Resource information
This paper presents information illustrating how trade in timber, gems, and gold is financing violent conflict, including widespread and gross human rights abuses, in Burma. It argues that although trade in these conflict goods accounts for a small percentage of the total global trade, it severely compromises human security and undermines socio-economic development, not only in Burma, but throughout the region.The paper presents two case studies of two zones where logging and mining are both widespread and the damage from these activities is severe.Findings include:cease-fire agreements signed between the late 1980s and early 1990s have dramatically expanded the area where businesses operatea host of abuses, from lack of participation of local communities to loss of livelihood and violence, are responsible for the deterioration of the environment and traditional cultural practicesthe conflict only exacerbates these problems and reinforces the downward spiral of suffering in the areas examinedboth case studies highlight the dilemmas cease-fire arrangements often pose for the local communities, which frequently find themselves caught between powerful and conflicting military and business interestslocal communities feel compelled to participate in the unsustainable exploitation of their own local resources, even though they know they are destroying the very ecosystems they depend upon to maintain their way of life. The other alternative (to stand aside and let outsiders do it and then be left with nothing) is equally unpalatableThe paper concludes that the case studies are classic illustrations of the interdependence and indivisibility of human rights, protection of the environment, peace and sustainable development. [adapted from author]
