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ARCHIVES	Monday, 3 July 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

MWAF firmly believes security of women can be attained only when country is at peace and stable Instigation with false information might jeopardize peace and tranquillity of country and safety of Myanmar community as a whole including Myanmar women Myanmar Women’s Day observed

Yangon, 3 July— Myanmar Women’s Day organized by Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation was observed at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Kamayut Township this afternoon, attended by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and honorary patron of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation. Also present were wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and honorary patron of MWAF Daw Mya Mya San, wife of member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann member of Panel of Patrons of MWAF Daw Khin Lay Thet and members, wife of Prime Minister General Soe Win President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe, Vice-Presidents and EC members of MWAF, Patrons of State and Division Women’s Affairs Organizations, service personnel, intellectuals and intelligentsia, members of support groups, heads of departments, wives of ambassadors and resident representatives of UN Agencies, local and foreign newsmen, representatives of social organizations, state and division women’s affairs organizations, wellwishers, prize-winners and their relatives and guests. Daw Khin Mo U and Daw Lang Maung Pang of Myanma Radio and Television acted as masters of ceremonies and announced the agendas in Myanmar and English. Next, President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe delivered an address. She said: throughout history and by tradition, we Myanmar women have always stood in good stead. We Myanmar women, being always ready and able to contribute to the benefit of others with the compassion and temperament of a mother, are known to have acted on a par with our male counterparts from fulfilling basic household duties to carrying out nation-building tasks. Myanmar women are known to be able to face undauntedly whatever difficulty there might be and to overcome the difficulty with valour and perseverance. And it is to honour the Myanmar women, who are endowed and accomplished with such altruism, compassion and capability, that Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, in representing the women mass, leads the celebration of Myanmar Women’s Day, the 3rd of July. For this reason, today, the 3rd of July, is a day of special significance overwhelmed with auspiciousness and significance. In other words, today may be deemed as the day which highlights the much valued attributes of our womenfolk, their patriotism and their exemplary traits of upholding lineage, and their ever on-going public spirit. It would be appropriate to mention here a bit about the designation of Myanmar Women’s Day, the 3rd of July. In September 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, adopted a resolution for every nation to establish a National Machinery for effective implementation of the common aims of ensuring security and develop-

The Government of the Union of Myanmar accordingly formed the Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs (MNCWA) on 3rd July 1996 to act as the leading body in initiatives to enable Myanmar women to fully enjoy the rights that they already have and to ensure continued enhancement of their development in keeping with the times. Later, on 20th December, 2003, the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation (MWAF) was formed with seven lofty aims for the extensive involvement of Myanmar women themselves in the efforts to enhance their role in society and to serve the interests of the nation and the people. Accordingly, women organizations from the State and Division level to the ward and village level mobilize the women mass to unitedly endeavour for the enhancement of the role of Myanmar women as well as for national development while implementing the noble aims of MWAF. At present, the membership of MWAF has grown to over 2.6 million in the course of two and a half years of its existence. The Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, being a social organization working for the security and all-round development of women, strives to safeguard the rights of Myanmar Women in accordance with the prescribed laws. MWAF is not only a social organization but also a national force involved in serving the national interest as well as in carrying out social activities, in addition to serving the affairs of women, in line with the National Basic Principles. Every Myanmar woman, imbued with patriotism and a social and national conscience, has the opportunity to realize her aspiration to serve the country by joining MWAF. The Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, along with the women mass, is proud and is greatly inspired by the achievements made over the past decade in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, laid by the Fourth World Conference for Women for the advancement of women, due to the united efforts of Myanmar women of all spheres and at all levels. In 2005, a Myanmar delegation attended a conference held in Beijing from 29 August to 1 September to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. The Conference issued the Beijing Plus 10 Declaration Aiming Towards Solidarity for Gender Equality, Development and Peace. It is noted with satisfaction that the implementation work and programmes carried out in Myanmar to promote the welfare and development of

Myanmar

women are in line with most of the determinations and plans of action in the Beijing Plus 10 Declaration. Members of our women organizations all over the country are also involved, collaborating in unison, in the implementation of these tasks.

