welcome by Organizers (Thai WG and ACSC 4 ROC)

• Supawadee Petrat (Kratae), APF Local Organizing
Committee
• Rafendi Djamin, Human Rights Working Group
Indonesia
Acknowledgement of delegations
APF Briefing
10:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. TEA BREAK
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plenary 1

Responding to the Key Challenges Faced by
Southeast Asian Peoples Today
Moderator: Tran Dac Loi, Vietnam Peace and Development
Foundation
Food and Economic Crisis

• Walden Bello, Focus on the Global South (FOCUS)
Energy and Environmental Crisis
• Premrudee Daoroung, Towards Ecological Recovery
and Regional Alliance (TERRA) / Foundation for
Ecological Recovery
Human Rights and Peace
• Chea Vannath, Centre for Social Development / Star
Kampuchea
People’s Participation and Democracy
• Khin Ohmar, Burma Partnership
Labour and Migration
• Carla Nathan June, Migrant Forum in Asia
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Plenary 2
Understanding Thailand
Moderator: Associate Professor Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Social
Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University
y Jon Ungpakorn, the Advisory Committee of Thai NGO
Coordinating Committee on Development
y Sunee Chaiyarose, the National Human Right
Commission of Thailand
y Prathin Wekawakayanont, Slum Network
y Artef Sohko, Student Federation of Thailand
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. TEA BREAK
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Plenary 3

A Common Action for Southeast Asian Peoples?
Starting a Dialogue towards Regional Alternatives
Moderator: Dottie Guerrero, FOCUS Global South
Alternative Trade and Economy

• Henry Saragih, La Via Campesina
Climate Justice
• Hira Jhamtani, Third World Network
Human Rights
• Cynthia Gabriel, CARAM-Asia
Democratisation
• Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, International
Development Studies Program, Chulalongkorn
University
• Father Vichai Phokthavi
Labour and Migration
• Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, ASEAN Trade Union
Congress
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cultural event and welcome dinner
Venue: Faculty of Political Science’s Soccer Field
Emcees
Bun Sambath, Youth Resource Development Program
Gayoon Baek, FORUM-ASIA
Day Coordinators
Anelyn de Luna, ALTSEAN-Burma
Kratae Petrat, TVS
3
DAY 2: Saturday , February 21
Venue: Faculty of Political Science– Building 1, 2, and Alumni
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Workshop 1
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. TEA BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Concurrent Workshop 2
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Workshop 3
4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. TEA BREAK
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Workshop summary session, by cluster
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. DINNER
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Special screening of Burma VJ

Day Coordinators
Gayoon Baek, FORUM-ASIA
Dottie Guerrero, FOCUS Global South
4
DAY 3: Sunday, February 22
4th ASEAN Civil Society Conference (ACSC 4)

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Plenary 1
CSO Engagement with ASEAN
Moderator: Mr. Apichai Sunchindah
y History of Engagement with ASEAN: Reviewing achievements

and challenges, by Mr. Yap Swee Seng, FORUM-ASIA and
Member of ACSC ROC
y The Breadth of Engagement in 2008: On ASEAN Human Rights
Body & ASEAN Commission on the Protection and Promotion of
the Rights of Women and Children, by Mr. Rafendi Djamin,
Convenor of SAPA TFAHR
y ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the
Rights of Migrant Workers, by Mr. Sinapan Sammydorai,
Convenor of SAPA TFAMW and Ex-Officio Member of the ACSC
ROC
y The EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, by Joseph Purugganan,
FOCUS and EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network
y ASEAN Peoples' Charter and the Three Pillars of Cooperation,
By Ms. Corinna Lopa, SEACA and Member of the ACSC ROC
Plenary to be followed by open discussion
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TEA BREAK
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plenary 2

y Discussion on the ACSC 4 Statements (process &
committee)
y Reaffirmation of ACSC 4 Thailand and the next ASEAN
Peoples` Forum
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Plenary 3

Challenges for CSO Engagement with ASEAN in
2009
Moderator: Dr. Pranee Thiparat, ISIS Thailand
y Mr. Muhamed Shafie BP. Mammal, Secretary General of
ASETUC.
y Ms. Marlene Ramirez, ASIADHHRA.
y Ms. Hira Jhamtani, Third World Network
3:00 p.m. – 3: 30 p.m. TEA BREAK
5
3: 30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plenary 4
CSO Dialogue with ASEAN
Moderator: Ms. Jenina Joy Chavez, Focus on the Global
South &
Member of the ACSC ROC
y H.E. Kasit Piromya, Thailand Foreign Minister, ASEAN

Chair
y H.E. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General
5:00 p.m - 5:30 p.m Reading and Affirmation of the ACSC 4 Statement
5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m Closing Remarks
Day Coordinators
Corinna Lopa, SEACA
Rafendi Djamin, HRWG
6
Workshops at the ASEAN Peoples’ Forum
Three Clusters:
I. Peace & Security

1. Toward the Establishment of Regional Human Rights Protection
Mechanism in ASEAN.
2. Building Peace & People’s Security
3. Need for enhanced protection of human rights defenders in ASEAN :
Overview and challenges
4. Application of the CEDAW framework in addressing the Rights of Women
Migrant Workers in ASEAN countries
5. Strengthening regional action against discrimination towards migrant
women of ASEAN nations
6. The Perception of Regional Instability through ASEAN’s Double Standard
of Non-Intervention in Burma
II. Socio-Cultural Cluster

1. Speaking of ASEAN-speaking in grays and plural: Identities, diversities
and solidarities in engendering communication rights in ASEAN
2. Experiences and good practices of people’s disaster management
3. Education Challenge to ASEAN: Attend to the QUEUE! (Quality Education
for the Unreached and Excluded)
4. Promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the ASEAN
5. Diversity of Communities and Natural Resource Management: Alternatives
to Mega-Development Projects in Mekong Region from Youth Perspective
III. Socio-Economic Cluster

1. Defining the ASEAN Peoples’ agenda in response to the food crisis
2. Climate Justice & ASEAN
3. Consultation Workshop on ASEAN Declaration on the protection and
promotion of the rights of migrant workers
4. ASEAN: An enabling environment for CSO effectiveness in development
and Human Rights promotion?
5. China-ASEAN relations
6. UNDERmining ASEAN: Are we digging our own graves
7. Defending the rights of peasants & small scale food producers
8. Defending People's food sovereignty & agrarian reform
9. Ensuring Food Security for the ASEAN Community
10. People's Energy Security
11. Trade Liberalization and the ASEAN Economic Blueprint
12. Critical Views on the ASEAN-EU FTA
13. After Accra & Doha: Towards a more Effective Development Aid in ASEAN
14. People’s politics & Alternative Communities
15. Impact of Globalization & GNH Youth Movement
16. Emerging crises: De-globalization and Regional Alternatives?
7
ASEAN Peoples’ Forum
Concurrent Workshops, Saturday, February 21
Room Assignment
Political Science, Building 1

Room # 9am - 11am 11am - 1pm 2pm – 4pm
Speaking of ASEAN-
speaking in grays and
plural: Identities,
101 diversities & solidarities in
engendering
communication rights in
ASEAN
Education challenge to
UNDERmining ASEAN: ASEAN: Attend to the
Ensuring food security for
102 Are we digging our own QUEUE! (Quality
the ASEAN community
graves? Education for the
Unreached & Excluded)
Experiences and good

After Accra & Doha: China-ASEAN Relations:
practices of people’s
103/1 Towards more effective People’s views, People’s
disaster management in
development aid in ASEAN responses
ASEAN
Consultation workshop on
ASEAN declaration on the
Impact of globalization & People’s Politics &
103/2 protection and promotion
GNH youth movement Alternative Communities
of the rights of migrant
workers
Trade Liberalization & the

ASEAN Economic
107 Blueprint: Implications to
women workers, informal
work and social protection
Critical Views on the Toward the establishment Need for enhanced

ASEAN-EU FTA: Areas of of Regional Human Rights protection of human rights
108
concern & campaigning Protection Mechanism in defenders in ASEAN :
opportunities ASEAN Overview and challenges
8
Workshop Room Assignment
Political Science, Building 2
Diversity of communities &

natural resource
Emerging crises: Promoting the rights of
management: Alternatives
106 De-globalisation & regional Indigenous Peoples in the
to Mega-Development
alternatives? ASEAN
projects in Mekong region
from a Youth Perspective
Defining the ASEAN Defending the rights of Defending People's food

107 Peoples’ Agenda in peasants and small scale sovereignty and agrarian
response to the food crisis food producers reform
ASEAN: An enabling
environment for CSO
108 People's energy security Climate Justice & ASEAN effectiveness
in development & human
rights advancement?
The perception of regional

Strengthening regional
instability through
action against
206.1 ASEAN’s double standard
discrimination towards
of non-intervention in
ASEAN migrant women
Burma
Building Peace & People’s Building Peace & People’s

Building Peace & People’s
Security in Southeast Asia- Security in Southeast Asia-
Security in Southeast Asia-
Workshop 1: Updates Workshop 2: The Big
206.2 Workshop 3: The Task
from the Frontlines - What Picture - What is the
Ahead - What should we
is the state of peace in regional and global context
do?
Southeast Asia today? today?
9
Workshop Room Assignment
Political Science, Alumni Building
Alumni
ASEAN Films* ASEAN Films* ASEAN Films*
Room
Malai Application of the CEDAW

Lecture framework in addressing
Hall the Rights of Women
Migrant Workers in
ASEAN countries
Cluster summary discussions, 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.:

1. Peace & Security Cluster : Political Science Building II - 106
2. Socio-Cultural Cluster : Political Science Building II - 107
3. Socio-Economic Cluster : Political Science Building II - 108
ASEAN Films*:
Continuous screening of films on various ASEAN issues, provided by APF partners.
10
Concurrent Workshops, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009: Detailed Description
I. Peace & Security

