Civilian Protection in Burma

Early Warning System to Protect Civilians in Eastern Burma

Project cost: $680 per village incorporated in warning network

In areas of eastern Burma populated by ethnic minorities and deemed to be “free-fire areas” by the government, official policy allows the army to shoot any civilian on sight without provocation. Since 1962, villages in these areas have been subject to routine and repeated attacks by the army. These attacks involve shelling, shooting civilians, landmines, rape, forced labor, and the destruction of property such as burning homes and food stores, and killing or stealing livestock. Over 3,200 villages have been destroyed in the last 10 years.

Frequently, intercepted radio transmissions or local observations provide warning of government attacks, but due to lack of transport and communications, these warnings may not reach villagers in time for them to escape attack. The GI-NET plans to work with a local implementing partner and community-based organizations inside Burma to create a civilian radio network that will enable civilians to receive and send warning information and distress calls. A local organization will also have satellite phone capabilities as part of the network to communicate over greater distances. This will greatly extend the warning time they have to protect themselves by evading their attackers and packing or hiding their assets.

Click here to download a handout on the conflict in eastern Burma

For more information on the Genocide Intervention Network's Civilian Protection Program and specific projects, visit http://genocideintervention.net/protection.