Peace Agreements Database

Country/entity

Myanmar

Region

Asia and Pacific

Agreement name

Union Accord Part III (Pyidaungsu Accord)

Date

21/08/2020

Agreement status

Multiparty signed/agreed

Interim arrangement

No

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.

Myanmar Conflict (1948 - ) )

Stage

Framework/substantive - partial (Multiple issues)

Conflict nature

Government/territory

Peace process

164: Myanmar 21st Century Panglong Process

A peace process across military, NLD, and Ethnic Armed Organisation to reach progress on democracy and peace.

Parties

Dr. Tin Myo Win 
Representative of the Government Group 

Dr. May Win Myint 
Representative of the Hluttaw Group 

Lt-Gen Tin Maug Win 
Representative of the Tatmadaw Group 

Lian Hmung Sakhong 
Representative of the Ethnic Armed Organization Group 

U Thu Wai 
Representative of the Political Parties Group 

U Htone Phoo Dagon
Ethnic Representative Government Group

U Kyaw Win 
Relevant Representative of the Government Group 

Kya Sha Mwe 
Ethnic Representative Ethnic Armed Organization Group

Daw Khin Ma Ma Myo 
Relevant Representative of Ethnic Armed Organization Group 

U Zein Khan Ram 
Ethnic Representative Political Parties Group 

Nang Aye Aye Thwe 
Relevant Representative of the Political Parties Group 

Third parties

Description

This agreement between the government, the military, and ethnic armed organisations sets core principles which the implementation of the National Ceasefire Agreement is to follow, including: democracy, federalism, cultural, religious, and language rights of ethnic groups.

Agreement document

MM_200821_Union_Accord_Part_III_tr.pdf []

Agreement document (original language)

MM_200821_Union_Accord_Part_III.pdf []

Groups

Children/youth

No specific mention.

Disabled persons

No specific mention.

Elderly/age

No specific mention.

Migrant workers

No specific mention.

Racial/ethnic/national group

Rhetorical

Page 2:
9. To recognize the diversity of the background history, traditions and culture, literature, languages and national characteristics of the ethnic nationalities residing in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and collectively establish an icon of the Union by the citizens through a diversity of ethnics and languages.

Anti-discrimination

Page 2:
2. To prohibit discrimination based on nationality, religion, culture and gender against all the citizens residing in the Union, while ensuring equal rights.

Other

.

Religious groups

Anti-discrimination

Page 2:
2. To prohibit discrimination based on nationality, religion, culture and gender against all the citizens residing in the Union, while ensuring equal rights.

Indigenous people

No specific mention.

Other groups

No specific mention.

Refugees/displaced persons

No specific mention.

Social class

No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender

Page 2:
2. To prohibit discrimination based on nationality, religion, culture and gender against all the citizens residing in the Union, while ensuring equal rights.

Men and boys

No specific mention.

LGBTI

No specific mention.

Family

No specific mention.

State definition

State definition

Nature of state (general)

Page 2:
1. To develop the Republic of the Union of Myanmar into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions, with the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit.
[...]
3. To establish a nation where there is no misuse of religion for political purpose and where politics and religion are separated from each other.

Page 3:
12. (a) It is agreed to establish a Union based on democracy and federal system towards the realization of sustainable peace through bilateral coordination of the post-2020 stage-by-stage work programmes and step-by-step implementations adopted by the Union Peace Conference – the 21st Century Panglong.

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
With the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be developed into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system
(b)The three branches of sovereign pillars— legislative, executive and judiciary pillars— will be shared to the Union, regions/states, and self-administered areas. Legislative powers and joint powers among the Union, regions/states and self-administered areas will be shared in line with the Constitution.
(c) The Union and regions/states shall have the rights to exercise the divided powers on legislative, executive and judiciary sectors.

State configuration

Page 2:
1. To develop the Republic of the Union of Myanmar into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions, with the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit.

Page 3:
12. (a) It is agreed to establish a Union based on democracy and federal system towards the realization of sustainable peace through bilateral coordination of the post-2020 stage-by-stage work programmes and step-by-step implementations adopted by the Union Peace Conference – the 21st Century Panglong.

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Self determination

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
With the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be developed into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions.
1. Democracy and federal system will be based on developing the country into a Union.

