Land disputes and the ongoing development of the substantive rule of law in Myanmar (Burma)

Abstract:
"The Myanmar Parliament has passed the
Farmland
Law
and the
Vacant, Fallow, and Virgin Lands Management Law
. Both
pieces of legislation form part of a legislative re
sponse as Myanmar
(Burma) emerges from a sixty year period of chronic
armed conflict. Part
2 of this paper outlines the underlying grievances
associated with land
disputes with a focus upon Kayin (Karen) and Rakhin
e (Arakan) states.
Part 3 critically analyses the relevant constitutio
nal and legislative
framework and the role of Parliamentary bodies in l
ight of these
underlying grievances. Part 4 adopts a comparative
stance and considers
the approach taken in Kenya as it has sought to add
ress similar issues.
Finally, Part 5 reflects upon the role that constit
utional and legislative
reform in relation to land disputes plays in the on
going development of
the substantive rule of law in Myanmar (Burma).