Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
The role of timber in Burma's recent history has been as varied as it has been pivotal. Burma has been at war ever since independence was granted in 1948, in large part due to the desire of the combatants to control access to these natural resources. Since independence there have been hundreds of thousands of deaths among both combatants and non-combatants. War-related displacement has led to 300,000 refugees, in official camps, in neighbouring countries and one million internally displaced people (IDP) in Burma.
Since 1988, the ruling military regime (the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)) has been the ultimate arbiter of forest resources both within Burma and internationally and this control, together with the revenue derived from the timber trade, continues to play a significant part in the maintenance of its grip on power. At the same time timber revenue and control of the trade on the border have enabled the armed ethnic opposition to finance their side of the conflict. Countries such as China and Thailand have supported the insurgent groups, often in exchange for access to natural resources including timber.
The human rights abuses of the military regime are well documented and abhorrent, but none of the combatant groups is entirely blameless. It is equally clear that whilst the civilian population has suffered, combatants on all sides have used their privileged positions for personal enrichment to the detriment of the people they claim to be fighting for. After the ceasefires between the regime and the armed ethnic opposition groups in the early 1990s new areas bordering Thailand and especially China have been opened up for uncontrolled logging in one of the world’s most exceptional biodiversity hotspots. Much of the logging currently taking place in Burma not directly financing conflict is, nevertheless, very destructive and ultimately is not in the best interests of Burma's people.
Latest Publications
June 2009
Governments urged to renew commitments as diamond meeting closes
Some progress at Kimberley Process diamond meeting but governments must do more to ensure scheme's effectiveness
Blood Diamonds - Time to Plug the Gaps
The landmark Kimberley Process is in danger of losing its credibility, civil society groups warn today, ahead of a key meeting of the scheme established to stop the trade in blood diamonds.
Verdict on UN Climate Change Talks in Bonn
Global Witness campaigner, Davyth Stewart, reflects on tough week of negotiations in Bonn, which yielded mixed results
Briefing note on imminent oil supply crunch
Global Witness is calling for governments to officially and publicly declare that there is an imminent
oil supply crunch and to take urgent measures to develop safe and sustainable alternative energy
systems
ECA Press Conference at Bonn
Going backwards or forwards on Forests and Climate? Environment groups under the bannner of the Ecosystems Climate Alliance hold joint press conference in Bonn as UN Climate Change meeting draws to a close
Global Groups Call for End to Deforestation in Bonn
Global coalition calls on negotiators to deliver a strong climate deal, warning that they will put all of our survival at risk if they do not act immediately to halt deforestation and the industrial logging of the world's primary forests
Global Witness hails commitment of veteran diamond campaigner
Global Witness today paid tribute to the efforts and commitment of Ian Smillie, a founding member of the Kimberley Process, who has decided to end his participation in the rough diamond certification scheme.
