Attachments
Situation update
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Peace process: The President, Speakers of Parliament, Commander in Chief and leaders from NLD and an ethnic opposition party held inconclusive talks about the upcoming elections. Potential entry points for registered political parties to join the peace process if it evolves to the political dialogue phase were also on the agenda. However, the proposed ethnic summit to review the draft Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement has been postponed. After a separate meeting in the Wa Special Region, representatives from 12 ethnic armed groups reiterated calls for the Tatmadaw to stop military assaults in Kachin and Northern Shan State.
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Militarisation and local responses: In violation of the bilateral ceasefire agreement, Tatmadaw fighter jets launched air-to-ground missiles into populated upland forests administered by KNU near Bawgali Gyi in Thandaunggyi Township during the last week of April. The following week, approximately 350 farmers protested in Loikaw Township against the Tatmadaw’s confiscation of customary lands and the subsequent conviction of 6 farmers for trespassing on their own land.
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Refugee Verification Exercise: The UNHCR and MOI Verification Exercise was completed in the final camp of Tham Hin on May 1. After difficulties in the first camp of Ban Mai Nai Soi were sorted, the process proceeded without too many complications. However, the process was not necessarily homogenous across all camps. While no official information regarding the results have been released yet, indications are that the verified populations in each camp are broadly similar to the TBC database figures for Verified Caseload. Importantly, to date no refugee in the camp has been denied access to services or deported/informed that they have to leave the camp. TBC Field staff will continue to monitor this once official results are released.