Myanmar: Activists protest in Yangon over dam project April 1 /update 1

Event

Activists and politicians will gather in downtown Yangon on Monday, April 1, to protest the Myitsone Dam project. Similar protests have been held in Yangon at Maha Bandula Park and in Kachin state, where the dam is planned on the Irrawaddy River. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are expected near the protest site. Further protests are likely in the coming weeks and months in Yangon, Kachin state, and other cities in Myanmar.

Context

A Chinese-funded and constructed dam planned on the Irrawaddy River in Kachin state was suspended in September 2011 following concern over public sentiment and environmental impact. Politicians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, have expressed interest in resuming the project, leading to the recent wave of protests.

Advice

Individuals in Yangon, and Myanmar more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political gatherings as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, localized disruptions, and further possible protests, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.