This research studied the changing UCP strategies and practices in Myanmar during and after the military coup of 2021. In response to the coup, armed conflict and other forms of security tensions drastically increased, which changed and intensified the forms of harm towards civilians as well as their vulnerability to harm. This project studied community strategies and adaptations in providing (self-)protection in this context. It reflected on lessons learned for UCP strategy and practice during and after the coup and under the military Junta.
The qualitative research project was conducted in Kachin and Northern Shan states of Myanmar as case studies where armed conflict escalated in the same way as in other areas of Myanmar. Additional supporting data was collected in Yangon through focus group discussions (FGDs) and nonstructured interviews. Our research contributes to both knowledge and practice. In terms of knowledge, it has enriched our understanding of the rapid changes to UCP practices and approaches that have occurred as a result of the changing and increasing threats against civilians in Kachin and Northern Shan states. In terms of practice, the research findings have influenced the activities of Nonviolent Peaceforce and its engagements with relevant stakeholders.
RESEARCH TEAM
- Nonviolent Peaceforce, Myanmar
- Arfiansyah, International Centre for Aceh and Indian Ocean Studies (ICAIOS), Indonesia
RESEARCH SUMMARY
The data collection process followed standard qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, FGDs, and a comprehensive literature review. Fieldwork preparations began in June 2023, with close coordination established between partners in Kachin and Northern Shan. Two research assistants were recruited, one for each region, ensuring effective support for on-the-ground activities. Data collection spanned across Kachin, Northern Shan, and Yangon from July 2023 to June 2024, encompassing 17 in-depth interviews (12 conducted face-to-face and 5 virtually) and 4 FDGs, of which two were held in person and two conducted virtually for data validation.
Face-to-face interviews took place between July and August 2023 in Myitkyina and Waingmaw in Kachin State, as well as in Lashio and Namtu in Northern Shan State. However, as the conflict situation intensified in these areas, the remaining interviews transitioned to a virtual format, allowing the research team to continue gathering data while adapting to the evolving conditions on the ground. Participants in the study included a diverse group of internally displaced persons (IDPs), community members, and representatives from local civil society organisations (CSOs) involved in humanitarian assistance, development, community building, and civilian protection.
Semi-structured interviews, conducted in both Burmese and local languages, allowed participants to discuss their experiences openly, with questions specifically designed to explore emerging threats to civilians following the 2021 coup and the strategies used by communities and CSOs to protect civilians. Data validation efforts were thorough, including two virtual focus group discussions in January and early February 2024 to validate initial findings. A hybrid data validation meeting held in June 2024 further strengthened this process, bringing together local partners, international NGOs, and CSOs. This meeting provided an opportunity for feedback from diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the data accurately reflected local perspectives and enhancing the credibility of the findings.
Research Findings
This study discovered that diffusing protection norms in conflict-prone countries like Myanmar is more effective from the bottom up rather than through top-down approaches. The diffusion of protection norms and practices in Kachin and Northern Shan started in 2010, when local CSOs took the initiative to participate in a potential peace talk between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the Tatmadaw, reaching a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2015. External actors such as Nonviolent Peaceforce introduced Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) concepts and methodologies, including an early warning system, nonpartisanship, and proactive engagement with all key stakeholders, including armed groups. These methods have allowed local actors to tailor these norms and strategies to meet specific challenges and merge them with traditional protection practices.
Proactive engagement and accompaniment are crucial for empowering locals to handle conflicts, enhancing their capacity to respond, and finding solutions alongside their communities. This approach not only spreads norms but also acts as a protection mechanism, enabling trained civilians to negotiate with armed groups to prevent violence, as evidenced by a success story from Kachin post-coup, where a villager successfully mediated between opposing forces to protect their community.
Post-coup, the integration of digital security with early warning systems has evolved into the Digital Early Warning Early Response (DEWER) system. This system has become a cornerstone of civilian protection in Kachin and Northern Shan, managed by CSOs to collect, verify, and disseminate information. It also serves as a coordination tool for delivering aid and managing economic transactions within communities. Furthermore, DEWER extends to IDP camps, where designated individuals monitor and control entry to enhance security and preparedness against threats.
The research highlights proactive engagement and DEWER as essential elements for effective norm diffusion. To adopt and develop protection norms, continuous and respectful collaboration is important to address challenges and threats and enhance civilian safety and resilience.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Creating Safer Space Working Paper
The project has produced a Creating Safer Space Working Paper, “The Diffusion of Protection Norms and Practices in Kachin and Northern Shan, Myanmar”.