No Title Description Time Room
.
Developments in ASEAN gained momentum after the
Toward the adoption of the ASEAN Charter on 20 November 2007. 11am - B1.108
In line with the purpose and principles of promoting and
Establishment of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms as 1pm (40 pax)
Regional Human enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, Article 14 of the Charter
Rights Protection provides for the establishment of an ASEAN human rights
Mechanism in body. Along with the process of establishing the ASEAN
ASEAN human rights body, there is also a parallel process on
1 creating the ASEAN Commission on Women and Children
as mandated by the 2004 Vientiane Action Plan (VAP).
How will these two important processes meet in the end?
Is it possible for ASEAN human rights body and ASEAN
Commission on Women and Children to merge or maybe is
it not necessary? The main objective of this session is to
serve as a venue to exchange views and obtain the
common understanding on the differences and stand
points.
In all but a few countries in Southeast Asia, war or the
Building Peace & threat of war remains a daily reality. Instead of improving, 9am - B2.
the prospects for a different future have instead
People’s Security deteriorated in the previous years: In the Philippines, the 11am 206.2
in Southeast Asia war against the Moro people threatens to escalate as a (60 pax)
result of the recent collapse of the peace talks; an armed 11am -
Workshop 1: communist movement remains active in the countryside. In 1pm
Updates from the Thailand, the war in the south shows no signs of abating. In
Frontlines: What is Burma, the regime’s grip on power has strengthened, 2pm -
thereby prolonging the conflict between it and the different
the state of peace ethnic groups. In Indonesia, a fragile peace agreement in 4pm
in Southeast Asia Aceh holds tenuously, while people struggling for self-
today? determination in West Papua continue to be repressed.
Meanwhile, the global context in which Southeast Asia is
2 Workshop 2: The situated has changed considerably. The US, long an

external power whose actions have profoundly impacted
3 Big Picture: What the region, has been weakened economically, militarily,
4 is the regional and and diplomatically. Whether it can continue to hold as much
global context power and influence over the region and its peoples has
today? been put in question. China, on the other hand, has not
only deepened its economic relations with Southeast Asian
countries, it has also began to seek military ties with them.
Even Russia, whose re-emergence as a global power has
been marked in recent years, is slowly making its presence
felt in the region. As the world changes, so will Southeast
Workshop 3: The Asia.
Task Ahead: What But how should it? This series of workshops aims to
should we do? provide an opportunity for civil society and social
movements to come together and discuss: What should
Southeast Asia’s peoples, civil society organizations and
social movements, and governments, as well as the
ASEAN, do to promote peace in their own countries, in the
region, and in the world?
Over the past years, some ASEAN member-States have
Need for enhanced been reluctant to recognise the essential role of civil society 2pm- B1. 108
in the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law. In
5 protection of this context, some States, which have been considering the
4pm (40 pax)
human rights independent civil society as a threat, have increasingly
defenders in
11
ASEAN : Overview been introducing new legislation aiming at restricting
and challenges freedoms of association, expression and peaceful
assembly of human rights defenders. The workshop will
therefore aim at presenting the different trends of
repression affecting human rights defenders and their work
in the region and in recent years, as well as the challenges
they face in the current political and social context of
several member-States of ASEAN.
As an action-oriented mechanism aiming at protecting
human rights defenders at the regional level is still lacking,
panellists will discuss the possibility and opportunity to
create a protection mechanism for those who defend
human rights in ASEAN, so that civil society and social
movements are able to carry out their activities in
accordance with the 1998 United Nations Declaration on
Human Rights Defenders. The objective is to raise
awareness among civil society and decision makers in the
ASEAN area about the necessity to protect human rights
defenders through recommendations to the Summit.
Women migrant workers make up more than half the
Application of the number of migrant workers in Southeast Asia. This 2pm- Malai
workshop highlights multiple forms and sites of exploitation
CEDAW and discrimination experienced by women migrant workers.
4pm Lecture
framework in It will aim to extrapolate on strengths of CEDAW as a Hall
addressing the legally binding instrument to draw accountability from
6
Rights of Women ASEAN States. It draws from CEDAW framework the ALUMNI
Migrant Workers principles, legally binding standards, tools and processes; BUILDI
with particular focus on General Comment 26 (women
in ASEAN NG (200
migrant workers). It will also explore possible strategies of
countries engaging with the various ASEAN platforms to address the pax) -
rights of women migrant workers in ASEAN countries." screen
This workshop highlights multiple forms and sites of
Strengthening exploitation and discrimination experienced by women 2pm- B2. 206.1
migrating for work and marriage. It aims to surface and
regional action recommend appropriate, empowering policies and services
4pm (60 pax)
against for the women marriage migrants through use of multiple
discrimination lenses in understanding marriage migration: citizenship,
7 towards migrant multiculturalism, human security, and women’s agency. It
women of ASEAN extrapolates on strengths of CEDAW as a legally binding
instrument to draw accountability from ASEAN States.
nations
It draws from CEDAW framework the principles, legally
binding standards, tools and processes such as the
CEDAW Review Process with particular focus on General
Comment 26 (women migrant workers).
The problems with Burma are much more pervasive and
The perception of problematic than ASEAN is willing to admit. ASEAN’s 9am- B2. 206.1
policy of non-interference is a farce, because 1) they
regional Instability interfere already with their foreign investment that causes 11am (60 pax)
through ASEAN’s widespread social and environmental problems and 2) the
8 double standard of military junta has perpetuated so many problems that they
non-intervention have already begun affecting other countries. A state that
in Burma lacks rule of law and fundamental protection of life, liberty
and security for its people will only bring greater regional
instability.
12
II. Socio-Cultural Cluster

.
Communications is an essential element in the formation of
Speaking of identities, citizenship, societies and cultures. It is the 11am- B1. 101
conduit in the continuous production and sharing of
ASEAN-speaking information, knowledge, aspiration and desires. As it
1pm (20 pax)
in grays and operate at the cellular level of our lives and their multiple
plural: Identities, dimensions, communications can only be truly empowering
diversities and if it is performed and developed in free milieus.
solidarities in
With the ASEAN Charter and the renewed interest of
engendering
stakeholders in ASEAN, this panel intends to explore the
9 communication possibilities of transformation in the traditional "ASEAN
rights in ASEAN Way" principles and practices on communications; further
surface the interrelatedness of struggles on media
freedom, privacy rights, access to information and
resources, women's rights, among many others; forge
dialogues and solidarities in a way that take into account
the differences of people in terms of social categories such
as class, gender, ethnicity, and race as well as the nuances
in our very exercise of individual autonomy and citizenship
and communitarian aspirations.
Natural disaster is one of the serious issues that have a

Experiences & great impact on people in South-east Asia. The region is 11am- B1. 103/1
continuously being challenged by the ever-increasing
good practices of number and scale of natural disasters such as Tsunami in
1pm (50 pax)
people’s disaster Thailand in 2004 and Cyclone Nargis in Burma. These
management disasters are stark reminders that it is still a long way from
achieving ASEAN’s target of having a disaster resilient and
safer community by the end of 2015. ASEAN
acknowledged that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) work
10 should be coordinated actions at the local, national,
regional and global levels.
This will be a good opportunity for those working on

emergency response from Burma, Cambodia, China,
Thailand and Vietnam to share their experiences on
handling emergency response and rehabilitation, good
practices and lessons learned. It is also a chance for policy
advocacy to focus on the people-centered and humanized
emergency response.
In 2000 at the turn of the Millennium, 164 countries
Education including all the members of the ASEAN, promised that by 2pm- B1. 102
2015, every person will be able to claim their right to quality
Challenge to education and learning. That same year gave birth to the
4pm (30 pax)
ASEAN: Attend to MDGs, its 2nd goal reiterating governments’ responsibility
the QUEUE! towards Universal Primary Completion for all children, also
(Quality Education by 2015. However, midway to 2015, some countries are
for the Unreached starting to lose steam and a growing number of countries
11 and Excluded) are now seeing reversals. And beset by low capacities and
a lag between policy discourse and actual implementation,
some countries also remain far from reaching the 2015
goals. On the occasion of the 14th ASEAN Summit which
will see the adoption of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community blueprint and articulation of priorities and
unities among the 10 ASEAN countries including review of
ASEAN commitment on MDGs, this will therefore be an
opportune moment to place the Education For All agenda
13
squarely in the policy discussions, and link it strongly to the
expectedly more attractive issues of financial turmoil, price
crises, global warming, and trade and general economic
downturn.
The workshop will mainly deal with the promotion of

Promoting the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the ASEAN specifically in 11am- B2. 106
providing greater awareness to the participants on the
rights of UNDRIP and the IP Resolution. The workshop will also be
1pm (60 pax)
Indigenous a venue for cooperation and collaboration between
Peoples in the indigenous peoples and civil society organizations on
ASEAN issues of mutual concerns and interests for joint advocacy
12 to the Human Rights Body of the ASEAN. The target
speakers of the workshop are representative/s from the UN
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN Human
Rights Council Expert Mechanism on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, Regional UN Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights and the UNDP Regional
Indigenous Peoples Program.
Diversity of Mekong region is one of the regions that comprised of 2pm- B2. 106
Communities &
numerous ethnic groups. Land and forestry has been 4pm (60 pax)
significant for local people due to agriculture is their
Natural Resource fundamental livelihood. Now a day Mekong River is under
Management: threat of economic develop policies and mega projects
Alternatives to such as roads, dams, power plants, mining, navigation, gas
Mega- pipeline and so on. Current destructive practices including
13 Development conversion of forestland to large-scale mono-crop or agri-
business plantations areas which have affected to the
projects in Mekong livelihood of local communities. As youth will play a very
region from Youth important role for further development of our region, we will
perspective take part of this opportunity to learn more from each other.
In order to build up understanding and awareness of
different issues regarding development and natural
resource management.
14
III. Socio-Economic Cluster

