Power to the Peacemakers MYANMAR 2015 For Partners Asia, peace is a tangible quest — a goal with legs, hands, and hearts behind it on the ground in Myanmar. Supporting emerging peace networks is our urgent campaign for 2015, as the country’s critical elections near. Power to the Peacemakers W hy peace, among so many other urgent needs? Because alongside the country’s new openness is a darker story. Myanmar is witnessing inter-ethnic violence and continued fighting in minority areas. Skirmishes have displaced more than 470,000 people in Rakhine and Kachin States and along the border area with Thailand. Sectarian violence against the Muslim minorities has been increasing. Development itself is creating some of the tension — new laws on land, taxation, and investment are prioritizing profits over people. Workers are sacked for demanding their rights. Farmers are thrown off their land. Villagers can no longer use water polluted by mining and other enterprises. These events have led Partners Asia to join a growing network of groups working for peace and religious and ethnic tolerance. These peace networks have planned a range of change-making events, and they’ve also developed the capacity to respond quickly to other opportunities that can promote peace. Their efforts include peace and leadership training for youth, using social media to spread peace messages and responding with the true backstories when rumors threaten to escalate into violence. Innovative, energetic leaders and educators are working hard to push back against the tide of sectarian violence that risks reaching a flashpoint as elections near. The window of opportunity to make this happen is now. The PHOTOS: VASSI KOUTSAFTIS, ARCLIGHT-PICTURES.COM, JOHN LYONS support of grassroots peace organizations in Myanmar is how. There is widespread belief that forces behind the violence are deliberately creating instability in order for the military to play a key role in Myanmar’s political future. Much of the anger and anxiety of this transition is intentionally directed towards minorities. As the elections slated for late 2015 approach, a massive effort is needed to ensure that this violence does not escalate. Partners Asia is uniquely positioned to do this work because of our extensive history and partnerships. We invite you to join this quest for peace at this critical time. 220 Second Avenue South Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 905-9891 www.partnersasia.org [email protected] 1999 Harrison Street, 18th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 496-4571