ABSTRACT

Much of rural Myanmar remains under local Customary Tenure Systems (CTS), particularly in upland ethnic areas. Yet CTS lack legal recognition and are increasingly vulnerable to appropriation. This paper examines how, since 2016, communities and civil society organisations (CSOs) across Shan State have organised to document their CTS as a basis for advocacy. Findings confirm CTS remain prevalent and valued, but communities are experiencing increasing pressure, through both gradual erosion, and direct appropriation. Communities and CSOs demand statutory recognition and protections. CTS defence is perceived as a priority element of a wider political process against coercive adverse incorporation and for self-determination.

摘要

缅甸大部分农村地区仍受当地习惯权属制度的约束，特别是在高地民族地区。然而，CTS缺乏法律认可，并且越来越容易被挪用。本文研究了自2016年以来Shan邦各地的社区和公民社会组织（CSO）如何组织其CTS进行记录，以此作为倡导的基础。研究结果证实，CTS仍然盛行并受到重视，但是社区正通过逐渐侵蚀和直接挪用而承受越来越大的压力。社区和公民社会组织要求法定的承认和保护。CTS防御被视为反对强制性不利并入和自决的更广泛政治进程的优先要素。