.
ASEAN Peoples’ Agenda in Response to the Food Crisis
Defining the "Defining the ASEAN's People Agenda in Response to the 9am- B2. 107
Food Crisis, " will provide a deeper analysis on the causes
ASEAN Peoples’ of the food crisis manifested in different countries across
11am (60 pax)
agenda in response the region, defining as the common and threatening
to the food crisis challenge for the ASEAN People . Insight perspectives
from Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia will
illustrate the impacts of the crisis on the livelihood and
situation on right to food, food security and sovereignty in
selected countries and the region as a whole. The
14 workshop will also examine the policies as well as
measures taken by governments in ASEAN and ASEAN as
a regional body in response to the food crisis and will also
present the models of successful interventions taken by the
civil society, including the young people, as alternative
solutions defined by ASEAN people. Recommendations
from civil society , including the perspectives from ASEAN
youth, will also be presented, in response to the existing
gaps in related policies implemented by governments as
well as ASEAN to ensure and seek accountability from
relevant organizations.
According to the UNDP Human Development Report
Climate Justice & 2007/2008, three ASEAN countries are among the top 30 11am- B2. 108
greenhouse gas emitters of the world (Indonesia - 14,
ASEAN Thailand – 22, and Malaysia – 26), and two of them have
1pm (60 pax)
the fastest rates of increase in emissions in 14 years
between 1990 and 2004 (Thailand – 180% and Malaysia –
221%). Per capita emissions of these two countries are
among the highest of the developing world, higher than
China; Malaysia's in particular (at 7.5 tons) is about the
same level as some of the EU countries. The facts show
the richer countries in ASEAN are already significant
contributors to the current climate change problems.
Given the urgency of the situation, anyone in the right mind

would see that it is imperative that the North immediately
15 shifts to a low-carbon economy, while the South should be
entitled to necessary resources and technology to begin to
make this transition at the same time. In reality, however,
what governments have been doing at the UNFCCC for
many years was acting on the basis of self-interest, with
the North using negotiation tactics to avoid any obligations
and the South ready to trade away the rights of their
peoples over natural resources.
The purposes of the workshop is to 1) identify ASEAN

peoples' common agenda in relation to the issues of
climate justice and UNFCCC negotiations, 2) to strategize
on how to jointly engage in climate justice advocacy at the
ASEAN level effectively during the period leading to the
COP 15 in Copenhagen, and 3) to discuss possible long-
term cooperation.
ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the
Consultation Rights of Migrant Workers was adopted during the 12th 11am- B1. 103/2
16 Workshop on ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, by the Heads of
1pm (50 pax)
State/Government of the Member Countries of ASEAN.
ASEAN Paragraph 22 of the Declaration task the relevant ASEAN
15
Declaration on the bodies to follow-up on the Declaration and to develop an
protection & ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the
rights of migrant workers.
promotion of the
rights of migrant Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers since March 2007
workers is conducting national consultation "a bottom-up process"
to draft the TU-CSO instrument on the promotion and
protection of the rights of migrant workers.
The workshop will provide space to discuss the TU-CSO

Draft ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of
the rights of migrant workers and identify steps, programs,
and frameworks leading to the adoption and
implementation of the ASEAN instrument on migrant
workers rights.
In the recent High Level Forum (HLF) on Aid Effectiveness,
ASEAN: An ASEAN member states among other nations have agreed 2pm- B2. 108
on the Accra Action Agenda (AAA), which states that
enabling donors and governments, in recognition of the crucial role
4pm (60 pax)
environment for of CSOs as independent development actors, “will work
CSO effectiveness with CSOs to provide an enabling environment that
in development & maximizes their contributions to development.” A global
Human Rights process called Open Forum on CSO Development
Effectiveness responds to the challenge of involving CSOs
promotion?
in defining principles and guidance for their own
17 effectiveness as development actors. This process will
undertake national and regional consultations in Asia. The
workshop will provide an opportunity to tackle the issue
from a regional frame and advance the dialogue with the
ASEAN leaders particularly on the issue of enabling
environment, that is the regulatory and legislative
environment; openness of donors and government to
CSOs and social movements, transparency and
accountability and CSO community’s own collective
mechanisms.
We are witnessing a global economic crisis, growing
China-ASEAN poverty, the widening gap between the rich and the poor 2pm- B1. 103/1
and ecological disasters. ASEAN countries and China are
Relations: People's facing these challenges in social, economical as well as 4pm (50 pax)
views, People's environmental dimensions although the specific problems
responses confronted by each country might not be the same.
The increasing economic influence of China and the

enlarged trade activities of Chinese corporations are
already felt in the region. China is now a major dialogue
partner of the ASEAN and many ASEAN countries have
already signed economic partnership agreements with
18 China or negotiating one.
However, organizations and movements in China and

ASEAN countries are not yet familiar with the outcomes of
such economic partnerships and their impacts to local
livelihood. Moreover, there is very little interaction between
movements and networks from ASEAN countries and
groups in China. There is already a growing recognition
that another globalization and regional integration are
possible. We need to find alternatives that are sustainable,
people-centered and based on social and environmental
justice. This workshop hopes to start a dialogue and
contribute to a strong people to people cooperation.
16
Large-scale mining remains one of the most destructive
and unsustainable activities in the world today. Minerals 9am- B1. 102
continue to be extracted in an unsustainable manner often
without the consent of the communities which host them,
11am (30 pax)
causing countless human rights violations, and wanton
UNDERmining environmental destruction, threatening fragile cultures and
the source of livelihood of peoples who are primarily
ASEAN: Are we
19 dependent on natural resources for their very survival.
digging our own Despite this, ASEAN seeks to encourage continued
graves? investments into mining in the region. For ASEAN
governments, foreign investor-driven mining is a potential
engine of growth and development. The experiences of
countries which have decided to open their minerals sector
to foreign investors prove that this is nothing more than a
myth.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and
Defending the current human rights regime and mechanisms are 11am- B2. 107
important instruments in the contemporary peasants and
rights of peasants rural communities. Nevertheless, there are major gaps in 1pm (60 pax)
& small scale food the interpretation and implementation of these mechanisms
producers when applied to peasants. For several years, La Via
Campesina, an international peasants movement, has
20 been taking steps towards institutionalizing the protection
of the rights of peasants. Peasants need a special
provision, and a future International Convention on the
Rights of the Peasants (ICRP) is a logical thing to do. This
initiative also works as a basis for challenging the neo-
liberal model and building alternatives, especially within the
ASEAN scope where peasants is the backbone of the
society.
The workshop will explore and discuss Peoples' Food
Defending People's Sovereignty and comprehensive agrarian reform as lasting 2pm- B2. 107
solutions to the food and financial crises that the world is
food sovereignty & facing. Speakers will show why short term, technocratic 4pm (60 pax)
agrarian reform: “fixes” that do not change the fundamentals of our current
Solutions to the economic system, will not address the crises in any
Food, Fuel, meaningful manner. They will also present cases for why
21 Financial and Peoples' Food Sovereignty and comprehensive agrarian
reform are essential at this conjuncture, as the world's
Climate Crises
peoples are realising the importance of regaining
democratic control over our collective resources and
capacities. And finally, participants will be encouraged to
discuss strategies to build broad societal support for
Peoples' Food Sovereignty and comprehensive agrarian
reform in the ASEAN countries.
The workshop aims to reveal existing situation on food
Ensuring Food security in ASEAN member countries, discuss policy and 11am- B1. 102
program measures that will help attain national and
Security for the regional food security and adopt elements of a food
1pm (30 pax)
ASEAN security framework which can guide food security
22 Community advocates in the region. The initial suggestions and
proposals paves a way for stakeholders to enact policies
and programs that will ensure food security in the region;
the workshop will also issue a statement on food security in
the ASEAN Community.
The most glaring injustice in the whole climate crisis that is
People's Energy befalling us all is the fact that poor people all over the 9am- B2. 108
world, who have the least access to fossil fuel and
23 Security consume only a small amount of energy per head, are
11am (60 pax)
going to be disproportionately affected by the impact of
climate change.
17
In the event that the draft Blueprint for ASEAN Socio-
Cultural Community has proposed to "promote regional
cooperation on conservation of energy and the use of
clean, alternative and renewable energy in the region" (the
only reference to the issues of climate change in the whole
document), it is time the peoples of ASEAN come together
to start discussing how to make the development of clean,
alternative and renewable energy a national and regional
priority.
The ASEAN economic blue print aims for an integrated
Trade regional economy by establishing the region as an 11am- B1. 107
integrated production and services base by 2015. This
Liberalization and poses risks and threats to citizens in the ASEAN,
1pm (80-100
the ASEAN particularly to workers and other marginalized sectors. In pax)
Economic the context of the current global financial and economic
Blueprint: crisis, massive job layoffs are expected to intensify
Implications to
the informalization of labor and further erosion of labor
women workers,
24 rights. The states' responses to the crisis have been biased
informal work and to bailing out investors and assuming corporate risks and
social protection losses than giving more priority than social safety nets for
the people. As a result, household vulnerabilities increase,
leaving women with the multiple burden of finding means
for family survival. Given these important issues, this
workshop will analyze ASEAN economic integration and
trade intensification in the context of the challenges posed
by the current crisis on the ASEAN people, particularly
women.
Panelists from different ASEAN countries will present their
Critical Views on sectoral impact assessment studies, an overview from the 9am- B1. 108
European perspective, and an overview of ASEAN’s key
the ASEAN-EU interests and approach to FTA negotiations. The workshop
11am (40 pax)
FTA: Areas of aims to assist campaigners in South East Asia to better
25 Concern & understand key elements under the context of the ASEAN-
Campaigning EU FTA negotiations; raise public awareness and identify
Opportunities potential main areas of public concern; and provide
information for strategizing further campaign plans on
ASEAN-EU FTA.
The Workshop on ODA and ASEAN: From Accra to Doha
After Accra & will focus on ODA impact on Millennium Development 9am- B1. 103/1
Goals (MDGs) and human development, presenting
Doha: Towards a experiences from some ASEAN countries i.e. Philippines,
11am (50 pax)
more Effective Indonesia and Vietnam. There will be presentations to
Development Aid highlight the people’s voices and the impact of ODA on the
26 in ASEAN lives of the marginalized and disadvantaged. The expected
output of the forum is to be able to put forward a position
that beyond the issue of declining ODA, an important issue
is examining closely the real facts about the quantity and
quality of aid that will hopefully lead to influence future key
international events towards changes in the orientation and
implementation of Official Development Assist.
Regarding the situation in many countries in the region, it is
People’s politics & found out that representative democratic system politics 2pm- B1. 103/2
has much limitation. Politicians and political parties that are
Alternative elected and become people’s representatives and
4pm (50 pax)
27 Communities government are representatives of capitalists. They are not
representatives of farmers, laborers, poor people and other
marginalized groups. As a result, the government’s policy is
not able to address the real problems of majority of the
people of the country. Resources are not justly allocated
18
and under the influence and domination of superpower
countries and global organizations.
It is therefore important for people sector’s movements to

