Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 2018-2022
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Strategy for development
cooperation with Myanmar
2018–2022
Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 11. Direction
The objective of Sweden’s international development cooperation is to create Sida’s activities are expected to contribute to the following objectives:
opportunities for people living in poverty and oppression to improve their living
conditions. Development cooperation will be based on the principles of aid and Human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality
development effectiveness, and the new international agreements the international • Strengthened respect for human rights, gender equality, human security
community agreed on in 2015.1) and improved protection for vulnerable people
• Improved democratic governance, reduced corruption and improved
Within the framework of this strategy, Sweden’s development cooperation with opportunities for responsibility and accountability in public institutions
Myanmar will contribute to a democratic, gender-equal, peaceful and inclusive • Greater freedom of expression and increased capacity of civil society and
society where equitable health, human rights and the rule of law are respected and independent media to perform their democratic and scrutiny functions
people’s vulnerability to crises and disasters is reduced. The strategy’s contribution
to tackling the multidimensional crisis of the Rohingya people is part of all Peaceful inclusive societies
objectives and implementation. The strategy will apply for the period 2018–2022 • Strengthened capacity to prevent violent conflict and ensure inclusive
and comprise of SEK 1 250 million for activities implemented by the Swedish peacebuilding
International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and SEK 30 million for • Improved participation and influence of women and young people in conflict
activities implemented by the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) for the same management and peacebuilding
period. The aims of these activities are interlinked and an integrated approach • Improved conditions for civil society to contribute to peacebuilding
should be applied.
Equitable health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Improved access to good health and medical services, especially in those
parts of the country with least access
• Increased knowledge about and access to sexual and reproductive
health and rights
The FBA’s activities will contribute to the following objectives:
• Strengthened capacity for inclusive peacebuilding and dialogue
• Improved respect for and application of the rule of law
1)
he development agenda includes the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Global Goals and 169 targets for sustainable
T
development, the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development
(Addis Ababa Action Agenda) and the Paris Agreement.
2 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 32. Country context lack proper influence and representa- Throughout the country there are
tion in the peace process. This also challenges concerning respect for and
applies to women and young people. protection of human rights. Discrimi-
The space available to civil society nation on the grounds of ethnicity,
organisations is limited. Continued religion and gender is a common
attacks by the military and armed occurrence. The military as well as
confrontations, primarily in Kachin ethnic armed groups commit human
Myanmar is one of the poorest countries ministries, and is not subordinate to the State and Northern Shan State, have rights violations in conflict areas with
in Asia. One third of the population are civilian part of the government. caused immense suffering and humani- impunity. Freedom of expression and
thought to be living in absolute poverty, Through the interior ministry, the tarian needs, and have further compli- freedom of opinion, including freedom
and an additional third are very close to military controls public administration cated the peace process. of the press and freedom of informa-
the poverty line. There is therefore a at state and local level. The state tion, have gradually been strengthened.
high level of vulnerability among the apparatus has been designed and The situation in Rakhine State is Serious challenges remain and the
population. The majority of the managed by military governments for serious. Excessive violence by the trend is once again negative. Repressive
population living in poverty are in rural decades. Experience of delivering military against the Rohingya people legislation is used against dissidents.
areas. In areas where ethnic minorities public services is low, as is capacity to has caused enormous suffering, Human rights defenders are at risk.
live and where there are ongoing active do this. The judicial system and state destruction and increased tensions. The
armed conflicts, over half of the institutions are generally weak and systematic and planned nature of the Women and girls are subjected to
population live in poverty. Many of the corruption is widespread. The citizens’ atrocities indicates that crimes against discrimination, partly as a result of
country’s internally displaced persons confidence in state institutions is low. humanity have been committed. In the conservative and religious norms.
live in these areas and are dependent on northern parts of Rakhine 90 per cent Sexual and reproductive health and
humanitarian support. The ongoing armed conflicts in several of the Rohingya population, approx- rights (SRHR) are a neglected area.
states are among the world’s longest- imately 700 000 people, are believed to Women and girls from the ethnic
Since 2015, Myanmar has been led by a lasting civil wars. The parties in the have fled in 2017, mainly to Bangladesh. minorities are more vulnerable when
democratically elected government. national peace process have widely At the time of adopting this strategy, it comes to access to health and
However, the political landscape is mar- differing views in terms of both the context on the ground is not education. Women, young people and
ked by a critical democratic deficit. interpretation of the National Ceasefire conducive to a large-scale return to children often lack the power to make
Under Myanmar’s constitution, the Agreement (NCA) entered into and the Rakhine State. In central Rakhine, decisions about their own bodies,
military appoints 25 per cent of the wider peace process. One key issue is some 120 000 Rohingya people are health and sexuality. Sexual and gender-
seats in the union, state and regional the forms of a federal solution for living in camps for internally displaced based violence are very common.