Here, I would like to mention a few of those plans of action from the Beijing Plus 10 Declaration which reflects our development programmes. Beijing Plus 10 Declaration emphasized the need to speed up the momentum of the implementation of the slogan “Education for All”. In Myanmar , recognizing that “Education for All” is fundamental to human resource development, teaching-learning programmes covering all types of learners, regardless of age, sex or religion, are being formulated and implemented with momentum. Programmes for “Non-formal Education” “Adult literacy” “Inclusive Education” “Continuing Education” etc., are but a few of the strategies which are being implemented in cooperation with NGOs like MWAF to promote the intellectual facility of the people. Beijing Plus 10 Declaration also determined to ensure that women and girls have the knowledge and means to prevent HIV transmission and have equal and universal access to counseling, treatment and care. As part of the Health Care Programme for Women, means of prevention of HIV transmission, and reproductive health education are disseminated to women and girls of both urban and rural areas. Equal and universal access to counseling, treatment and care is also given to HIV patients. Regarding the call for elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls and to prevent and combat all forms of trafficking, the State has not only promulgated the Anti-trafficking in Persons Law but it is also carrying out suppression measures in accordance with International Conventions. A National Seminar on the Anti-trafficking in Persons Law was held in Yangon this year in February and subsequent workshops at State and Division level were held at Mandalay, Lashio, Bago, Kawthaung and Tachilek. Special Anti-trafficking Units of the Myanmar Police Forces have also been formed in major cities in cooperation with the Asia Regional Cooperation to Prevent People Trafficking Project. A National Plan of Action on Anti-trafficking in Person has been drafted and Myanmar has hosted an Inter-ministerial meeting called Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking (COMMIT) in 2004 and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation also assists in the activities relating to prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons and in rendering assistance to the victims. For prevention, knowledge and information relating to trafficking in persons is disseminated among women and young people. Educative talks, training and counseling programmes are also organized as preventive measures. We also assist in reintegration and rehabilitation works of trafficked victims in collaboration with Government bodies as well as INGOs. Due to the fact that the Beijing Plus 10 work plans are in conformity with the Myanmar situation, it is no big effort for

Myanmar

to implement them in collaboration with other countries in the region for the advancement of women.

However, inasmuch as we Myanmar women are endeavouring for the country’s development and the advancement of Myanmar women, external forces are simply making one-sided false allegations and unjust sanctions. As these false allegations and unjust sanctions can adversely affect the development and security of our womenfolk, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, on behalf of the entire women mass, has issued several statements, declarations and responses to the unjust allegations.

(1) The statement con-cerning the adverse impact on the lives of women as a consequence of the unjust allegations and sanctions against Myanmar issued on Myanmar Women’s Day 2005,

(2) The statement in response to the report commissioned by the former President of the Czech Republic, Mr Vaclav Havel and Bishop Desmond M Tu Tu of South Africa in which unjust allegations were made on Myanmar,

(4) The Declaration of View on the Unjust Conclusion of the 295th Session of the ILO Governing Body as it can have adverse consequences on the socio-economic development of

Myanmar

women.

Even at present, some powerful western countries and the internal and external destructive elements are attempting with varying false allegations to urge the United Nations Security Council to take action on Myanmar . Reports, texts and dossiers with allegations based on exaggerated, false and fabricated information of dissident groups, are being presented to the United Nations and its agencies.

Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation would like to make an analytical review on the allegations in the aforesaid reports.

The Government has taken on the care of the socio-economic lives of the ethnic groups in remote areas by implementing programmes for development in the specified 24 Special Development Regions. Construction of dams and reservoirs, networks of roads and bridges, universities and colleges, schools and hospitals in the regions where the ethnic races live is proof that the State is putting out all efforts for the basic development of the national races in those regions. In fact, the Government is constantly providing for the needs of the ethnic groups through personal discussions with them. Moreover, delegates of national races, delegates of groups who exchanged arms for peace and other related invited persons are participating in person at the present National Convention.

It is clear proof that the Government is always cooperating with the ethnic groups and has never neglected them as ‘minorities’. Therefore, allegations of using ethnic cleansing strategies are just false accusations. Having established the Union Spirit in the nationalities, developments in the ethnic regions can be observed distinctly.

Moreover, Myan-mar was also listed as one of the countries alleged to have the highest drug abuse. It is just a false allegation which ignores the fact that Myanmar Government has been cooperating very closely with UN agencies and neighbouring countries in the cause for drug eradication which the government takes on as a national cause. Myanmar has consistently been active in the drive for drug eradication; cooperating with countries sharing borders with Myanmar, engaging in sub-regional cooperation on drug abuse control with China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam and signing a memorandum of understanding with the said countries, and cooperating with countries like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Russia, Laos, the Philippines, China, and Thailand on combating drug abuse. This shows that

Myanmar

has cooperated fully in the Asia Region as well as within the country and has made headway with the drug suppression activities.

The allegations regarding HIV/AIDS are also based on false information. To enable effective implementation of comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and control programmes in Myanmar , a Control Body in the name of National AIDS Committee has been established. Nowadays, Myanmar is cooperating with the UN Agencies, International NGOs and local NGOs in health education, taking care of the AIDS patients and conducting programmes to encourage the use of condoms and other activities for the prevention and control of the disease. According to the results of the Workshop on Projection and Demographic Impact Analysis on HIV/AIDS conducted by technical experts from WHO, and UN-AIDS and the Ministry of Health, it was observed that the prevalence of the disease has decreased from 1.5 per cent in 2000 to 1.3 per cent in 2005. Therefore, the allegation that

Myanmar

, having a high rate of HIV/AIDS in the region, is a case for concern is baseless.