review the problems and limitations of representative
system politics and share people sector’s experiences and
lesson learnt to jointly find ways to develop the roles of
people sector’s politics and to propose these as ASEAN
region’s alternatives for sustainable development.
As our world is facing with the Globalization stream that is
Impact of driving towards Neo-liberalism for the unlimited modernity 9am- B1. 103/2
in development, the influences of consumerism is slowly
Globalization & integrating into our lifestyles in almost every aspect,
11am (50 pax)
GNH Youth especially to those young people in Southeast Asia that
Movement has been growing up under the challenging changes of two
cultures. One is the world of local wisdom and its emphasis
on values, spirits and collectivism, and the other world, that
emphasize on materialism and individualism. Amidst the
transitions of the two contrasting cultures, the social
paradigm as well as lifestyles of young people has
inevitably shifted and accidentally fallen into being slaves
28 for materialism and consumerism, as they might or might
be not fully aware of the issues.
So it is necessary that the youth of today empower

themselves and recognize the social problems in local,
national and regional level, so that they will together search
for the ASEAN identity and issues of the youth of ASEAN,
who are facing the challenges that comes with various
forms of development. The most important key is that the
youth must have roles and participation for crating the fair,
just and peaceful society in local, national and regional
level.
The global financial system is unraveling at great speed.
Emerging crises: This is happening in the midst of a multiplicity of interlinked 9am- B2. 106
crises in relation to food, climate change and energy arising
De-globalization from the workings of the currently dominant global neo-
11am (60 pax)
and Regional liberal model. More than two decades of privatization,
Alternatives? liberalization and deregulation in many countries in Asia,
Africa and Latin America have had devastating effects on
industrial and agricultural capacities, formal sector
employment, independent livelihoods and the environment.
29 Finding solutions to the global crises has now become the

major concern across the globe. This workshop will
highlight the debate around the idea of 'de-globalization'
and the challenges and possibilities of moving forward in
the concretization of regional alternatives to the economic,
financial, food, climate and energy crises and instead place
the interest of people and the planet at its centre. It will aim
to encourage cross-fertilization from experiences on
regional alternatives among social movements and civil
society organizations from Asia, Africa, Latin America and
Europe.
19
ASEAN Peoples’ Forum
Important Contact Information
APF Administration:
• The Institute of Security and International (ISIS)
Prajadhipok-Rambhaibarni Building., 5th Floor, Chulalongkorn University Bangkok
Tel: (66) 2 218 7432-3, Fax: (66) 2 254 0119 Email: isisthailand@chula.ac.th
Ms. Wuttinee Kamolpattarakul (Pachet), 089 445 4808 (Thai / Eng.)

Mr. Jon Fox, 086 998 2613 (Eng.)
APF Program Committee:

• Ms. Gayoon Baek, 085 056 6548
• Ms. Jan Boontinand, 089 678 3038
• Ms. Niza Concepcion, 089 216 2991
• Ms. Anelyn de Luna, 081 403 4830
•
APF Local Orginizing Committee:
• Ms. Supawadee Petrat (Kratae), 081 645 7146
• Ms. Chanida bamford, 086 768 8130
• Ms. Suntaree Sae-king 089 713 2070
Media Team:
085 070 8954, Thai/Eng
081 771 6075 Eng.
Tourist police:
1155
20
59- B Malumanay Street, Teachers’ Village West, Diliman, Quezon City 1104, The Philippines
Tel: (632) 433 35 08 Fax: (632) 433 12 92 • E-mail: mfa@pacific.net.hk • Web: www.mfasia.org
Standing Members
Bangladesh MFA Cautions Against Ignoring Migrant Workers

Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK);
Refugee and Migratory Movements Amidst the Global Crisis
Research Unit (RMMRU);
Welfare Association of Repatriated
6 February 2009
Bangladeshi Employees (WARBE)
India Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) is profoundly concerned about the intensifying global
Center for Education and
Communication (CEC); Migrant economic meltdown and its impact on migrant workers.
Forum India (MFI)
Nepal Around the world, countries have prospered as migrant workers build the infrastructure
All Nepal’s Women Association
(ANWA); and fuel the engines of their economies. Yet during economic downturns, migrants
Women Rehabilitation Center have been accused of depressing wages and stealing local jobs. As millions of working
(WOREC), POURAKHI, Youth
Action Nepal (YOAC) people are let go amidst the mounting the economic crisis, politicians have begun to
Sri Lanka exploit the recession to instill fear in job loss and promote classes of workers. Statements
Action Network for Migrant such as “locals first” have become divisive strategies that set migrant workers against
Workers (ACTFORM);
Migrant Services Centre (MSC); national workers. Couched in racism, “local first” policies are frequently used to justify
Women and Media Collective
(WMC)
attacks on migrants and are cheap attempts to absolve government of responsibility.
Cambodia Unemployment, subcontracting and other policies that diminish rights and increase
Legal Support for Children and worker “flexibility” are driven by a concern for profit margins over people. Employers
Women (LSCW), Cambodian
Women for Peace and
and governments, the staunchest supporters of the neo-liberal paradigm, must be held
Development (CWPD) to account.
Burma
Federation of Trade Unions –
Burma (FTUB) It is critical that the unfolding crisis does not ripple into scapegoating and violence
Indonesia against migrants. Over the past several months, MFA has observed mounting layoffs of
Center for Indonesian Migrant
Workers (CIMW); Jarnas
migrant workers. The International Labour Office (ILO) predicts that the economic crisis
Pekabumi; KOPBUMI; will lead to more than 20 million job losses, with migrant workers being among the most
Migrant Care;
Solidaritas Perempuan; Serikat
affected and also rendered the most vulnerable (Business World, 2009).
Buruh Migran Indonesia (SBMI)
Malaysia The 1997 Asian financial crisis demonstrated that migration is not a sustainable
Tenaganita
economic development agenda. By early 1998, the anti-migrant sentiment was
Philippines
Batis Center for Women; already peaking. Governments throughout Asia were expelling migrant workers.
Center for Migrants Advocacy Thailand announced a plan to expel a million migrants while Malaysia indicated that
(CMA-Phils); Kapisanan ng mga
Kamag-anakan ng Migranteng hundreds of thousands of migrant workers, with work permits and not, would be
Mangagawang Pilipino deported (AMC, 1999). However, governments soon were besieged by complaints
(KAKAMMPI);
Kanlungan Center Foundation, Inc. from businesses that did not have enough workers as locals refused to take those jobs
(KCFI); Unlad Kabayan Migrants left by migrants.
Services Foundation, Inc.
Singapore
St. Francis Workers Centre Across Asia, the shocks reverberations are again being felt. The Malaysian government
(SFWC) Humanitarian
Organization for Migration has already announced a ban on the recruitment of migrant workers for manufacturing
Economics (HOME), Transient and services sectors. Under the pretext of a “Hire Local First” policy, the government
Workers Count Too (TWC2)
will again force the early termination of productive migrant workers without their legally
Hong Kong
Asian Migrant Centre (AMC); entitled compensation. Malaysia already employs migrant workers in the number of 2.1
Coalition for Migrants Rights million – about a fifth of the total workforce (Al-jazzera, 2009). Singapore expects that
(CMR);
Indonesian Migrant Workers Union there will be about 300,000 job losses by 2010, likely the first to be let go will be migrant
(IMWU) workers (Permatasari, 2009).
Japan
Solidarity for Migrants – Japan
(SMJ) Many migrant workers are hired via outsourcing agents to whom migrants have paid
Korea exorbitant amounts to secure a job, in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars. When
Joint Committee for Migrant employers release workers, migrants still must work to pay off their debt bond. Already
Workers in Korea (JCMK)
Mongolia migrants, particularly women and unorganized workers, are known to be working in the
Center for Human Rights and most demanding and dangerous sectors, but they have no choice but to take even
Development (CHRD)
lower pay and suffer in more hazardous work conditions. Lack of portable social
Taiwan
Hope Workers Center (HWC)
security exacerbates the vulnerability of migrant workers.
Trade unions, together with migrant workers, have strengthened the labour movement, organizing
for decent work, decent and equal pay, job security and safe workplaces. Every worker is
affected by the global recession and workers must remain united.
Several Asian countries rely heavily on remittances to stabilize the economy and provide for the
basic needs of families. In fact, in recent years, international organizations have enthusiastically
promoted migration as a means to promote development. Remittances represent the largest
transfer of dollars to families in developing countries worldwide – over $300 billion US dollars
globally (twice that of all official foreign aid annually) (World Bank, 2008; Reuters, 2008).
Remittance dollars are used to support the immediate needs of families, sponsoring educational
opportunities and paying for health care. Diminished household incomes will put more families at
risk and migration may be seen as the only option, whether authorized or not.
There are suggestions that flows of undocumented workers will increase even as doors are locked
(OECD, 2009). The reasons for migration such as unemployment and attempts to support families
will not disappear in the global recession. Desperation may deepen and migrants may endure
perilous conditions to continue sending support home.
Migrants and their families will clearly be among the hardest hit by the recession. So too will the
countries that rely on migrant remittances to ease unemployment, service debt payments,
stabilize foreign exchange and support economic growth. Governments need to be aware of
migrant concerns and must examine, in consultation with trade unions, how migrants can be
supported through this challenging time. Stimulus packages are simply bandages that attempt to
obscure the growing cracks in the current economic development paradigm. The ILO’s strategy
for decent work, found in the 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization
“provides a solid foundation in addressing the current crisis,” says Juan Somavia, Director-General
of the ILO. “Decent work opportunities at home,” Somavia continues, “would pave the way for
migration by choice, not by necessity.”
MFA calls for governments to uphold the right of migrants to organize, a fundamental right
granted by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Labour and migrant worker
movements have become allies but more has to be done to build solidarity across
borders with ties at home and in destination countries.
MFA appeals for governments to implement and develop comprehensive and