parliaments, which gives the military separation of powers between central people following violent clashes in
a right of veto on constitutional and local level. Several of the largest 2012. Reconciliation and development Smartphones and social media have
amendments. The military also has armed groups from the northern parts in Rakhine, the second poorest state in created new and important platforms,
political influence that curtails the of the country have so far chosen to Myanmar, are aggravated by tensions, although there are major differences in
people’s opportunity to fully elect their remain outside of the process. The distrust and hate propaganda, and the access to information via the internet
representatives. The military controls process is being run top-down and points of contact between different between urban and rural areas. A free
the interior, border and defence broader groups and interests in society groups in Rakhine State are few. internet helps to empower discriminated
4 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 5and vulnerable groups, but it is problem for children in Myanmar is 3. Activities
still associated with major risks, undernourishment as a result of
including hate propaganda that can inadequate access to a nutritious and
quickly spread. varied diet. The poorest people, the
most vulnerable women and the ethnic
Myanmar is one of the most vulnerable populations are often facing poor lower
countries in the world in terms of quality care and some have no access
natural disasters. Environmental whatsoever to medical care. Sweden’s development cooperation circumstances of people and societies.
damage following large-scale infra- with Myanmar should be based on and The guiding principle is that economic,
structure projects and exploitation of characterised by a rights perspective social and environmental conditions
natural resources is common. The and the perspective of poor people on and processes are to be understood and
vulnerability and the resilience of poor development. The rights perspective managed in an integrated context.
households is aggravated by their means that human rights and democracy Gender equality and the empowerment
vulnerability to conflict-related crises, are to be seen as fundamental to and rights of women and girls are both
natural disasters, environmental development. This approach involves goals in themselves and a prerequisite
damage and climate change. giving visibility, prior to each contribu- and a means for achieving sustainable
tion, to individuals and groups who are global development. Violence and
Myanmar has low values on most discriminated against, excluded or armed conflict are among the greatest
health indicators. The national health marginalised, so that all people can obstacles to economic and social
system is lacking both staff and enjoy their rights, regardless of gender, development, and development
medicine. Necessary capacity and age, disability, ethnicity, religion or cooperation is an important part of
infrastructure are lacking in many other belief, sexual orientation, or conflict prevention. For this reason, an
places. Maternal mortality has dropped transgender identity or expression. environmental and climate perspective,
but remains at a high level compared The perspective of poor people on a gender perspective and a conflict
with other countries in the region. development means that the situation, perspective are to be systematically
Unsafe abortions are the cause of needs, circumstances and priorities of integrated into Sweden’s development
10 per cent of maternal mortality. In the poor women, men and children should cooperation with Myanmar.
poorest groups, one in ten children die be used as the basis for poverty
before the age of five. A serious health reduction and the promotion of Internationally agreed principles on
equitable and sustainable development. development effectiveness will be
applied to Sweden’s development
Sweden’s development cooperation cooperation and adapted to the specific
should be economically, socially and context. The main responsibility for a
environmentally sustainable, as well as country’s development lies with the
gender-equal. Sweden’s development partner countries’ governments and
cooperation is based on a comprehensive other national actors. Ownership is
approach to the challenges, needs and seen in a broad, inclusive perspective
6 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 7and, in addition to state actors, includes and disasters, strengthening societies’ non-discriminatory support to Rakhine of land and natural resources are key to
relevant parts of civil society. Country resilience and reducing humanitarian State. Sida should also seek a holistic several areas within the strategy’s
ownership of the development process dependence in particularly vulnerable approach to other refugee situations in objectives and can be supported.
must be at the core of development areas, including Rakhine. This includes the region that are a result of armed
cooperation. The forthcoming Myanmar climate change adaptation. conflict in Myanmar. Activities in support of peaceful,
Sustainable Development Plan and inclusive societies should contribute
other national steering documents are A consistent focus on gender equality Activities in support of human rights, to peacebuilding and prevention of
of relevance in this regard. should be integrated in all areas of democracy and the rule of law will help violence, based on broad public
work. This can be combined with to strengthen the most vulnerable participation. Priority should be given
The current context in Myanmar targeted support to organisations and people and support them in enjoying to confidence-building measures and
particularly requires flexibility and networks that have women’s rights and their human rights. This may include reconciliation for peaceful coexistence,
accuracy in the implementation of the gender equality as their main objective. strengthening the state’s possibility to also related to ethnic and religious
strategy. At the time of the strategy’s fulfil its obligations by promoting more tensions. Activities should contribute to
entry into force, developments in The Rohingya population is particularly democratic, efficient and effective a better reflection of the needs of rights
several areas in which activities are vulnerable and should be given priority institutions. Support that strengthens holders as a way to support the wider
expected to create sustainable results in implementation. Sida should ensure a state and non-state actors’ anti- peace process. Support that contributes
are heading in the wrong direction. holistic approach in Sweden’s develop- corruption work should be considered. to women’s and young people’s
There needs to be preparedness to ment cooperation relating to the Preventing impunity is crucial if meaningful participation in decision-
adapt the strategy’s implementation to situation of the Rohingya, in collabora- reconciliation is to be achieved. making at different levels concerning
changing conditions and identify tion with Sweden’s humanitarian Development cooperation should help peace and armed conflict is of great
possible ways to combat a negative trend. support. Coordination should be to increase human security and impro- importance. This includes women’s
sought between strategies that include ve protection and freedom from empowerment and financial autonomy.