Regarding Trafficking in Persons, MWAF is in the know of the real and true situation as we have a sub-working group on trafficking in persons which is entirely involved in the prevention and suppression activities. Myanmar has also enacted the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law. In 684 cases prosecuted between 2001 and May 2006, action was taken against 1920 persons of which 2 were given life sentence and 99 were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. As preventive measures, 830,000 were counseled and 28,840 were deterred in time by working groups on trafficking in persons, including MWAF members, in cooperation with the Myanmar Police Force and the local authorities.

In spite of all these nationwide endeavours to suppress trafficking in persons and collaboration with the regional countries, the US Department of State chose to ignore the efforts and listed Myanmar on tier 3 on the list of countries which are not in conformity with the US Department of State, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 and economic sanction was imposed on the products of the factories in Myanmar. With many young women losing their jobs as a result of the closure of factories, authorities and departments concerned, in cooperation with related social organizations, had to make arrangements to ward off the looming danger of these jobless young women falling victims to human trafficking.

The blunder made by US Department of State, instead of supporting the cause for the prevention of trafficking in persons, is pushing young Myanmar women towards being victims of human trafficking and thus, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation objects to Myanmar being listed on tier 3 in the Report on Trafficking in Persons issued by the US Department of State in June this year.

In June, 2006, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation issued an analytical review on the recommendations to the United Nations Security Council to take action on

Myanmar

. The Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation firmly believes that the security of the women can be attained only when the country is at peace and stable. We are deeply concerned that just as Myanmar women have achieved the momentum of advancement and security of life under the peace and tranquillity of the State, prevalence of law and order due to economic development and improved communication, instigation with false information might jeopardize the peace and tranquillity of the country and the safety of the Myanmar community as a whole including Myanmar women.

The reports and dossiers of recommendation to the United Nations Security Council to take action on Myanmar are baseless, relying only on false information, and are just fabrications of internal and external destructive elements and manipulating powers from the rear. As these fabrications can have adverse consequences on the Myanmar people and the entire

Myanmar

women mass, the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation strongly protests against them.

Myanmar

women have celebrated “Myanmar Women’s Day”, a milestone day in the life of Myanmar women, on the 3rd of July every year. This year, an additional array of pre-celebration activities was held with the help of departments concerned.

Songs, TV skits and discussions were aired throughout the past month to herald the “Myanmar Women’s Day” 2006. Essay competitions were held for students of Basic and Higher Education levels, organized by the Ministry of Education, and the prize-winners are present here today. Extemporary talk competitions were also held at the Institute of Nursing and the University of Culture respectively. A demonstration on the skills and capabilities of the member of the Myanmar Women Police Force Special Unit was also put on display.

The Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, together with other NGOs and wellwishers, has also carried out volunteer work and public services such as volunteer cleaning at hospitals, initiating public funds and donating blood. A paper-reading session on subjects related to women was held on 29th June to hail the 2006 Myanmar Women’s Day. Papers on varying aspects read by scholars and experts are as follows:

(1) Role of Myanmar Women in Information and Communication Technology Development

(3) The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law in Myanmar and combating measures against Trafficking in Persons.

Other than that, nationwide competitions on photography—on the theme “Life of a Myanmar Woman— complete and beautiful” and on article writing— “Let’s strive together for the advancement of Women” were held last month.

Myanmar Women’s Day, 2006, was also heralded in all States and Divisions with a variety of activities and is being celebrated today all over the country. This nation-wide ceremonious marking of Myanmar Women’s Day is to honour and to place on record once again those Myanmar women who were exemplary in displaying nationalism, patriotism and Union Spirit throughout the history of Myanmar, who have been preserving Myanmar traditional heritage, national character and lineage; and those who are taking part in their respective places in the evolution of Myanmar society. It is indeed an auspicious day for which all

Myanmar

women are to be proud of.

Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation not only endeavours for the uplifting of the role of women but also gives priority to mobilizing the women mass to undertake national development tasks in all aspects. The State in turn provides leadership and motivation so that the role of women in

Myanmar

can be clearly seen to be uplifted.

(1) to apply their good traditions and excellent capabilities in forming a strong national force to attain more achievements,

(2) to oppose with a true patriotic spirit the internal and external destructive elements who are bent on destroying the country and its people,

(3) to preserve and uplift the lineage, national character and heritage of

Myanmar

, and

In conclusion, I would like to express my wish that all women be able to participate with a sense of patriotism in the task of building a disciplined, peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation.