sustainable programs on migrant reintegration.
MFA calls for governments to ensure that laid-off migrant workers are safely returned
home and are not forced to repatriate.
MFA urges countries of origin to create decent jobs in order for people not to be forced to
migrate; migration should be an option not as a means to survive. Governments must
stop relying on remittances for economic development.
MFA iterates that government must implement the ILO strategy for decent work, found in
the 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.
Those workers that choose to migrate for work must be protected and governments (of
both sending and destination countries) must develop means to protect the labour rights
of migrant workers including access to health services, portable social security, by
including migrants under national labour legislation and though standard contracts.
Portable social security is essential to tide over migrant workers during this current crisis
but also to protect migrants from the accelerating cycles of economic downturns.
MFA urges governments in sending countries, as they begin to create economic stimulus
packages, to create decent work opportunities and also to spend on skills and training
programs to cushion workers, both local and migrant, from future shock waves.
MFA is a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions
of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia that are committed to protect and promote
the rights and welfare of migrant workers. It is guided by a vision of an alternative world system
based on respect for human rights and dignity, social justice, and gender equity, particularly for
migrant workers.
Sources:
• Al-jazeera. (2009, January 22). “Malaysia bans foreign labourers.”
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/01/20091228418535985.html.
• Business World. (2009, January 29). “Crisis may worsen sharply, says ILO.” Vol XXII. No. 127.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW012909/content.php?id=002
• Asian Migrant Centre/Migrant Forum in Asia. (1999). Asian Migrant Yearbook 1999: Migration
Facts, Analysis and Issues in 1998.
• ILO, (2008, June 10). “ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.”
http://www.ilo.org/global/What_we_do/Publications/Officialdocuments/lang--en/docName-
-WCMS_099766/index.htm
• OECD. (2009, January 29). “Informal Employment and the Economic Crisis.”
http://www.oecd.org/document/53/0,3343,en_2649_33935_42065141_1_1_1_1,00.html
• Permatasari, Soraya. (2009, January 23). “Asia’s migrant workers are first to lose jobs as
factories shut.” Retrieved from http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/asian-
market/2009/01/24/193476/Asia%27s-migrant.htm
• Reuters (2008, November 6). “Financial crisis could cut off official aid by 30%..” Retrieved
from
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/31bfc8ee990208fafc506827a097b93a.htm
• Somavia, Juan (2008, December 18). “Director-General of the International Labour Office on
the occasion of International Migrants Day.” Retrieved from
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/dgo/speeches/somavia/2008/migrants.pdf
• World Bank. (2008). Migration and Remittances Factbook 2008. Retrieved from
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPROSPECTS/Resources/334934-
1199807908806/World.pdf
STOP MEKONG AND SALWEEN DAMS – STOP UNFAIR DEVELOPMENT
STOP HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE ALONG THESE INTERNATIONAL RIVERS
18 February 2009
(This statement is released in the occasion of the ASEAN People Forum)
Over the last decade, the ASEAN’s policy for the economic integration has played a significant role
in opening up the economies of the poorer countries of the Mekong region – Laos, Cambodia and
Burma – to foreign investment. The last many years has therefore seen investors from both the
public and private sectors within the ASEAN to flock the Mekong region for investing in a
mushrooming hydropower industry as rivers of these countries have largely remained unspoiled.
However, hydropower projects have tended to affect not only the environment, but also violated
basic rights of the people whose way of life depend very highly on natural resources ruined by the
development of hydroelectric projects.
Aside from a number of dam projects completed, being constructed or planned for the tributaries;
governments and the private sector of the ASEAN are pushing for the development of the cascade
11 dams on the lower Mekong mainstream in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia; as well as the cascade of
4 dams on the Salween River on the Burmese soil and on Thai-Burmese border. Of these projects,
many have involved Thailand as both main pusher and main buyer (of the projects’ output).
Today, social and environmental impacts of dam are widely known. Particularly for the Mekong
region, dams have wrecked fishery livelihoods of many communities along the dammed rivers.
Furthermore, in such particular areas as those inside Burma, dams have torn apart lives of the
ethnic people. No doubt, the proposed 11 dams on the Mekong, the world’s most productive river
in term of fishery, will wipe out the means of livelihood of millions of Mekong fishers. While, the
proposed 4 dams on the Salween will aggravate the human rights of condition of various ethnic
groups In Burma and along Thai-Burmese border.
Thai government and the responsible authorities often claim that hydropower projects in Thailand’s
neighbouring countries are of importance to the country’s energy policy management. This is a
false claim. The forecasted figures of electricity demand often exceed the actual demand. This is
even more obvious recently as the Thai economy has begun to be impacted by the on-going global
economic crisis. In December 2008, for instance, the country’s electricity reserve margin swelled to
58 per cent against the 15 per cent required by the country’s current Power Development Plan
(PDP). Even the Thai Energy Ministry has revised the current PDP in response to the on-going
economic recession, which result in the forecasted demand figure being lowered by 4,333
megawatts. Earlier in 2008, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) decided to
postpone or abort a few projects for the same reason.
Yet, Thai investors, including EGAT, appear to keep moving different projects forward. EGAT in
particular is going to commence the Hutgyi project that will dam the Salween in Karen State near
Thai-Burmese border which still remain under war between the Burmese Junta’s military and the
Karen National Union. Scheduled to be operational in 2015-2016, the 1,400-megawatt project
worth 1.4 billion US$ entirely on Chinese loan, is a joint venture between EGAT, the junta
government and China’s Sino Hydro Corporation. The project is highly likely to go ahead although
it may become burden of the Thai public and deteriorate the human rights condition of the ethnic
people in Burma.
According to non-governmental organizations that research the problem of dam and human rights
violation; the 4 proposed dam projects on the Salween have already resulted in the displacement
of over a hundred thousand people in the states of Shan, Karen and Karenni in Burma. In many
cases, this process has involved crimes committed by the Junta’s soldiers and officers against the
ethnic people. These crimes include the use of slave labors, forced relocation, confiscation of
property, sexual violence, etc. despite the fact that the construction of these projects has not yet
begun. The Karen River Watch’s study identifies at least 41 Karen villages (2,460 villagers) in the
area that will become the reservoir of the Hutgyi dam as prone to the human rights violation by the
Burmese military regime.
We, the undersigned, urge all governments of ASEAN to beware the severe effects of large-scale
development projects particularly the hydropower on the environment and that these projects are
exacerbating the on-going human rights condition in the poorer country members such as Burma.
The ASEAN’s ignorance about the environmental and human right implication of these projects will
tarnish the ASEAN’s reputation and hinder the future prospect for its cooperation with the global
community.
We urge the ASEAN governments to commit every effort towards imposing heightened social and
environmental standards throughout the ASEAN so that basic rights of the people of its member
countries will be better protected against development projects carried out in non-transparent
manner and in the absence of participation of the affected people.
As the present Chair of the ASEAN, we urge Thai government to take the lead role in upholding
the principles of friendship and fairness and the respect for human rights and dignity in ASEAN’s
further cooperation. The government must order EGAT to freeze the construction of the Hutgyi
dam immediately and undertake an extensive review of dams on both the Mekong and Salween
which involve Thai investments.
We support ASEAN’s cooperation for just and sustainable development of the ASEAN. The
Mekong and Salween are international rivers that feed millions. Richness of the rivers should not
be for any countries who may exert their political and economic authorities in order to reap or
exploit the rivers for their economic gains.
Signed,
Northern NGO Coordinating Committee on The Cooperation of Lam Patow Area Recovery
Development Project, Chaiyaphum
Northeastern NGO Coordinating Committee on Project for Sern Watershed Management,
Development Chaiyaphum
Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Project for Prom River Basin Conservation and
Alliance (TERRA) Recovery, Chaiyaphum
Living River Siam Isan Information Center, Surin
Natural Resources and Salinity Study Group, Tam Mun Project, Surin
Northeast Region, Udonthani
Keang Lawa Wetland Area Conservation and
Academic Network for Ecology and Culture, Ecological Recovery Group
Udonthani
Salween News Network
Ecology and Culture Study Group, Udonthani
Indigenous Peoples’ Foundation for Education
Human Rights and Peace Information Center and Environment (IPF)
Isan Rural Ecological Development Nature Care
Association
Thai Development Support Center (TDSC)
Isan Natural Resources and Environmental
Network Campaign Committee for Human Rights
(CCHR)
Project for Ecological Recovery and
Development of Pong River, Khon Kaen Young People for Democracy Movement,
Thailand (YPD)
People Network for Huai Sai Nang Basin,
Khon Kaen Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF)
Chi-Mun River Basin Network Lamphun Local Learning Institute
Farmer Community Institute, Mahasarakham Project for Ecological Awareness Building

(EAB)
KEY ISSUES ON BURMA
2010 Elections – Undemocratic and Dangerous

The military regime in Burma is seeking to formalize its domination, utilizing the 2010 elections based on the 2008
constitution, a sham democratic process that aims to further consolidate military power and allow military immunity
on human rights violations constitutionally while the people of Burma, inside and in exile, continue to strive for
democracy and human rights relentlessly. Therefore, it is imperative that ASEAN and the international community
avoid endorsing the regime’s sham constitution or elections as it will only lead to military entrenchment in the
country.
Constitutional Review: a major tenet of progress

The regime has called for elections in 2010 based on its 2008 ‘Constitution’. The constitution is neither transparent
nor democratic. Fundamental flaws in the constitution include a guaranteed number of parliamentary seats for the
junta (25%); veto powers for the military’s commanders-in-chief and offers immunity to the military for crimes
against humanity such as extra-judicial killings. This constitution was forged in a non-transparent and non-inclusive
manner as it was unilaterally written, excluding democratic forces in the drafting process. It does not offer
protection or promotion of human rights to its people, which contradict elements expressed in the ASEAN Charter.
Political Prisoners
True democratic progress in Burma requires the release of all political prisoners as a vital initial benchmark. The
number of dissenting voices jailed because of their political stance or because of the exercising of their democratic
rights has doubled since July 2007. Even if the regime’s ‘Roadmap to Democracy’ were legitimate in content there
exists no real opposition to participate because of the brutal suppression they are subjected too. With 2,162 political
prisoners held throughout the country in barbaric conditions they show how there is no valid rule of law, freedom
of expression or free judicial system in Burma.
Mass Atrocities against Ethnic Nationalities

