Mizzima
On the International Day of Action for Rivers, 14 March, Karen Rivers Watch issued a statement calling on the Myanmar junta to stop dam construction on the Salween River and all ethnic areas of Myanmar.
Below is the text of the statement:
For the past two decades, Karen Rivers Watch has spearheaded anti-dam campaigns aimed at opposing projects slated for construction on the Salween River. This river holds immense significance for the survival and well-being of the Karen people, particularly in light of the proposed Hatgyi Dam Project. Since its inception, local and indigenous communities have stood united in protest against this development.
The agreements for the dam project, signed without the consent of the affected communities by previous leaders, pose a grave threat to the future of indigenous peoples and the natural resources of the Salween River Basin. Karen Rivers Watch has persistently campaigned against the Hatgyi Dam to governments, investment firms, international organisations, collaborating with Karen civil society groups, and local communities in our efforts to protect the region’s environment and livelihoods.
Before the commencement of dam construction on the Salween River, preparatory activities such as road construction and military expansion in project areas have led to frequent armed clashes These conflicts have resulted in severe human rights violations, including forced displacement and labor, experienced by local communities. The escalating tensions along the Salween River Basin have also led to a rise in casualties, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children. Additionally, widespread damage to homes, disruptions to daily security, and forced relocations have further exacerbated the challenges faced by affected communities.
Internationally, indigenous peoples are increasingly acknowledged as vital contributors to climate change mitigation efforts, with their environmental stewardship gaining recognition. Moreover, the rights of indigenous communities are being upheld and integrated into policymaking and initiatives. Initiatives like the Salween Peace Park and the Thaw-Thi Taw Oo Indigenous Park in Kawthoolei exemplify indigenous peoples’ efforts to foster self-determination and sustainable governance.
Myanmar’s energy policy, driven by successive administrations and currently by the State Administrative Council (SAC), poses a threat to indigenous self-determination and governance systems. These policies, supported by international organisations, contribute to environmental degradation and exacerbate climate change. It is imperative that projects be implemented only with the active participation and decision-making power of local communities to mitigate their impact on the environment and social fabric.
The endeavour to fulfill Myanmar’s electricity requirements through dam construction projects, devoid of community participation in decision-making, is eroding the cultural heritage and traditional customary practices of indigenous and local peoples.
On this International Day of Action for Rivers, Karen Rivers Watch presents our demands regarding the Salween River dam projects and the future of Myanmar’s rivers. We call for the following:
For Ethnic Revolutionary Groups to:
(1) Oppose dam projects in their controlled areas which do not have community consent and resist any development endeavours exacerbating the plight of those affected by ongoing conflicts.
(2) Combat authoritarianism and the perpetuation of centralised systems which exploit the resources of ethnic groups, and advocate for the recognition and implementation of local administrative structures.
(3) Consider development projects suitable for the region only once the conflict ceases, centralised control ends, and ethnic groups are empowered to make autonomous decisions.
For the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to:
(1) Respect indigenous rights and devise policies supporting a federal resource management system.
(2) Mobilise internationally and collaborate with civil society organisations to address environmental damage post-military coup.
(3) Investigate environmental damage during the military coup and implement appropriate remedial measures.
For International Organisations to:
(1) Promote localised green energy initiatives, emphasizing renewable projects with minimal environmental and social impacts.
(2) Provide humanitarian aid in partnership with ethnic civil society groups to assist those affected by the actions of the State Administrative Council (SAC) in Myanmar.
