Reaching out across lines: Determinants of positive intergroup interaction in conflict-affected communities in Myanmar

ABSTRACT

In Myanmar, progress toward achieving the SustainableDevelopment Goals is severely constrained by protracted conflictand widespread internal displacement. This article exploresthe determinants of contact between people who are internallydisplaced and those who are not, as well as participation incommunity-level peacebuilding initiatives, among people livingin conflict affected communities in Kachin and northern Shanstates. We root our work in a discussion of the current andhistorical context of the conflict in Myanmar in which tensionsbetween different displacement groups are long lasting, aprogram contributing to peace, security, stability, and sustainabledevelopment in Myanmar, and a brief review of contact theory.Research for this piece was completed prior to the military coupin Myanmar in February 2021. Although the analysis does notreflect the coup or its after-effects, the findings are still relevant fordevelopment, humanitarian relief, and peacebuilding projects.

KEYWORDS:

• Myanmar
• peace
• development
• social cohesion
• recreation

Acknowledgments

This article is a joint collaboration between the Durable Peace Programme (DPP) Consortium and the Impact Measurement and Knowledge team of Oxfam Novib. First and foremost, we would like to sincerely thank all the interviewees that participated in the research. Their willingness to give their time and discuss sensitive issues made this article possible. We earnestly hope the results can contribute to a more equitable future for all communities in Kachin and northern Shan, as well as to other communities in similar conflict settings. Second, we would like to thank our internal review committee, for advising us throughout the writing process and for providing valuable feedback. Lastly, this article could not be written without the contributions and expertise from all members of the Durable Peace Programme consortium, including the Kachin Baptist Convention, Karuna Mission Social Solidarity, Metta Development Foundation, Nyein (Shalom) Foundation, Oxfam, Swissaid, and Trócaire.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. Note that this manuscript was completed before the military coup in Myanmar in early February 2021. Data and analysis presented here do not reflect the coup or its after-effects.

2. These activities included any one or combination of the following: dialogue, cultural exchange forum, demonstration for peace purposes, community exposure/exchange, civic or peace education classes, community conference, community coordination services or activities.

Additional information

Funding

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Notes on contributors

Karen van Zaal

Ms. Karen van Zaal is an Impact Measurement Specialist focusing on quantitative (social and economic) impact measurement. At Oxfam Novib, Karen works on a diverse set of projects, with a focus on gender, inclusion, and conflict. Though her main focus lies within quantitative research, she has also been exploring qualitative research by designing and implementing a youth-led research. Prior to joining Oxfam Novib in 2015, Karen worked as a researcher and lecturer in the department of Development Economics of Wageningen University and Research Centre. Before this, she conducted an impact assessment of the microfinance services of BRAC Sierra Leone. Karen holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from Wageningen University. She started her own kombucha business, and enjoys being outdoors or with family and spends her weekends in her vegetable garden.

MaryRose O’Brien

Ms. Mary Rose O’Brien is the Conflict Technical Program Advisor for the European Union’s Durable Peace Programme (Oxfam) in Myanmar where she provides conflict analysis, technical training, and capacity building, program oversight for conflict sensitivity, and multi-level advocacy. She has more than fifteen years of professional experience working across six continents. Mary Rose has extensive experience working in active and post-conflict countries including Iraq, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, and Uganda, with a particular focus on ethnic and religious conflicts. She has managed multi-million dollar reconciliation and reconstruction projects for USAID and US Department of State programs as well as worked at the grassroot level with local NGOs. She has worked in South America in post-disaster relief and elections issues and conducted research in Palestine, Israel, Cyprus, the Balkans, and Northern Ireland. Mary Rose holds a Master of Science degree from the Carter School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston College with a minor in Faith, Peace, and Justice. She is an avid traveler and has visited more than 70 countries and all seven continents.

Patrick Guyer

Mr. Patrick Guyer joined Oxfam Novib as an Impact Measurement Specialist in 2017. Prior to this, he spent six years with Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council in New York, where he served as Chief Statistician. As principal at Chiffrephile Consulting in Amsterdam from 2015 to 2017, he assisted nonprofit organizations and private companies with impact assessment and survey research. Patrick has also worked as a consultant to UNICEF and UNDESA and lectured at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. He is an author or coauthor of twelve journal articles, book chapters, and working papers on human rights, development, and measuring well-being. Patrick holds an MA in International Affairs from The New School University in New York, is a proud father of two girls, and is an enthusiastic rower and cyclist.