The military regime’s decades-long campaign against Burma’s ethnic nationalities has created some of the worst
humanitarian situations in Asia. The military has destroyed over 3,200 villages, and Eastern Burma is now the
world’s most heavily mined region. Hundreds of thousands still live as IDPs in the country and millions have fled
into neighbouring countries. Currently, over 140,000 refugees from Burma are living in various camps along the
Burma-Thailand border. These people have suffered direct attacks aimed at resource-rich areas and consolidating
the military dictatorship’s control over the entire country. The military uses tactics such as rape, forced labor,
abducting children to be soldiers, torture and executions to install their reign of terror over Eastern Burma.
Rohingyas and Migrants

The regime’s continued oppression of its people, mismanagement of the economy and the international
community’s failure to hold them accountable has created further negative regional impacts. This is evident with the
exodus of the Rohingya refugees fleeing to ASEAN countries that has been recently examined in the media. So far,
millions of people have left Burma and become migrants in Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere. While ASEAN
governments should treat Rohingyas and other refugees humanely and accord them protection in accordance with
international law they should also pay serious attention to genuine political change in Burma that is not just
necessary for the well being of those living in Burma but will be beneficial to the stability, security and peace of the
entire region.
Problems Created by Foreign Direct Investment

Though countries in ASEAN claim that they will not interfere in Burma’s politics, they do not hesitate to get
economically involved, especially in the extraction of Burma’s natural resources. Many of these investment and
‘development’ projects such as Salween Dam Project have led to wide-scale land confiscation, force labor,
environmental destruction and more human rights violations. If there is to be investment in Burma it must be done
with proper consultation and consideration of the people of Burma.
Prepared by Burma Partnership partnership@csloxinfo.com www.apppb.blogspot.com

ΛLTSEΛN
∞ ∞∞ B U R M A∞∞∞
A L T E R N A T I V E A S E A N N E T W O R K O N B U R M A
campaigns, advocacy & capacity-building for human rights & democracy
BN 2009/1050: February 17, 2009
BURMA IS STILL ASEAN’S SHAME

