The Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) Southeast Asia network convened in Melayu Patani/the Deep South of Thailand in October, 2015. Discussion focused on ongoing crises in the region such as political repression and armed struggles; the volatile peace process in Melayu Patani/the Deep South of Thailand; the changing global and regional security situation; and the role of peoples and civil society in peacebuilding. Concerns were raised regarding the increasing militarization of the entire Asia-Pacific region, exacerbated by territorial disputes, increasing military expenditure, and provocations and rising nationalisms that fuel a vicious cycle.
Peace Process
A call for an inclusive and sustainable peace process in Burma/Myanmar
Yesterday, October 15, 2015, marked the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Myanmar/Burma government and eight (8) of the country’s ethnic armed groups that, for almost five decades, have been fighting for their right to self – determination. Said peace accord, also known as the “framework for political dialogue” was declared a top priority by the government when former top Army general Thein Sein assumed office in 2011.
t is however sad to note that peace will more likely remain elusive for the peoples of Myanmar as more than half of the ethnic groups involved in the peace process have declined to participate in today’s peace pact ceremony amid questions of the accord not being fully inclusive.
GPPAC-SEA STATEMENT ON THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
During this year’s celebration of the International Day of Peace, we, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict-Southeast Asia (GPPAC-SEA), lend our voice to some of the most invisible and disenfranchised sectors in our society. There are other sectors that are equally invisible, but in light of the recent developments in the region and around the globe, we seek to highlight the plight of women, of indigenous and ethnic peoples, and the hundreds of thousands of peoples who are stateless and internally displaced.
Never say ‘never’ to peace and BBL
By now, many pundits, observers and even some supporters of the original draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have given up on its passage.
They say it will be difficult, foolhardy and too late to pass a bill that will retain the novel provisions that have practically disappeared in the substitute bill now pending in the House of Representatives.
Keeping Faith with Peace in the Bangsamoro
The de-commissioning of 145 mujahideen from the MILF and turnover of some of their high powered firearms yesterday at the old provincial capitol in Maguindanao is not only a symbolic ‘peace offering’ from the MILF, but an evidence of its sincerity in keeping faith with the implementation of the peace agreement despite the legal tussle over the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
We are all for a just BBL! We are all for a just Peace!
On Monday, May 11, the members of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives will cast their votes on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL. Their votes will determine the fate, success or failure, not just of the proposed law but the future of a just peace, genuine progress and social justice in our country.