Conflict Responses and Dynamics in north- eastern Myanmar

A Nexus Approach

15 November 2019

Introduction

1. Overview of the Context and Conflict Dynamics2. Brief Introduction to the Durable Peace Program (DPP)3. Triple Nexus Approach4. What this Means for Oxfam5. Responses6. Lessons Learned

Overview Context in Kachin/Shan states

Context Overview

• Long-term protracted conflict• Ethnic Armed Groups established shortly after independence• 2011 fighting re-ignited in Kachin • Fighting continual in northern Shan State (NSS) but

increasing since 2015, and especially since 2017• Civilians affected by fighting, many in IDP camps since 2011• Northern Alliance (2016), Brotherly Alliance (2019)• Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Act• Chinese business and development projects• Significant human rights abuses• Drug epidemic

Conflict Factors (Causes, Exacerbators, Triggers)

• Respect for ethnic heritages, self determination • Lack of development and political inclusion and human

rights abuses • Control of land and resources, land grabs, expansion of

ethnic armed group (EAG) territory• Drug trade • Lack of rule of law, reliance on EAGs for protection • EAG fighting • Forced labor, forced recruitment• Distrust between ethnic groups

Impact on Civilians

• Long-term displacement in Kachin • Frequent short-term displacements in NSS• Human rights violations

• Extrajudicial killings, killing fleeing civilians• Rape• Pillaging of villages• Forced recruitment, labor• Extortion and arbitrary taxation • Torture

• Lack of law and order, access to justice• Migration and human trafficking • Inter-group tensions • Loss of land • Landmines• Inability to move freely

Dividers

• Fighting between EAGs• Land grabs• Drugs• Forced labor/recruitment and detention • Local governments (in some instances)• Actual/perception that one group receives more assistance• Rumors and “mis” information about the “other” as well as

camp closures, land laws, and other important information

Connectors

• CSOs, literature and culture societies, and CSO/NGO networks

• Religion (in some instances)• Female leaders

Conflict Sensitivity

• It is important to recognize that the DPP may be perceived as biased in favor of Kachin people due to its focus on Kachin areas in NSS and the composition of its partners.

• Necessary to be and appear impartial and not benefiting only one ethnic group; need to go out of our way to include all groups present in the area

• Be transparent, involve all stakeholders, take your time, provide services/goods to all present in the area

• Engage staff that are the same as the population serving, use their languages

Conflict Sensitivity continued

• Biggest threat to staff and partner CSOs is the Unlawful Associations Act (17-1), TNLA and Ta’ang people are under the most scrutiny. Aid agencies have been directly threatened.

• Identify and engage influential CSOs, religious, political, and community leaders to get support and buy-in

• Build the capacity of NGO and CSO networks• Travel is exceptionally dangerous in NSS, need to follow

security protocols, have multiple means of communication, extra food, need to know the road and languages of areas traveling through

Durable Peace Program

Brief Introduction to the DPP• One Overall Objective: To contribute to lasting peace, security,

stability and sustainable development in Myanmar

• Two States: Kachin and northern Shan

• Two phases, one donor: • Phase 1: European Union - 7 Million EUR grant (42 Months)

• Phase 2: European Union - 12 Million EUR grant (42 Months)

• Five outcome areas: Durable Solutions and Resilience;

Livelihoods and Income Generation; Peace Building and Social

Cohesion; Gender Equality and GBV prevention; and

Deepening Expertise of Civil Society

• Seven years: Total DPP Programme: From Feb 2015 to Feb

2022

• Seven consortium partners – a JST lead programme

• Over Twenty-five sub-grantees

• Over 105,000 beneficiaries

Triple Nexus

What is the Triple Nexus?“Conflicts are increasingly protracted; climate-related shocks are more intense and frequent. Both contribute to a cycle of vulnerability. Sustainable development and durable solutions to displacement are not possible without peace. Humanitarian relief, development programmes and peacebuilding are not serial processes: they are all needed at the same time.

To reflect this understanding, the concept of a ‘humanitarian-development nexus’, or a ‘humanitarian-development-peace nexus’ has developed. It focuses on the work needed to coherently address people’s vulnerability before, during and after crises. It challenges the status quo of the aid system, which is overstretched and operates with little coordination between project-based development and humanitarian interventions, resulting in it not effectively meeting the needs of the most vulnerable people.”

Full discussion paper here: https://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/publications/the-humanitarian-development-peace-nexus-what-does-it-mean-for-multi-mandated-o-620820

https://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/publications/the-humanitarian-development-peace-nexus-what-does-it-mean-for-multi-mandated-o-620820

What Does this Mean for Oxfam?

“bring the humanitarian and development spheres closer together from the beginning of a crisis to support affected

communities, address structural and economic impacts and help prevent a new spiral of fragility and instability” Antonio

Guterres

• Coherently address people’s vulnerability before, during and after a crisis by regularly assessing the context and engaging the population

• Recognize development deficit and inequalities that shape humanitarian need

• Challenge the status quo and silos

• Put people affected at the centre, prioritize local knowledge and capacities

• Learn and build from what has come before

• Recognise that some interventions for realising the nexus may challenge the mandate and very existence of INGOs.

Responses

DPP Responses to Conflict Dynamics

• Paralegal Support Desks • Land Rights Awareness Sessions• Awareness Raising Sessions on Durable Solutions • Resilience Building with IDPs • Trauma Healing • Community Dialogues• Mediation Programs and Peace Networks• Livelihoods Programs• Supporting Women Peacebuilders, Track II Peacebuilders• Mine Risk Education

DPP Responses to Ensure Conflict Sensitivity

• Agility• Conflict Assessment(s)• Gender Analysis • Quarterly Conflict Monitoring• Conflict Working Group• Partner Support and Mentoring • 6-weekly Project Management Coordination Meetings• Annual Program Reviews• Thoughtful and Thorough Selection of CSO Partners • Workshop to Develop Consortium-wide Conflict Sensitivity

Guidance Documents and Indicators (2020)

Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned • Building and maintaining long-term partnerships

• Increased trust, not only between international and national, but also between and amongst national organisations

• Locally-led programmes increase downwards accountability

• Multi-year programming works• DPP is a seven-year programme (2015-2022), and might even be extended

further. There are clear benefits because of this, including trust-building with government, joint-learning across Nexus, and easier adapting to contexts

• DPP has frequent learning moments to remain relevant. Long-term programming does not mean programme activities remain the same

• Consortium approach is fundamental• Individually most organisations do not work across the Nexus, but collectively

the DPP consortium achieves Nexus programming

• Donor-contractor partnership matters• Good relationship with donor (EU) is crucial for adaptive programming and

cross-learning to increase impact

• Keep focusing on human rights • It is difficult to find a balance between a politicized national peace process,

upholding humanitarian principles, and supporting sustainable development