Deepening Cultural Exchange
There has been a great deal of dancing, singing, ceremonies, storytelling, language sharing and, of course, eating food together. This serves to bring us closer together as Peace Fellows and create deeper connections as we stumble over words and phrases, try each other’s ethnic dishes and traditional dances and participate in each other’s sacred rituals. We had the chance to share some Indigenous practices as well, including smudging. It was a surreal and special moment to sit in circle and share a part of our ceremonies with friends from 14 different countries. In my mind, this many nations present together in ceremonies from across the world is one of the most powerful global connections that we can make to move peace building forward.
The Teachings
Buddhism and Non-Violence
We had the unique opportunity to spend time with the monks at the International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidhayalai University learning about Buddhism and non-violence. It was a filling day as we practiced our mediation skills, including walking, standing and sitting meditation. Some of my favourite teachings of the day included:
“Sit to make your being happy.”
“You have to know about your culture, your values. The way we know about each other is how this lives in our spirit.”
“Peace is inner tranquility that radiates outwards. Outer peace comes from inner peace.”
We learned practical skills and tools for ensuring that we stay healthy and grounded in our lives as we explored the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. This was especially pertinent for me as one of the questions I have been asked recently is how does one create inner peace and how does inner peace create outer peace? For me, meditation practices are a part of it. I particularly like walking meditations as sitting still for long periods of time has never been something that I do well.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Technology
In an exhilarating and inspiring few days, we had the pleasure of spending time with Arik Segal, founder and CEO of Conntix. Arik's work is on the cutting edge of technological innovations and their applications related to conflict resolution and peacebuilding. He introduced us to many AI and advanced technologies and we even had the chance to try out some of them out, including 4D glasses. You can read more about Conntix and the great work that Arik is doing here: https://www.conntix.com/
Explorations
While in northern Thailand a few weeks ago, standing at the Thai-Myanmar border, we were just kilometres from ongoing and recent shellings of one of the camps on the Myanmar side. Looking at the barbed wire fence and the vast expanse of land-mine strewn land, I felt a bit scared of the unknown. It seemed to me to be an intriguing country, rife with complicated dynamics and fascinating history. I was curious. I wanted to know more.
So, in true experiential learning fashion, I crossed the Thai-Myanmar border to spend some time inside Myanmar. The purpose of the journey was to truly feel, touch, see, hear and connect with Myanmar in a way that looking at it from across the other side of the border or reading about it in a book or in the news can never provide.
There are two Peace Fellows in our class that are currently working in Myanmar and one of them was able to host us while there, providing a true local experience. Let me introduce you to my amazing friend - Marta Bernal Castro! Marta made sure we experienced Myanmar authentically, which not only included stepping into daily life (complete with the best spots for refreshing, cold coconut water) but also a deeper understanding of the joys and complexities of working and living in Myanmar.
Who is Marta?
Marta Bernal Castro is an international humanitarian and human right lawyer. She was born and raised in El Salvador, a country deeply affected by violence and a civil war. Having lived in El Salvador during most of its difficult history made her aware of the crucial role of protecting civilians during armed conflict and violence and the importance of peace processes to cease hostilities and build a better society. Marta graduated with a degree in Law from the Central American University José Simeón Cañas in El Salvador, followed by a Master in Political Sciences from Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence in France, and a LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the Geneva Academy in Switzerland. She has extensive experience working as protection officer with survivors who have suffered grave human rights violations. Her main work has been with refugees and internally displaced people, with a special focus on child protection in Africa, Central America and Asia.
Living and Working in Myanmar
Currently, Marta is based in Yangon, Myanmar where she works as a consultant on the protection of human rights. Her focus is on conducting qualitative researches and projects assessments in conflict-affected areas, providing evidence-based information to develop peace programs. This work is truly admirable and Marta’s passion is palpable. It comes from a place of lived experience and a desire to create true change. You can see the joy emanating from Marta as she shares her experiences. Watch the video here:
Wandering in Utter Marvel
While in Myanmar, I wandered in and out of different markets, streets, buildings, temples, pagodas and stupas. For me, inner peace is ignited by exploring the unknown, taking time to just sit in utter marvel and allowing the space to be surprised. Part of my journey to Myanmar was just for this purpose. Here are just a few of my favourite moments:
Gratitude
Reconnecting with friends you have not seen in some time is always amazing. I had the chance to meet up with a colleague who recently relocated to Myanmar with her family. It was incredible to catch up, find out how setting up life in Myanmar has been and to hear about the incredible work that is she is doing.
Alison and I had the chance to join various other friends currently in Myanmar for in international dinner with delicious local food. Looking around the international community, there was excitement and deep conversation about critical global issues. It will stand out for me as a highlight for a long time to come because moments like this always remind me of how truly connected this world is and how amazing it is to have a web to connect to, to encourage one another and to multiply the work being done globally in a significant way.
Your Thoughts
Myanmar is a beautiful, resource rich country located in a very geopolitical, strategic location. There are many resource and economic interests at play that range from gems to dams. The Human Rights Council established the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar and focused on the situation in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States since 2011. It also examined the infringement of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful association, and the question of hate speech. The mission established consistent patterns of serious human rights violations and abuses in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States, in addition to serious violations of international humanitarian law. These are principally committed by the Myanmar security forces, particularly the military. Their operations are based on policies, tactics and conduct that consistently fail to respect international law, including by deliberately targeting civilians. Many violations amount to the gravest crimes under international law. In the light of the pervasive culture of impunity at the domestic level, the mission finds that the impetus for accountability must come from the international community. It makes concrete recommendations to that end, including that named senior generals of the Myanmar military should be investigated and prosecuted in an international criminal tribunal for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. More about this can be found here: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/A_HRC_39_64.pdf
What do you think is necessary for the path forward to creating peace in Myanmar?
All my relations,
~lorelei
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