Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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Norwegian ethnic peace fund effort criticized

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Thursday, 26 July 2012 13:13 Mizzima News

A coalition of Karen community-based organizations says the Myanmar Peace Support Initiative (MPSI), backed by Norway, lacks transparency and community support.

“We are grateful that Norway has shown concern and a willingness to try to help move peace forward here,” it said. “We are asking for improvements so this initiative can make the type of contribution in that effort that everyone wants it to.”

Delegates exchange views at talks between the government and the Karen National Union on May 28, 2012. Photo: Mizzima

“Peace funds are not a substitute for and should not undermine a comprehensive peace process,” said the statement.

The statement said the initiative's failure to consult local communities has resulted in infrastructure development being targeted at areas villagers do not want to relocate, because they will be unable to access their agricultural land.

Community-based groups were not given adequate information or opportunity to be legitimately consulted regarding the plans, it said.

“Given those problems, we ask MPSI and other proponents of donor-driven peace funds not to undermine our peace process, but rather to move to a more inclusive and transparent process,” it said. “MPSI should not take shortcuts or sow division within our leadership and our community in a bid to rush the deployment funds.”

The statement called on MPSI and other peace fund proponents to:

1. Stop their current activities for long enough to review their process and procedures for implementation.

2. Immediately release the fund design documents including the local languages translations. These documents should include sector targets, criteria and plans.

3. Issue clear rationales for how each of the projects supported by the funds will contribute to conflict resolution.

4. Develop and release project risk analysis and mitigation, and ensure that accessible monitoring and accountability mechanisms are in place.

5. Develop and execute a robust consultation strategy both with local community members and with community-based organizations.

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