Union Accord Part II (Pyidaungsu Accord)

Country/entity
Myanmar
Region
Asia and Pacific
Agreement name
Union Accord Part II (Pyidaungsu Accord)
Date
16/07/2018
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
Signed

Dr. Tin Myo Win

Representative of the Government Group 



U Aung Soe 

Representative of the Hluttaw Group 



Maj-Gen San Myint 

Representative of the Tatmadaw Group



Dr. Salai Lian Hmun Sakhong 

Representative of the Ethnic Armed Organisations Group 



U Thu Wai 

Representative of the Political Parties Group 
Third parties
Witnesses: 

U Htone Phoo Dagon 

Ethnic Representative, Government Group 



U Kyaw Win 

Relevant Representative of the Government Group 



Nan Say Awa 

Ethnic Representative Ethnic Armed Organisations Group



U Hla Kyaw Aung 

Relevant Representative of the Ethnic Armed Organisations Group 



Nan Kham Ohn 

Ethnic Representative, Political Parties Group 



Tar Myint Kyaw 

Relevant Representative of the Political Parties Group
Description
This agreement is the outcome of the sessions of the 21st Century Panglong conference, which was set up to develop the peace process with the ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar. The conference was intended as all-inclusive but did not include all armed organisations. The negotiating sides for this agreement thus do not encompass the entire conflict system in Myanmar. The agreement itself is quite general, with commitments to democracy, federalism, and inclusion. Importantly, the agreement sets a goal of 30% representation of women in important sectors, and sets a commitment to prevent gender-based violence and to support gender equality. The principles of equality and inclusion are extended to issues of socio-economic development, with a focus on age equality, children's rights. The agreement also limits land ownership to citizens only.

Agreement document
MM_180716_Union Accord Part II.pdf []

Agreement document (original language)
MM_180716_Union Accord Part II_Bu.pdf []

Main category
Page 1-2:
Addendum (a)

Political sector basic principle agreement

(16 July 2018) Gender equality

1. In establishing a Union based on democracy and federal system, no citizen of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar must be treated differently based on gender difference and policy must be established for equality.

2. A minimum of 30 percent involvement of women in each sector is to be encouraged.

3. In establishing a Union based on democracy and federal system, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is to establish and implement policies that prevent gender- based violence.

4. Increase the capability of women to support gender equality.



Page 2:

Addendum (c)

Social sector basic principle agreement

(16 July 2018)

1. In the decision-making stages of conducting resettlement, redevelopment and social development matters, attempts must be made towards having women participation of at least 30 per cent.

[...]

4. Enact laws that provide rights of the handicapped persons, children, elders, expecting mothers.

Women, girls and gender

Participation
Gender quotas
Page 1-2:
Addendum (a)
Political sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018) Gender equality
...
2. A minimum of 30 percent involvement of women in each sector is to be encouraged.

Page 2:
Addendum (c)
Social sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018)
1. In the decision-making stages of conducting resettlement, redevelopment and social development matters, attempts must be made towards having women participation of at least 30 per cent.
Equality
Equality (general)
Page 1-2:
Addendum (a)
Political sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018) Gender equality
1. In establishing a Union based on democracy and federal system, no citizen of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar must be treated differently based on gender difference and policy must be established for equality.
...
4. Increase the capability of women to support gender equality.
Particular groups of women
Pregnancy/maternity
Page 2:
Addendum (c)
Social sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018)
...
4. Enact laws that provide rights of the handicapped persons, children, elders, expecting mothers.
International law
No specific mention.
New institutions
No specific mention.
Violence against women
Gender-based violence/VAW (general)
Page 1-2:
Addendum (a)
Political sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018) Gender equality
...
3. In establishing a Union based on democracy and federal system, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is to establish and implement policies that prevent gender- based violence.
Transitional justice
No specific mention.
Institutional reform
No specific mention.
Development
Rehabilitation and reconstruction
Page 2:
Addendum (c)
Social sector basic principle agreement
(16 July 2018)
1. In the decision-making stages of conducting resettlement, redevelopment and social development matters, attempts must be made towards having women participation of at least 30 per cent.
Implementation
No specific mention.
Other
No specific mention.

The University of Edinburgh