CHT Peace Accord

Despite repeated promises, the government is yet to take concrete steps to ensure the full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord 1997. Almost 17 years have passed since its signing, but human rights violations and land occupation, instead of being addressed, is increasing at an alarming rate in the region.
According to indigenous groups and human rights organisations, even the most basic demands in the accord have not been addressed. For instance, even though the government was supposed to hand over the management of 33 departments to three hill district councils, it has not relinquished control of any important departments, including law and order, local government, agriculture, education and environment. In fact, there has been no election in the three councils in the region for 20 years, and even a voter list has not been prepared.
Moreover, the land commission has not played an effective role in resolving land-related disputes. The government failed to amend the CHT Land (Disputes Settlement) Commission Act 2001 in 2013, which means that provisions of the act that conflict with the accord remain unresolved, making it impossible for the commission to operate effectively.  The accord envisaged that the government withdraw all temporary military camps and all but six cantonments from the region. However, it has not done so.
We urge the government to make a concrete plan of action to implement the accord fully in consultation with relevant stakeholders. It cannot dither on its promises to uphold the accord and bring peace in the region any longer.