Min Lyonn – Six Mon representatives are attending this year’s “United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues” (UNPFII), which is held every year from May 13-23 at the UN’s Headquarters in New York.
The UNPFII has been held for 13 years now, and this year’s forum was attended by over 100 representatives from 100 countries, including leaders of indigenous groups from the Americas; Asia; Europe; and Australia. News reports covering the forum also said that UN General Secretary Ban Ki Moon gave a speech at the UNFII, while US President Barrack Obama sent a message to UNFII delegates.
Two members of the Mon American Association (MAA) have joined the Mon delegation to the UNPFII, including MAA Chairman Nai Janu Mon and MAA member Nai Rot Rot.
Other Mon representatives attending the forum include the following members of the Mon community: Dr. Mon Htaw, chairman of the Thai-Rehmarn Association based in Thailand; Nai Yekah, the deputy head of the Organizational Department for the New Mon State Party (NMSP); Min Zeyar, a leader of the 88 Student Generation; and Ashin Aot Ja (also known as monk Zaw Latt).
In an interview with IMNA, 88 Student Generation member Min Zeyar said: “It is not like we represent Burma, every country was invited to join the UNPFII. The MAA arranged for us to attend as ethnic Mon representatives. At the meeting the topic of what rights ethnic groups should have and how rights previously granted to ethnic groups are being taken away was discussed. All ethnic group leaders took their turn to present their own reports.”
Min Zeyar also said the Mon group’s report addressed not only issues facing the Mon community, but also focused on important issues commonly faced by other ethnic groups in Burma. In addition, the report described Burma’s current situation, covering topics such as ceasefire agreements, the peace process, and the 2008 constitution.
Nai Ye Kha from the NMSP said: “Whilst in the US I have also discussed Burmese politics with US-based Mon organizations; other ethnic organizations; retired members of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF); and former members of the Democratic Party for New Society (DPNS). We also made a presentation to the UNPFII about how our Mon people’s rights have been abused.”
The Mon American Association first attended the UNFII in 2008, and last year the Mon delegation was represented by Ashin Yarwika, Nai Rot Rot, and Nai Lagon Eain.