The Burmese military regime has not improved its behavior since the ASEAN
Charter came into force on December 15, 2008. By intensifying repression in the
past two months, the regime has directly attacked the integrity and credibility of
ASEAN and its Charter. ASEAN is undermining itself by refusing to act against
such serious violations.
Summary of developments in the two months since the Charter was enacted:
• At least 432 people arrested and/or sentenced in 2008. In the first two months of the
Charter’s formal enactment, the SPDC arrested 17 activists - including 12 NLD members -
and sentenced 13 - including two NLD elected MPs - to prison terms. All-Burma
Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) member Bo Min Yu Ko was sentenced to 104
years in prison in connection with the September 2007 anti-junta protests.1 The junta also
extended the house arrest of NLD Deputy Chairman Tin Oo by another year.2
• Four political prisoners died in custody.3 In early January, the regime suspended prison
visitation rights for political prisoners for one month.4
• Over 1,000 Rohingya refugees left Burma and Bangladesh for Malaysia and Thailand by
boat.5 Of those, an estimated 538 boat people died at sea.6 SPDC consul-general in Hong
Kong Gen Ye Myint Aung said that Rohingya were as “ugly as ogres.”7
• Joint SPDC Army and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army forces launched fresh
offensives against the Karen National Union in Karen State along the Thai-Burma border.8
• SPDC Army soldiers raped one woman in Kachin State and two children - one in Rangoon
and one in Pegu Division (raped and murdered).9
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) included Burma in its annual list of the “top ten”
humanitarian crises. MSF said that the SPDC’s healthcare system left the vast majority of
the people without access to healthcare.10 UNICEF said that Burma has 2nd highest child
mortality rate in Asia, with approximately 10% of all children not surviving past 5 years
old.11
1
AP (14 Jan 09) Myanmar activist gets 104 years in jail
2
AP (13 Feb 09) Myanmar extends detention of opposition leader; Mizzima News (13 Feb 09) NLD leader Tin Oo's house
arrest extended
3
DVB (25 Dec 08) Political prisoner commits suicide in Bago jail; Irrawaddy (29 Dec 08) Political Prisoner Htay Lwin Oo Dies
4
Mizzima News (10 Jan 09) Visitation rights denied to families of political prisoners
5
Kaladan News (05 Jan 09) Rohingyas leave for Malaysia by boat in search of greener pastures; Reuters (29 Dec 08) India
widens sea search for 300 missing migrants; AFP (07 Jan 09) Foreigners stranded near Indonesia; Jakarta Post (10 Jan 09)
Myanmar boat people take up refuge in Sabang; Kaladan News (13 Jan 09) Another engine boat with boat-people leaves for
Malaysia
6
Straits Times (18 Jan 09) Boat people feared dead
7
Daily Star (13 Feb 09) Myanmar envoy brands Rohingyas 'ugly as ogres'; Mizzima (13 Feb 09) Burmese consular says
Rohingya do not belong to Burma
8
Irrawaddy (05 Jan 09) DKBA attacks KNU; Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Fresh offensive on Thai-Burmese border
9
KWO (05 Jan 09) KWO demands accountability for SPDC rape and killing of 7-year old girl; Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Two
soldiers are accused of rape and murder attempt; DVB (30 Jan 09) Three soldiers accused of rape at pagoda festival
10
Mizzima News (22 Dec 08) Burma's health care cripplingly under funded: MSF
11
UNICEF (15 Jan 09) The State of the World’s Children 2009
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• Committee to Protect Journalists said that Burma was the world’s third worst jailer of
journalists in 2008. 12 Freedom House ranked Burma among the “worst of the worst”
countries in its annual survey on freedom.13
• SPDC authorities in Rangoon’s Kyauktada Township banned Christian and Muslim prayer
meetings in residential apartments.14
• According to the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium poppy cultivation
increased in Burma for the second consecutive year. There was a 3% increase in poppy
cultivation in 2008.15
• With the drop in global commodity prices, the SPDC’s revenue from natural and
agricultural resources had decreased precipitously, Gas exports, which account for about
40% of all export income, fell 28.5% between April and December - a loss of US$670
million.16 Despite a 75% drop in global oil prices, the junta refused to adjust the rates for
gas and oil at state-owned petrol stations. This has led to an unusual result as gas is now
cheaper on the black market.17 In addition, the junta is levying more taxes and fines to raise
revenues.18
• The regime kicked off its campaign for the 2010 elections. Pro-junta National Unity Party
began recruiting new members19 while USDA members offered loans in an attempt to lure
the farmers’ vote. 20 The junta also launched Northern Star, a new mouthpiece for its
election propaganda.21
• Kachin Independence Organization, Kachin National Organization, New Mon State Party,
Mon National Democratic Front, and Shan State Army - South announced that they would
boycott the 2010 elections.22
• On 24 December, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that strongly condemned
the SPDC’s widespread human rights violations and called on the junta to stop politically
motivated arrests and free all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. No
ASEAN country supported the resolution. It was the 18th resolution passed by the UNGA
against the military regime since 1992.
• In yet another cabinet reshuffle, the SPDC replaced the Minister of Immigration and
Population Maj Gen Saw Lwin and the Minister of Construction Maj Gen Saw Tun with
Home Affairs Minister Maj Gen Maung Oo and Minister for Electric Power-2 Maj Gen
Khin Maung Myint respectively. The SPDC also transferred the Deputy Foreign Minister
and Head of the Tripartite Core Group Kyaw Thu to the junta’s Civil Service Selection and
Training Board.23
Chronology of shame
2008
15 Dec SPDC court sentences Thant Zin Oo to six months in jail for reading a letter to his brother,
detained NLD member Thant Zin Myo, during a prison visit.24
17 Dec A court in Insein prison sentences Zaw Naing Htwe to nine years in jail for receiving a letter
from his brother, political prisoner Kyaw Kyaw Htwe aka Markee.25
12
AFP (11 Feb 09) Press freedom under worldwide threat
13
Bloomberg (13 Jan 09) Global Freedom Fell in 2008 Amid Crackdowns, Rights Group Says
14
Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Muslims proscribed from worshipping in residential flats
15
UNODC (02 Feb 2009) Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia
16
Irrawaddy (08 Jan 09) Global Crisis Hits Junta’s Pockets as Gas Prices Fall
17
Irrawaddy (09 Jan 09) Falling Fuel Prices Have No Effect on Gov’t Pumps
18
Kaladan News (09 Jan 09) SPDC authorities impose more tax on marine products business
19
Mizzima News (13 Jan 09) Pro-junta party kicks off campaign for 2010 polls in northwestern Burma
20
DVB (06 Jan 09) USDA grants loans to farmers; DVB (15 Jan 09) Farmers encouraged to join USDA to get loans
21
Irrawaddy (04 Feb 09) New Burmese Political Journal Appears
22
Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Ethnic Kachin rebel vow to oppose junta held elections; Mizzima News (13 Jan 09) Kachin party -
but not KIO - to contest 2010 election; DVB (21 Jan 09) KIO and NMSP rule out election participation; IMNA (19 Jan 09)
Largest Mon political party will not participate in 2010 elections; IMNA (26 Jan 09) Victorious Mon party from 1990 election
supports NMSP refusal to compete in 2010
23
Mizzima News (05 Feb 09) Junta continues cabinet reshuffle
24
Irrawaddy (19 Dec 08) Letters Land Prisoners’ Relatives, Guards in Jail Friday
25
Irrawaddy (19 Dec 08) Letters Land Prisoners’ Relatives, Guards in Jail Friday
2
19 Dec SPDC forces businessmen in Mon State to buy tickets for concerts held in support of victims
of cyclone Nargis.26
19 Dec Detained NLD youth member Maung San commits suicide in Pegu prison.27
22 Dec MSF includes Burma in its annual list of the “top ten” humanitarian crises.28
22 Dec SPDC Military Intelligence in Maungdaw, Arakan State, arrests a 45-year-old businessman
for alleged connections with a Burmese media organization in exile.29
24 Dec SPDC authorities in Pegu prison severely beat detained NLD member Aung Kyaw Oo.30
24 Dec UN General Assembly adopts a resolution criticizing the SPDC’s human rights record and
calling on the junta to free all political prisoners.31
27 Dec The body of a seven-year-old girl is found with gunshot wounds and signs of rape in
Kyaukkyi Township, Pegu Division. SPDC Army soldiers from LIB 350 are suspected of the
assault.32
28 Dec Two SPDC Army soldiers rape a 21-year old woman from Hsa Hmaw Township, Kachin
State.33
28 Dec Political prisoner Htay Lwin Oo, 46, dies of tuberculosis in Mandalay’s Ohbo prison.34
28 Dec Indian Coast Guard officials say 88 men from an original group of 412 have been rescued
from a boat found near Andaman Island. Officials put the number of survivors at 102.35
30 Dec SPDC authorities in Rangoon arrest nine NLD youth members for calling for the release of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.36
2009
1 Jan SPDC suspends political prisoners’ visitation rights for one month.37
1 Jan SPDC authorities in Natmauk, Magwe Division, take lawyer Pho Phyu into custody for
questioning.38
1 Jan SPDC denies US human rights advocate Eric Stover entry to Burma.39
1 Jan SPDC authorities order 100 households along the main road through Khawzar Sub-township,
Ye Township, Mon State, to supply gravel and stones for road repairs.40
2 Jan SPDC military Intelligence in Taunggoat, Arakan State, arrest activist San Lwin, 42, for
alleged connections with a Burmese media organization in exile.41
2 Jan SPDC authorities order Yin-Ye villagers in Ye Township, Mon State, to provide 30 large
piles of firewood for a brick factory operated by SPDC Army IB 31.42
3 Jan SPDC court sentences ABFSU member Bo Min Yu Ko to 104 years in prison in connection
with the September 2007 anti-junta protests.43
3 Jan Weekly journal Voice reports that the SPDC Information Ministry has revoked the license of
11 journals and 20 magazines.44
3 Jan KNLA and DKBA forces clash in Southern Karen State.45
4 Jan Special Branch police in Twante, Rangoon Division, arrest private tutor Aung Pe, 52, for
saluting General Aung San’s monument.46
5 Jan A court in Taunggoat Township, Arakan State, sentences activist San Lwin to five years on
charges of illegal contact with a Burmese media organization in exile.47
5 Jan SPDC authorities in Rangoon’s Kyauktada Township ban Christian and Muslim prayer
meeting in residential apartments.48
26
IMNA (19 Dec 08) Black market businesspeople forced to buy tickets for Nargis benefit concert
27
DVB (25 Dec 08) Political prisoner commits suicide in Bago jail
28
Mizzima News (22 Dec 08) Burma's health care cripplingly under funded: MSF
29
Narinjara News (29 Dec 08) Man arrested for connections with media in exile
30
DVB (08 Jan 09) Commodity protestor beaten in Bago prison
31
IHT (24 Dec 08) UN condemns human rights violations in Myanmar
32
KWO (05 Jan 09) KWO demands accountability for SPDC rape and killing of 7-year-old girl
33
Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Two soldiers are accused of rape and murder attempt
34
Irrawaddy (29 Dec 08) Political Prisoner Htay Lwin Oo Dies
35
IHT (29 Dec 08) Hundreds of migrants feared dead in Indian Ocean
36
AP (30 Dec 08) Activists calling for release of Suu Kyi arrested
37
Mizzima News (10 Jan 09) Visitation rights denied to families of political prisoners
38
DVB (08 Jan 09) Lawyer in ILO case harassed by authorities
39
RFA (05 Jan 09) Burma blacklists U.S. artist
40
IMNA (15 Jan 09) Households in Ye Township forced to supply truckloads of construction materials
41
Narinjara News (13 Feb 09) Activist sentenced to five years in prison for having media contacts
42
IMNA (09 Jan 09) Villagers forced to supply free timber and firewood to Burmese army in Ye Township
43
AP (14 Jan 09) Myanmar activist gets 104 years in jail
44
Xinhua (03 Jan 09) Myanmar terminates some publications for failure to register
45
Irrawaddy (05 Jan 09) DKBA attacks KNU
46
Mizzima News (05 Jan 09) Private tutor stages solo protest
47
Narinjara News (13 Feb 09) Activist sentenced to five years in prison for having media contacts
3
5 Jan A court in Rangoon’s South Dagon Township sentences NLD-LA member Khin Maung Win,
29, to 10 years in prison with hard labor for carrying out relief activities for cyclone Nargis
survivors.49
6 Jan SPDC authorities in Muse Township, Northern Shan State, arrest a 44-year-old local villager
for possession of the monthly SHAN newsletter.50
12 Jan Special Branch police arrest Dala Township NLD youth members Htet Soe Linn and Thet
Paing Linn.51
12 Jan Freedom House ranks Burma among the “worst of the worst” countries in its annual
worldwide survey on freedom.52
12 Jan SPDC authorities deny lawyers access to a court in Insein prison to represent MP Nyi Pu and
Dr Tin Min Htut.53
14 Jan SPDC authorities arrest Dala Township NLD member Min Thike Htoo.54
15 Jan UNICEF says that Burma has 2nd highest child mortality rate in Asia, with approximately
10% of all children not surviving past five years old.55
15 Jan US Department of Treasury adds two individuals and 14 companies to its existing list of
corporations and individuals subject to targeted financial sanction on Burma.56
16 Jan Police in Allen Township, Magwe Division, arrest lawyer Poe Phyu, 30.57
19 Jan SPDC authorities force 35 HIV/AIDS patients to leave the Ahthawka Rama Shwehintha Yele
monastery in Rangoon where they were receiving free treatment.58
19 Jan SPDC sentences NLD member Thein Soe to two years in prison for monitoring corruption
and recruitment of child soldiers by SPDC authorities in South Dagon Township.59
20 Jan Three SPDC Army soldiers rape a 16-year-old girl in Rangoon.60
21 Jan Dala Township court sentences NLD youth members Htet Soe Linn and Thet Paing Linn to
two and a half years in prison on charges of disturbing a government official on duty.61
21 Jan A court in Rangoon’s Hlegu Township sentences Khin Thein, the mother of a local NLD
member, to one month in prison.62
22 Jan Monk U Arnanda, 61, from Thitsatharaphu monastery in Rangoon’s North Okkalapa
Township, dies in Insein prison.63
23 Jan Magwe court sentences labor activist Zaw Htay to 10 years in prison for reporting to the ILO
land confiscation by the SPDC Army.64
25 Jan Police in Buthidaung, Arakan State, arrest a fellow police officer and a woman on charges of
drug trafficking and seize 150 grams of marijuana, 2,000 marijuana-filled cheroots, and 430
amphetamine tablets.65
26 Jan In advance of a visit by SPDC PM Lt Gen Thein Sein, SPDC authorities in Maungdaw,
Arakan State, force residents to beautify the town.66
28 Jan UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program warn that five million
people in Burma are in need of food assistance because of cyclone Nargis and the continued
rat infestation that has destroyed crops in Chin State.67
28 Jan An inmate in Irrawaddy Division’s Hinthada prison beat monk U Kalatha on the orders of a
prison official.68
48
Mizzima News (09 Jan 09) Muslims proscribed from worshipping in residential flats
49
Mizzima News (06 Jan 09) Nargis volunteer sentenced to 10 years imprisonment
50
SHAN (16 Jan 09) Villager arrested for carrying 'Independence' copy
51
DVB (13 Jan 09) Two NLD youth members arrested
52
Bloomberg (13 Jan 09) Global Freedom Fell in 2008 Amid Crackdowns, Rights Group Says
53
DVB (13 Jan 09) Elected MPs’ lawyers denied access to court
54
DVB (20 Jan 09) Third Dala township NLD member arrested
55
UNICEF (15 Jan 09) The State of the World’s Children 2009
56
AFP (15 Jan 09) US slaps more sanctions on Myanmar regime backer
57
DVB (19 Jan 09) Lawyer Pho Phyu arrested
58
Irrawaddy (22 Jan 09) AIDS Patients Forced to Leave Monastery; Mizzima News (29 Jan 09) HIV/AIDS patients driven out
from Rangoon
59
Mizzima News (21 Jan 09) NLD member jailed for two years for disturbing officials
60
DVB (30 Jan 09) Three soldiers accused of rape at pagoda festival
61
DVB (23 Jan 09) Dala NLD youth member jailed
62
DVB (27 Jan 09) NLD member’s relatives jailed after being assaulted
63
DVB (30 Jan 09) Monk U Arnanda dies in detention
64
DVB (26 Jan 09) Labour activist jailed for 10 years
65
Kaladan News (26 Jan 09) Drug distributor arrested in Buthidaung
66
Narinjara News (26 Jan 09) Residents Forced to Clean Town for PM's Trip
67
AP (28 Jan 09) UN: Burma Faces Food Crisis; Mizzima News (30 Jan 09) Over five million people face food shortage in
Burma
68
DVB (09 Feb 09) Monk and activists mistreated in detention
4
1 Feb Na Sa Ka orders villagers in Maungdaw Township, Arakan State, to provide firewood for
baking bricks.69
2 Feb UNODC says that the area under poppy cultivation increased in Burma for the second
consecutive year.70
4 Feb A court in Rangoon’s South Dagon Township sentences ABFSU activist Dee Nyein Lin, 20,
to five more years in prison for unlawful association.71
6 Feb A 50-year-old man from Kyauktalone Village, Pegu Division, dies of injuries sustained while
performing forced labor.72
9 Feb SPDC consul-general in Hong Kong Gen Ye Myint Aung says that Rohingya are as “ugly as
ogres.”73
9 Feb A court in Rangoon’s Mingalataungnyunt Township sentences ABFSU leaders Kyaw Ko Ko
and Nyan Linn Aung to three years in prison.74
11 Feb The Committee to Protect Journalists says that Burma was the world’s third worst jailer of
journalists in 2008.75
13 Feb SPDC extends the house arrest of NLD Deputy Chairman Tin Oo by another year.76
13 Feb A court in Insein prison sentences NLD elected MPs Nyi Pu and Tin Min Htut to 15 years in
prison for writing an open letter to the UN.77
69
Kaladan News (02 Feb 09) Nasaka Headquarters orders villagers to provide firewood for baking bricks
70
UNODC (02 Feb 2009) Opium Poppy Cultivation in South East Asia
71
Irrawaddy (05 Feb 09) Young activist given 15-year sentence
72
DVB (09 Feb 09) Man crushed during forced construction work
73
Daily Star (13 Feb 09) Myanmar envoy brands Rohingyas 'ugly as ogres'; Mizzima (13 Feb 09) Burmese consular says
Rohingya do not belong to Burma
74
DVB (10 Feb 09) ABFSU leaders jailed for three years
75
AFP (11 Feb 09) Press freedom under worldwide threat
76
AP (13 Feb 09) Myanmar extends detention of opposition leader
77
Reuters (14 Feb 09) Myanmar jails opposition MPs ahead of U.N. envoy visit
5
JAPAN UNDER FIRE FROM LAWYERS OVER BURMA’S ROHINGYA
Background Paper: the situations of Burmese Rohingya asylum seekers in Japan