State symbols

Page 2:
9. To recognize the diversity of the background history, traditions and culture, literature, languages and national characteristics of the ethnic nationalities residing in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and collectively establish an icon of the Union by the citizens through a diversity of ethnics and languages.
Note: The icon of the Union represents the only consolidated Union.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed)

General references

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system
(b)The three branches of sovereign pillars— legislative, executive and judiciary pillars— will be shared to the Union, regions/states, and self-administered areas. Legislative powers and joint powers among the Union, regions/states and self-administered areas will be shared in line with the Constitution.
(c) The Union and regions/states shall have the rights to exercise the divided powers on legislative, executive and judiciary sectors.

New political institutions (indefinite)

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
2. A separate and independent Constitutional Tribunal will be established to settle disputes related to the Constitution between the Union and the regions/states or among the regions and states.

Constitution's affirmation/renewal

No specific mention.

Constitutional reform/making

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
5. Fundamental rights of all citizens and their duties shall be included in the Constitution. Every citizen shall have equal rights before the law and shall have equal legal protection. Law must be enacted for the rights of national races to protect their cultures, literature, languages, faiths and traditions.

Elections

No specific mention.

Electoral commission

No specific mention.

Political parties reform

No specific mention.

Civil society

No specific mention.

Traditional/religious leaders

No specific mention.

Public administration

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Power sharing

Political power sharing

No specific mention.

Territorial power sharing

Federal or similar sub-divided government

Page 2:
1. To develop the Republic of the Union of Myanmar into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions, with the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit.

Page 3:
12. (a) It is agreed to establish a Union based on democracy and federal system towards the realization of sustainable peace through bilateral coordination of the post-2020 stage-by-stage work programmes and step-by-step implementations adopted by the Union Peace Conference – the 21st Century Panglong.

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
With the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be developed into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions.
1. Democracy and federal system will be based on developing the country into a Union.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
2. A separate and independent Constitutional Tribunal will be established to settle disputes related to the Constitution between the Union and the regions/states or among the regions and states.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system
(b)The three branches of sovereign pillars— legislative, executive and judiciary pillars— will be shared to the Union, regions/states, and self-administered areas. Legislative powers and joint powers among the Union, regions/states and self-administered areas will be shared in line with the Constitution.
(c) The Union and regions/states shall have the rights to exercise the divided powers on legislative, executive and judiciary sectors.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
4. Due respect and equal authority shall be developed among regions/states.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
Note: Regions/states shall have equal powers. The description of names will be discussed in next meetings.

Autonomous regions

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system
(b)The three branches of sovereign pillars— legislative, executive and judiciary pillars— will be shared to the Union, regions/states, and self-administered areas. Legislative powers and joint powers among the Union, regions/states and self-administered areas will be shared in line with the Constitution.

Economic power sharing

Fiscal federalism

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system

Military power sharing

No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
5. Fundamental rights of all citizens and their duties shall be included in the Constitution. Every citizen shall have equal rights before the law and shall have equal legal protection. Law must be enacted for the rights of national races to protect their cultures, literature, languages, faiths and traditions.

Equality

Page 2:
2. To prohibit discrimination based on nationality, religion, culture and gender against all the citizens residing in the Union, while ensuring equal rights.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
With the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be developed into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions.

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
5. Fundamental rights of all citizens and their duties shall be included in the Constitution. Every citizen shall have equal rights before the law and shall have equal legal protection. Law must be enacted for the rights of national races to protect their cultures, literature, languages, faiths and traditions.

Democracy

Page 2:
1. To develop the Republic of the Union of Myanmar into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions, with the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit.

Page 3:
12. (a) It is agreed to establish a Union based on democracy and federal system towards the realization of sustainable peace through bilateral coordination of the post-2020 stage-by-stage work programmes and step-by-step implementations adopted by the Union Peace Conference – the 21st Century Panglong.

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
With the aim of the non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, based on freedom, equality and justice, and in accordance with the Panglong spirit, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar will be developed into a Union based on democracy and federal system that assures democracy, national equality and self-determination through the outcomes of political discussions.
1. Democracy and federal system will be based on developing the country into a Union.

Protection measures

No specific mention.

Human rights framework

No specific mention.

Civil and political rights

No specific mention.

Socio-economic rights

No specific mention.

NHRI

No specific mention.

Regional or international human rights institutions

No specific mention.

Mobility/access

No specific mention.

Detention procedures

No specific mention.

