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 ...

Thai governor warns Burmese social organizations

Thursday, 21 January 2010 19:09 Mizzima News

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The Thai government proposes to come down heavily on some Burmese political organizations working in the guise of social outfits.

It will investigate and initiate action against these organizations.

Tak Province Governor Samak Loipha said on January 19 at a press conference on the Thai-Burma border town of Mae Sod that the government would take action against some Burmese political organizations working in the guise of social outfits.

At the press conference, where Burmese opposition groups were not invited, the governor, however, said organizations working in the sectors of health and education will be allowed to function.

Though the reason behind the sudden warning is still not clear, Mae Sod based Yaung Chi Oo labour organization Secretary Moe Swe said growing labour protests in Mae Sod could be one of the reasons.

Besides Thai businessmen and the Burmese junta frequently complain about Burmese opposition politicians being sheltered on Thai soil, he said.

“Action can follow the warning. At border committee meetings, traders’ associations sometimes apply pressure on the Thai government because the junta views all social, health, education and welfare associations as part of opposition groups”, he told Mizzima.

Former ‘All Burma Students Democratic Front’ (ABSDF) members are also becoming involved in social activities assuming it is their responsibility to do so for the Burmese people, ABSDF Chairman Than Ke said.

“For our members working in these social networks, this warning is really disappointing. Anyway, I feel, no harassment and pressure can stop these social works and activities,” he said.

Small organizations claiming to work for labour affairs are growing on the Thai-Burma border town Mae Soe, local residents said.

Mae Sod is a major city, which not only has health, education and labour rights organizations helping migrants’ workers but hosts many Burmese political opposition groups.

The number of migrant workers working in Mae Sod factories accounts for hundreds of thousands. There are over 100 organizations working for these migrant workers.

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