Lawyers’ Group for Burmese Asylum Seekers in Japan (LGBASJ)
12 February 2009
Issues of stateless Rohingyas have again deprived much public attention recently. The Rohingya is a Muslim
population mostly from in the Northern Arakan (Rakhine) State, Burma. They were rendered de jure stateless
under the Burma Citizenship Law of 1982. In Burma, they are called illegal migrants, and subject to widespread
discriminations, including restriction of movement, marriage and birth control, denial of public employment,
restriction on access to education and medical treatment, as well as forced labor, land confiscation, arbitrary
taxation or extortion, and invasion of freedom of religion. In these circumstances, the Rohingya continue to flee
from Burma to neighboring countries, where, however, they do not receive effective protection. Thai authorities
have been widely criticized for their mistreatment against Rohingya boat people. Thailand treat Rohingya refugees
as illegal migrants, and push back them to the high sea without enough water and food supplies. For years,
Thailand has attempted to return Rohingyas back to their home country. In general, Thailand is not their final
destination but in most cases a transit country en route to Malaysia. Most Rohingyas, however, have not received
effective protection in Malaysia, regardless of their prima facie refugee status recognized by UNHCR Malaysia
office, which Malaysian authorities do not recognize. That is why many Rohingyas decide to make secondary or
tertiary movement and seek protection in such countries as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United
States and some move to Japan with hope to be protected like in these countries. However, most of those who have
come to Japan find themselves in another hopeless situation; many of them are not given working permission and
living without health or social insurances, as well as facing a risk of deportation to Burma.
1. Rohingya population in Japan
status no. (person)
Currently, about 200 Rohingyas are residing in Japan,
refugee 11
whether legally or illegally. As the table to right shows, so far, humanitarian status 271
11 Rohingyas2 have been granted refugee status and 27 have family unification 70 (apprx.)
asylum seekers 92 (mini.)
received special residence permission on humanitarian grounds.
All asylum applications have been filed by adult male Rohingyas; only those who have successfully gained legal
status can bring their family to Japan. On the other hands, of the 92 asylum seekers, over 30 Rohingyas have been
rejected their refugee claims at the administrative level and sought judicial review or filed second application.
Majority of Rohingya asylum seekers who came to Japan had been boat people and did not have genuine travel
document for their statelessness in their home country. Without documents, they cannot have temporary residence
permission while asylum applications are pending; they are only able to have provisional release permission after
about a year long detention.
2. Rohingyas under judicial procedures
Among 92 Rohingyas asylum seekers in Japan, at least 30 cases are now under judicial process in Tokyo,
Osaka and Fukuoka. 20 Rohingya cases belong to the Tokyo district court3. For rest of the cases, 1 case belongs to
Tokyo high court4, 6 to Osaka and 3 to Fukuoka. All are cases are concerning rejection of their refugee status and
1
At least 1 family with special residence permission left to Australia and granted refugee status. See RRT 0802146 (23 July
2008).
2
All cases involved political activities.
3
This collective case started on 26 July 2007.
4
This case was rejected by the high court on 18 February 2009.
1
JAPAN UNDER FIRE FROM LAWYERS OVER BURMA’S ROHINGYA
deportation order. Japanese Government takes a position that these Rohingyas can be deported to Burma because
they identify themselves as Burmese, neglecting the crucial fact that they are regarded as de jure stateless in their
home country. Japanese authorities have been making irresponsible decisions without assessing objectively and
understanding their real situation of the Rohingya people.
3. Treatments of the Rohingya in Japan
(1) Mass detention of 2006
Arrivals of the Rohingyas to Japan, mostly from Malaysia, significantly rose in the first half of 2006, when
UNHCR Malaysia stopped the registration in the late 2005 hoping the new Malaysian policy to secure their status
in vain, and some Rohingyas started to leave Malaysia and arrive in Japan. As a stateless people, Rohingyas who
had difficulty in obtaining a genuine travel document and had to travel with service of agent were caught at the
airport security and then detained for over a year, regardless of their possession of UNHCR documents or applying
for refugee status. As to Rohingya issues, Japanese authorities have a clear position to neglect or disregard
UNHCR decisions. This position of Japanese authorities is contrary to its resettlement policy starting in 2010,
which they are to receive Burmese refugees who have been recognized by UNHCR.
2. Issuing deportation order, destination to Burma
Rohingyas are facing the risk of deportation to Burma, not only by the Thais but also by the Japanese
authorities. In 2006, Thai authorities allegedly tried official deportation of Rohingyas to Burma, but the deportees
were sent back to Thailand next day. The Burmese authorities claimed that they were not from Burma. On 31
January, the Burmese authorities explained their current position on the Rohingya through state-owned
newspapers.5 It should be noted that the current exodus of Rohingya boat people was generated by the Burmese
authorities, which increased military presence in the Northern Arakan where most of the Rohingya live. Although
Thai authorities again vowed deportation of Rohingyas, only feasible “official deportation” in the current context is
to hand them over to human smugglers in Thai-Burmese border areas; in such most cases, they become victims of
human trafficking. According to one unconfirmed source, in 2006, one Rohingya who arrived at Narita airport was
immediately deported to Thailand via Shanghai, despite of his intention to claim for refugee status in Japan. His
fate afterwards is unknown.
Although deportation of the Rohingya to Burma is obviously infeasible, the Japanese authorities still
continue to insist that Rohingyas be deported to Burma, and keep rejecting their asylum claims and issuing
deportation orders with destination to Burma.
3. Detention continues
Rejection of Rohingya asylum claims continues in Japan, and they are not given protection on the basis of
their statelessness either6. The Japanese authorities must know that these Rohingyas are not deportable to Burma. It
is non-sense for the immigration to detain those who have rejected their claims every time.
4. Way Forward
Japanese government has not only failed its international obligation to protect the Rohingya refugees but
been trying to deport them to Burma. This Japanese government’s lack of policy should be criticized. The
Rohingya issue cannot be solved without regional or international cooperation and Japan should join the
cooperation too. First of all, Japan must start to protect Rohingyas seeking asylum inside the country.
5
The Burmese junta explosively state that, “The Rohinja is not included in over 100 national races of the Union of Myanmar.”
New Light of Myanmar (30 January 2009)
6
Japan is not a signatory of the Convention related to the Status of Stateless Persons.

19 Feb APF Media Kit

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MEDIA KIT (19 February 2009)

2 PRESS RELEASE: Who’ll be Playing Hot Potato at the Summit?

3 ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS: the “Hot Potatoes”

4 APF/ACSC SERVICES FOR MEDIA

8-11 CONTACTS FOR MEDIA

12 INTRODUCTION: ASEAN Peoples’ Forum (APF)

33 MFA Cautions Against Ignoring Migrant Workers

36 Stop Mekong and Salween Dams

38 underMINING ASEAN workshop flyer

The APF/ACSC, to be held at Chulalongkorn University February 20-22, will be the

Mr Montree Chantavong - Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance

Ms Suluck Lamubol, representative of ASEAN Youth Camp - on the outcomes of the

Media Centre: ISIS, level 5, Prajadipok Rambaibhani Building

APF Program Committee:

APF Local Organizing Committee:

This list updated on February 18, 2009.

19 CIVIL SOCIETY STUDY This activity aims to orient participants Ed Legaspi

27 CIVIL SOCIETY In 2008, civil society organisations Rafendi Djamin,

NAME ORGANIZATION EXPERTISE PHONE No. LANGUAGES AVAILABLE

1. Peace and Human Security dimension of ASEAN regionalism.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Opening Ceremonies

Opening Rite – Song/Ritual by ASEAN Youth & opening

Welcome by Organizers (Thai WG and ACSC 4 ROC)

10:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. TEA BREAK

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plenary 1

Food and Economic Crisis

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. TEA BREAK

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Plenary 3

Alternative Trade and Economy

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Cultural event and welcome dinner

Venue: Faculty of Political Science’s Soccer Field

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Workshop 1

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. TEA BREAK

11:15 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Concurrent Workshop 2

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Workshop 3

4:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. TEA BREAK

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Workshop summary session, by cluster

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. DINNER

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Special screening of Burma VJ

4th ASEAN Civil Society Conference (ACSC 4)

y History of Engagement with ASEAN: Reviewing achievements

Plenary to be followed by open discussion

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TEA BREAK

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Plenary 2

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Plenary 3

3:00 p.m. – 3: 30 p.m. TEA BREAK

y H.E. Kasit Piromya, Thailand Foreign Minister, ASEAN

5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m Closing Remarks

I. Peace & Security

II. Socio-Cultural Cluster

III. Socio-Economic Cluster

Political Science, Building 1

Experiences and good

Trade Liberalization & the

Critical Views on the Toward the establishment Need for enhanced

Political Science, Building 2

Room # 9am - 11am 11am - 1pm 2pm – 4pm

Diversity of communities &

Defining the ASEAN Defending the rights of Defending People's food