Media and communication

No specific mention.

Citizenship

No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law

No specific mention.

State of emergency provisions

No specific mention.

Judiciary and courts

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
2. A separate and independent Constitutional Tribunal will be established to settle disputes related to the Constitution between the Union and the regions/states or among the regions and states.


Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. [...]
(b)The three branches of sovereign pillars— legislative, executive and judiciary pillars— will be shared to the Union, regions/states, and self-administered areas. Legislative powers and joint powers among the Union, regions/states and self-administered areas will be shared in line with the Constitution.
(c) The Union and regions/states shall have the rights to exercise the divided powers on legislative, executive and judiciary sectors.

Prisons and detention

No specific mention.

Traditional Laws

No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction

Socio-economic development

Page 2:
6. To strive for the safety of life, property and wealth of the entire people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the uplifting of their lives.

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

National economic plan

No specific mention.

Natural resources

Page 3, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

International funds

No specific mention.

Business

No specific mention.

Taxation

Power to tax

Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
3. (a) Power, resource, tax and finance will be divided between the Union and regions/states in line with the federal system

Banks

No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights

No specific mention.

Pastoralist/nomadism rights

No specific mention.

Cultural heritage

Intangible

Page 2:
9. To recognize the diversity of the background history, traditions and culture, literature, languages and national characteristics of the ethnic nationalities residing in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and collectively establish an icon of the Union by the citizens through a diversity of ethnics and languages.


Page 4, Fundamental Principles to Establish a Union Based on Democracy and the Federal System
5. Fundamental rights of all citizens and their duties shall be included in the Constitution. Every citizen shall have equal rights before the law and shall have equal legal protection. Law must be enacted for the rights of national races to protect their cultures, literature, languages, faiths and traditions.

Environment

No specific mention.

Water or riparian rights or access

No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees

Page 2,
12. (a) It is agreed to establish a Union based on democracy and federal system towards the realization of sustainable peace through bilateral coordination of the post-2020 stage-by-stage work programmes and step-by-step implementations adopted by the Union Peace Conference – the 21st Century Panglong.
(b) The Government, the Hluttaw, the Tatmadaw and NCA-S EAOs must continue their endeavours with responsibility and accountability for the successful realization of the Union Accord. For the faithful pursuance the original consents of the Union Accord and the basic principles, objectives and visions of the NCA, while setting up a mechanism for the realization of the Union Accord through bilateral coordination.
(c) As for the restoration of sustainable peace, bilateral negotiations for the security reconciliations (in accordance with the para 30 of NCA) in the Union based on democracy and federalism, the discussions on work programmes, the bilaterally agreed preparatory undertakings, and the formation of a mechanism for security reconciliations are agreed.
13. The realization of the points stipulated in the Union Accord and the security reconciliations shall be in accordance with the Road Map of the para 20 of NCA.
14. The realization of the accords of NCA shall be conducted through bilateral agreements of the regular meetings of the different levels of the JMCs legally formed under the NCA and the UPDJC, and the bilateral negotiations shall be held in parallel.

Page 2, Stage by Stage work programmes and step by step implementation [table]
Table column 1: ´ Establishment of Union based on democracy and federal system;(Stage-1) Formulating principles for Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-2) Implementing Union based on democracy and federal system; (Stage-3) Strengthening Union based on democracy and federal system´
Table column 2: ´Democracy and Federal issues; Establishing federal system Administrative reform Economy and development Rights for financial sector Land and resource Developing democracy Social harmony Security reconciliation (in line with paragraph 30 of NCA)´

Ceasefire

No specific mention.

Police

No specific mention.

Armed forces

No specific mention.

DDR

No specific mention.

Intelligence services

No specific mention.

Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces

No specific mention.

Withdrawal of foreign forces

No specific mention.

Corruption

No specific mention.

Crime/organised crime

No specific mention.

Drugs

No specific mention.

Terrorism

No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general

No specific mention.

Amnesty/pardon

No specific mention.

Courts

No specific mention.

Mechanism

No specific mention.

Prisoner release

No specific mention.

Vetting

No specific mention.

Victims

No specific mention.

Missing persons

No specific mention.

Reparations

No specific mention.

Reconciliation

No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory

No specific mention.

Other international signatory

No specific mention.

Referendum for agreement

No specific mention.

International mission/force/similar

No specific mention.

Enforcement mechanism

No specific mention.