Following a military coup in 1962, Myanmar was a harsh dictatorship until 2010 when a gradual liberalization began. Since 2016 the country is led by a predominantly civilian government but the armed forces maintain a tight grip on important state institutions. Violence and gross violations of human rights are still frequent. Respect for the rights of girls and women is particularly limited.

Ten ethnic armed groups have signed a national ceasefire agreement with the government. The long-term goal is to reach a peace agreement through negotiations. But the peace talks are inefficient and fighting goes on in many parts of the country.

Myanmar is also one of the poorest countries in Asia. A third of the population is living in poverty with another third living close to the poverty line.

Within the framework of Sweden’s development cooperation with Myanmar, FBA focuses on the following areas:

Security sector reform
Development of the security sector is important for sustainable peace in Myanmar. FBA offers capacity-building to key actors in order to strengthen transparency, accountability and democratic oversight of the security sector.

Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants
In order for the national ceasefire agreement to lead to a peace agreement, the parties need to agree on how members of the armed groups are to be employed in the state security sector, or undergo disarmament and reintegrate into civilian life. FBA provides capacity-building to key actors in Myanmar on international standards for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and how such programmes have been designed and implemented in other countries.

Rule of law, human rights and election support
Ethnic minorities have long been discriminated in Myanmar, and the perpetrators of abuse often enjoy impunity. FBA promotes understanding of the importance of rule of law and its main functions for just and inclusive societies, and thereby also for sustainable peace. FBA plans capacity-building activities for key actors such as parliamentarians, state officials, journalists and civil society actors.

Women, peace and security
Women have a marginalized role in the peace process in Myanmar. FBA strives to strengthen the ability of peace actors to gender mainstream their work, and to strengthen women’s participation in the work for peace, security and development in the country. This is done both through specific targeted actions and by consistently applying a gender equality perspective in all activities.

Click here to read the entire strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Myanmar 2018–2022.

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New mission: peacebuilding in Myanmar

Photo: Eddy Milfort