The overall support for the most activities focusing on the Rohingya. violence for vulnerable people, not least Children’s perspectives and voices will
vulnerable people should promote Within the framework of this strategy’s children and young people. Conditions be taken into account. Civil society
resilience. One important component objectives, activities should contribute for accountability should be strengthe- actors have a key role in efforts for
in achieving this is greater collaboration to poverty reduction, peace and ned, including measures for freedom of peaceful and inclusive societies and will
between humanitarian and develop- reconciliation in Rakhine State, and expression, freedom of opinion and the be supported.
ment initiatives through shared strengthening the conditions for the right to information. Labour rights,
analyses, planning and formulation of voluntary return of refugees from such as freedom of association and Activities in support of equitable health
goals. Development cooperation plays Bangladesh. At the time the strategy is social dialogue, are also important and will support and complement the
an important role in dealing with the adopted, the recommendations of the can be supported. Activities will target country’s national health plan. This
underlying causes of crises and Advisory Commission on Rakhine key agents of change. Independent includes support to health systems.
strengthening poor and vulnerable State (the Annan report) are the professional media and a free, open and Priority will be given to access to health
people’s resilience and possibilities to established and internationally accepted secure internet have an important role care in areas where the state does not
recover from crises. Activities should roadmap. An active dialogue with the to play, both as goals in themselves and have capacity or the access to imple-
make use of opportunities to contribute Government of Myanmar and other as platforms for asserting other rights. ment health care, such as areas affected
to preventing crises, violent conflicts donors is necessary for coordinated and Rights concerning ownership and use by conflict and areas that are fully or
8 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 9partially controlled by ethnic groups. The Government’s view is that budget guidelines for strategies in Swedish
This includes maternal and child support or direct support to state development cooperation and
health. Activities that increase informa- institutions should not be initiated in humanitarian aid.
tion and knowledge about sexual and the current circumstances. At the same
reproductive health and rights will be time, strengthened institutions are Sweden will act to promote coherent
implemented. This work includes the important in a long-term perspective. and effective development cooperation
abortion issue. Young people are an Sida can contribute to capacity-enhancing coordination in the country primarily
important target group. support through joint donor funds or by means of active participation in EU
multilateral organisations that have coordination and joint programming.
Activities should as far as possible be state institutions as cooperation
integrated and can contribute to several partners, if this is considered a strategic Synergies between the different areas of
goals simultaneously. way to contribute to the strategy’s goals the strategy will be sought. Synergies
and if the conditions are in place for the will also be sought with activities
The main channels for the implementa- necessary follow-up and controls. If within the framework of other regional,
tion of development cooperation with the circumstances change, Sida may bilateral and thematically oriented
Myanmar should be civil society – following consultation with the strategies. Support via multilateral
organisations, local, multilateral and Ministry for Foreign Affairs – consider organisations should be compatible
international organisations, and joint gradually increasing its direct cooperation with Swedish priorities and approaches
donor funds. Collaboration with the with the state. in partnership with multilateral
business sector may be considered. organisations.
Target groups are mainly made up of The FBA may include state actors in
ethnic minorities, women and young dialogue and capacity-enhancing The strategy’s implementation must be
people. A broader target group may be activities, but not state military institu- characterised by a tailored and explora-
justified for some activities. A strong tions or functions in Myanmar. If the tory working method. Sida will ensure
conflict sensitivity perspective is key circumstances clearly change, the FBA a holistic perspective in all Swedish
to implementation. may – following consultation with the support to Myanmar in the implemen-
Ministry for Foreign Affairs – consider tation of the strategy. Sweden’s conside-
The FBA’s activities should contribute small-scale cooperation (with possibili- rable development cooperation com-
to strengthened capacity for inclusive ty to scale up) with state military mitments, including via multilateral
peacebuilding and dialogue, and greater institutions and functions if this is organisations, will form the basis of
respect for and application of the rule considered to be a strategic way to dialogue and influence in the country
of law. The FBA should design and contribute to the FBA’s goals for the and the region.
develop activities that contribute to the strategy.
goals. For example, the FBA’s activities
may include training, advice, second- Sida’s and the FBA’s activities will be
ments, methods development and followed up in line with the principles
policy support. and processes stated in the Government’s
10 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar 11Ministry of Foreign Affairs 103 39 Stockholm government.se 12 Strategy for development cooperation with Myanmar
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