Next, Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented gifts to writer Dr Daw Tin Win (Dr Ma Tin Win-Institute of Education), National Literary Award winner for 2005, Daw Kyan and Daw Myint Than, winners of best performance in arts (Grade-1), Ma Phyo Phyo May of No 2 BEHS, Kamayut, who gained the second highest marks in the matriculation examination and Daw Myint Myint San of Kamayut Township, who donated blood for 91 times.

Daw Mya Mya San, Daw Khin Lay Thet and Daw Than Than Nwe presented prizes to winners of photo and article contests.

Next, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and guests observed documentary photos on activities of Myanmar Women’s Day, May Myanmar Journal published by MWAF, photos of outstanding women, national literary award winning books and booklets published by MWAF.

Yangon, 3 July — Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and Deputy Minister U Pe Than yesterday went to Kyangin and inspected the re-construction of Hparshin Creek Bridge which was damaged by the floods at the end of April 2006. Two beams installed on the pillar No 2 of the bridge were destroyed by the floods. Concrete pillars of the bridge across Hparshin Creek will be replaced with the bore piles, a senior engineer of Myanma Railways said. During the tour of inspection, the minister and the deputy minister took a boat trip and inspected drilling of bore piles and gave instructions. During the construction period, travellers can cross the river by a ferry of Myanma Railways free.

17th plenary meeting of Fifth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee concludes

Yangon, 3 July — The 17th plenary meeting of Fifth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee successfully concluded at the convocation hall of State Pariyatti Sasana University on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning The second day session of the meeting was attended by Sayadaws led by Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumura, adviser U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department U Myo Kyaw, Pro-rector (Admin) Dr Myint Kyi of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, officials of Religious Affairs Department and Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and others. Sayadaw Bhad-danta Kumura presided over the meeting and Joint-Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kitti of Zeyalankara Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Myingyan, Mandalay Division, acted as master of ceremo-nies. At the meeting Vinicchaya, religious and academic matters were discussed. After the meeting, 'soon' was offered to the Sayadaws.

Yangon , 3 July — Buddha Pujaniya Light Offering Committee of Insein Township offered Waso robes to Presiding Sayadaws of the committee yesterday. At the 11th Waso robe offering ceremony of the committee held at Nyaungbintha Monastery in Insein Township , members of the committee and wellwishers offered Waso robes to nine Sayadaws.
The ceremony concluded following the sharing the merits gained.

Yangon , 2 July — The 9th Waso Robe Offering Ceremony of Pantapwinttaung Sasana Area in Taikkyi is scheduled to be held on 9 July at Dhamma Sukha Beikman in the Sasana area. Those wishing to donate robes may contact Ph 055-20259, U Aung Myo (059-50-15520), U Ti Toe (Ph 09-80-22952), 500825, U Shwe Than Ph 699833, Daw Tin Tin Win (Ph 640181) and Daw Kyin Thaung (Ph 245488). The ceremony will be organized by Presiding Sayadaw of Panta-pwinttaung Monastic Education School Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannasara.

Yangon , 3 July—The Play and Script Section of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon will hold the discussion on scripts at the meeting hall of the association on 8 July 2006. The discussion will focus on CITIZEN KANE film that was regarded as the best film by doyen film artists. The blockbuster will be shown as a subject of discussions, and those interested may watch it.

Advanced Organizing Course No 9/2006 for MWVO Central Organizing Committee opens

Yangon, 3 July—The Advanced Organizing Course No 9/2006 sponsored by Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee was opened at the War Veterans Training School in Nyaunghnapin Camp, Hmawby Township , Yangon Division this morning. It was attended by Vice-Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee Vice-Admiral Kyi Min (Retd) and members, chief of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Headquarters’ Office and heads of department, principal, course instructors and trainees. In his address, Vice-Chairman Vice-Admiral Kyi Min (Retd) stressed the need for trainees to strive for the organization to be strong and efficient, and to organize fellow war veterans and the people, applying practically subjects taught at the course. He called upon them to do their bit to successfully implement the five future work programmes laid down by MWVO Conference held in 2005 and the five major tasks being undertaken by MWVO Central Organizing Committee. After the opening ceremony, Vice-Chairman Vice-Admiral Kyi Min (Retd) greeted the trainees. The four-week course is being attended by 50 trainees from Kayin State , Mon State , Taninthayi Division, Ayeyawady Division and Yangon Division.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 July— After attending the Fourth Meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on the ASEAN Charter in

Singapore

from 27 to 29 June, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun arrived back in Nay Pyi Taw this morning. Together with the Chairman of CSSTB, Director U Win Thein of ASEAN Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of Branch-1 U Aung Kyaw Moe also attended the meeting.