"Tatmadaw Troops Protecting Shan State Mine 'Pose Human Rights Threat'", 23 April 2018

The presence of Myanmar Army (or Tatmadaw) troops in eastern Shan State to protect a mining project has led to human rights abuses against civilians, according to the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF), citing the recent alleged rape of an elderly woman by a soldier...

The SHRF said military impunity for sexual violence “must end,” describing it as a threat to women nationwide. “SHRF therefore welcomes the new report by the UN Secretary General on conflict-related sexual violence, which blacklists the [Tatmadaw] for being ‘credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape,’” ...

According to Sai Hor Hseng, the huge military presence in the ethnic areas...is partly to protect natural resources extraction companies, including Australian-run Access Asia Mining. The companies seek protection from the military for security, but it has a large impact on local residents.

Access Asia Mining plans a 150,000-acre gold-mining venture in Monghpyak. It is awaiting final approval from the Shan State government, SHRF said.

“We would like the company and army troops to withdraw from the areas,” Sai Hor Hseng said, adding that when giant companies enter the areas to conduct business, the military takes responsibility for their security, and the arrangement has high social and environmental costs.