Myanmar Human Rights Commission criticizes forced relocation of squatters

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Human rights commission criticizes forced relocation of squatters



YANGON: -- The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) has urged authorities to relocate squatters by more humanitarian means after large-scale evictions were carried out recently in Yangon’s Mingaladon Township and Mandalay Division’s Pyin Oo Lwin, The Irrawaddy reported.

In a statement released Wednesday, the MNHRC advised authorities to increase awareness of such evictions among affected households through the release of statements and prior warnings. The commission also recommended that transportation be provided to those who are ordered to vacate, in addition to social assistance.

About 500 households were demolished in Kon Ta La Paung village in Rangoon’s Pyinmabin Industrial Zone on Jan 26. In Nyaung Ni village in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Division, the military evicted more than 150 people from 28 households. Authorities claimed that the villagers were trespassing on property owned by the military.

In both cases, temporary shelter, food and health care were promised to the displaced, but MNHRC reported that no such provisions were made; now those whose homes were demolished are reportedly living on roadsides, facing water shortages and again looking for vacant land on which to set up dwellings. Among them are pregnant women, children and the elderly.

MNHRC also reminded squatters to respect the rules and regulations determined by the government regarding relocation.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/149619


-- Thai PBS 2016-02-05