Union-level agreement between Pa-Oh National Organization (PNLO) and Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC)

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Country/entity: Myanmar
Region: Asia and Pacific
Agreement name: Union-level agreement between Pa-Oh National Organization (PNLO) and Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC)
Date: 23 Mar 2013
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Myanmar Conflict (1948 - )
Internal conflict, mostly along ethno-political fault lines, has been a constant feature of Myanmar since its independence in 1948. The conflict has two distinct dynamics. First a struggle between an authoritarian government and a pro-democracy opposition which has the characteristics of authoritarian conflicts; and second a stuggle between the government and ethnic armed groups which has the characteristics of an identity conflict. The two oldest and strongest militias fighting the government are the Karen National Union (KNU), which has remained active since the late 1940s, and the Kachin Independence Organisation, which was formed in the early 1960s. In total, here are more than a dozen mostly ethnic-based guerrilla groups active throughout the country. Especially in the period of junta dictatorship that lasted until 2011 the government attempted to crush the rebellions, which led to numerous human rights violations. With the start of democratic reforms in the aftermath of the 2010 elections, peace negotiations have taken place and resulted in the signing of various agreements, although conflicts remain active.
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Myanmar ceasefires process with ethnic armed groups
Parties: Pa-Oh National Organization (PNLO) and Union Peacemaking Working Committee (UPWC); Representatives from PNLO
U Khun Okkar (Chairman)
U Khun Myint Htun (General Secretary)
Representatives from UPWC
U Aung Min (Union Minister)
U Khin Mg Soe (Union Minister)
Third parties: -
Description: Ceasefire agreement with other clauses pertaining to the distribution of national identity cards, development projects, and a continuation of political talks.

Agreement document: MM_130323_pnlo_govt_union_level_agreement_eng.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language): MM_130323_pnlo_govt_agreement_BUR.pdf (opens in new tab)| Download PDF

Main category: Page 1-2, Youth, Women and Labour
8.
(a) To help the coordination and promotion of Pa-O youth, women and workers
(b) To promote the participation of youth, women and laborers at each level of the political process
(c) To permit the Pa-O national conference, youth conference, women conference and labour conference in accordance with the law
... (e) To permit promoting the empowerment of youth, women and labors

Women, girls and gender

Participation: Participation→Other
Page 1-2, Youth, Women and Labour
8.
(a) To help the coordination and promotion of Pa-O youth, women and workers
(b) To promote the participation of youth, women and laborers at each level of the political process
(c) To permit the Pa-O national conference, youth conference, women conference and labour conference in accordance with the law
... (e) To permit promoting the empowerment of youth, women and labors
Equality: No specific mention.
Particular groups of women: No specific mention.
International law: No specific mention.
New institutions: No specific mention.
Violence against women: No specific mention.
Transitional justice: No specific mention.
Institutional reform: No specific mention.
Development: No specific mention.
Implementation: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Union Level agreement between PNLO and UPWC

(unofficial translation)

23 March 2013 Myanmar Peace Center, Yangon

Ceasefire

1. On August 25, 2012, PNLO and state government authorities signed a ceasefire agreement to halt fighting.

If other armed groups enter the PNLO controlled area, UPWC must help to solve the problem.

Code of Conduct

2. Code of Conduct must be uniform for all ceasefire groups.

Both sides agreed to study and review the terms.

Liaison Office and Economic office

3. In accordance with the state level peace agreement, a liaison office has been opened in Taunggyi city.

Both sides agreed to open other liaison offices in Hsee Hsai and Mauk Mae, as well as a business office in Tha Htone city.

National Identity Card

4. Both sides agreed that the UPWC will help PNLO members and other civilians to obtain official national identity cards.

Relief, Resettlement, Anti-Narcotics and Development

5.(a) PNLO will submit a proposal for Ka Du Gyi and Mae Aww road construction to the Union government

(b) Based on the constitution, the government must provide Humanitarian aid during a crisis

(d) PNLO will cooperate with Union government, State government and local authorities to implement education, healthcare, agriculture-based development

(e) Union government must help anti-narcotic operations

(f) Union government must assist agriculture-based development

Economics

6. In accordance with the current constitution, PNLO can establish companies to conduct businesses related to mining, logging, cement, hotels and warehouses.

Demining

7. The two sides agreed to cooperate with the government's demining department in removing landmines along the Ka Du Gyi – Mae Aww road

Youth, Women and Labour

8. ( a) To help the coordination and promotion of Pa-O youth, women and workers

(b) To promote the participation of youth, women and laborers at each level of the political process

(c) To permit the Pa-O national conference, youth conference, women conference and labour conference in accordance with the law

(d) To permit the establishment of social networks, media, publications and broadcasting businesses

(e) To permit promoting the empowerment of youth, women and labors

Political dialogue

9. Both sides agreed to continue political talks after the PNLO and UPWC sign a union level ceasefire agreement

(Remark:

PNLO is a member of the UNFC and will ensure political discussions are inline with the group)

Discussion policy

10. Irrespective of group size, both sides will continue to discuss all difficulties, problems and disagreements in accordance with this agreement.

Representatives from PNLO

U Khun Okkar (Chairman)

U Khun Myint Htun (General Secretary)

Representatives from UPWC

U Aung Min (Union Minister)

U Khin Mg Soe (Union Minister)