Since 1999, the Open Society Foundations have worked with civil society groups in India to defend human rights and improve public health. With the Cold War over, he expanded his philanthropy to the United States, Africa, and Asia, supporting a Then, it is found that US$3.81 million and Ks375 million were deposited in four banks namely KBZ Bank, AYA Bank, SME Bank and CB Bank. Military-aligned groups including the Union Solidarity and Development Party have accused Soros of manipulating Myanmars politics by supporting civil society organizations in the country. 08 Again and again, the Foundations have joined policy debate on controversial issues that other funders might avoid. The executions are the first in Myanmar in more than three decades. In 2020, Open Society committed more than $500,000 to support civil society organizations working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar by distributing health kits, while also providing $25,000 in legal aid services to migrant workers who were unable to earn a living due to the virus. Open Society Foundations sending of US$5 million to the SMED Bank did not send documentation to and seek permission from the foreign currency management department of the Central Bank of Myanmar. Our grantsranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollarsare awarded to organizations, scholars, and activists in over 120 countries. Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are similar to Google News but focus on news tracking by country, By supporting a broad range of civil society organizations operating in different fields, we hope to promote open society values during the countrys transition. We support efforts to provide quality health care to marginalized groups through grantees such as the Mae Tao Clinic, which provides health care to displaced persons along the Thailand-Burma border. We include this observation issued on Telegram from Italian journalist, Cesare Sacchetti: The military regime has seized control of the bank accounts of billionaire George Soros Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Myanmar and announced that it will take legal action against the foundation, which is accused of violating restrictions on the activities of such organizations. While nationwide protests in 1988 and 2007 revealed a widespread desire for democracy and an end to government oppression, each was followed by violent crackdowns, which left many dead, imprisoned, and exiled. To bolster the ability of the government to raise revenues and strengthen the provision of government services, Open Society has provided technical assistance on tax reform and the natural resource policy to Myanmars Ministry of Planning and Finance, the Internal Revenue Department, and the National Economic Coordinating Committee, with the aim of promoting fiscal responsibility. 01 The Foundations today include twenty three national and regional Foundations, each with its own local board whose members oversee the work and shape funding priorities to meet local needs. The Open Society Foundations have been expanding and deepening its work in Asiaengaging on pressing local and regional issues, from ensuring protections for migrant workers to supporting independent journalism and human rights advocates. Challenges to Burmas democratic transition abound. . Myanmar controls cash flow from George Soros Open Society Foundation to Open Society Myanmar, Officials from MEP and ROSATOM discuss to generate electricity from wind power, small hydropower and thermal energy, and to build a factory to produce lithium batteries for EVs, Protesters held demonstrations in front of the US Embassy and the British Embassy, MNA resumes Yangon-Chiang Mai route, plans to fly with Boeing aircraft depending on the availability of passengers, After the reopening of Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge No-1, some local banks announced that Baht-Kyat accounts can open at the Myanmar-Thai border trade, Myanmar hosts first meeting of the Myanmar-Russia Joint Anti-Terrorism Committee, Myanmar has sentenced 7 students to death, says UN, Philippines Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, Rappler acquitted of tax evasion charges, Woman stabbed to death accused of being informant in Pakokku. Recently, anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence has spread to central Burma, where riots have left at least 44 people dead. 9 FACTS ABOUT THE OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS. 05 The Foundations have been the largest private funder of efforts to support Europes Roma minority. the Berlin Wall, he sought to strengthen democratic practice and institutions across East and Central Elsewhere, moves from military to civilian rule allowed us to open foundations in Indonesia in 2000, in Pakistan in 2008, and in Myanmar in 2015. And in the realm of public policy, we have been increasing our efforts to support institutions that can create a more informed government in Burma, which is better able to carry out necessary reforms. Third-Party Links & Ads It provides. With the relaxation of censorship, newsstands have sprung up all over Burma, including this one near 49th Street in downtown Yangon, Burma on December 13, 2012. The Open Society Foundations form a global network of entities and programs committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Arakan State witnessed what appeared to be state-sanctioned violence against the Rohingya, a minority Muslim ethnic group, during which at least 89 people lost their lives and state security forces conducted mass arbitrary arrests. However, the real agenda of the OSF has little to do with philanthropy. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. Goal: EURASIA REVIEW NEWS & ANALYSIS ABOUT MYANMAR About Eurasia Review journal& Think Tank Vision Eurasia Review (ISSN 2330-717X) believes a greater understanding of cultural differences is the . With a focus on supporting marginalized groups such as Burmas ethnic communities, women, and youth, we have helped foster a generation of civil society and media leaders who represent one of the best hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy. US$5 million was deposited in the Open Society Myanmars bank account on December 20, 2018. By entering your email address and clicking Submit, you agree to receive updates from the Open Society Foundations about our work. The Open Society Foundations and George Soros. We also helped with the introduction of a professional development program for teachers that links curriculum reform, textbook development, and the assessment system. 2023 Open Society Foundations, some rights reserved. We provide . OSM welcomes applications from a wide array of local organizations, including non-governmental organizations, foundations, networks. Myanmar has started controlling illegal cash flow from George Soros and Alexander Soros Open Society Foundation to Open Society Myanmar, Myawady TV announced during night hours news on March 15. There are a couple of strong indications below that it is most likely a supporter of Soros. That was a great lead to a new day . In Eurasia, a region of politically diverse states with widely differing levels of democratic development, the Open Society Foundations seek to promote citizen engagement in everyday issues such as local government and education. Privacy Policy, Contact us We thank you for all your support and your considerations (TLB). OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS AND MYANMAR https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/search?q=myanmar https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/search?q=myanmar&type=publications. There are 609,302,966 articles in our news database. Our U.S. programs account for around 17% of our funding work, which includes supporting reform of the criminal justice system and drug laws, strengthening democratic participation, and supporting humane immigration laws. Download this information as a fact sheet. Myanmar has started controlling illegal cash flow from George Soros and Alexander Soros' Open Society Foundation to Open Society Myanmar, Myawady TV announced during night hours news on March 15. Every year the Open Society Foundations give thousands of grants to groups and individuals that work on the issues we focus onpromoting tolerance, transparency, and open debate. However, severe challenges to peace, democracy, and development remain. By entering your email address and clicking Submit, you agree to receive updates from the Open Society Foundations about our work. The foundation has provided technical advice to the government to improve electricity provision across the country, particularly in remote and rural areas. On Monday, military-controlled MRTV . NEW YORKThe Open Society Foundations are appalled and deeply saddened by the recent horrific executions by the military regime in Myanmar of former NLD Member of Parliament Phyo Zeya Thaw, prominent activist Kyaw Min Yu, as well as Aung Thura Zaw, and Hla Myo Aung. Some newly un-censored publications have reported the possible hacking of journalists email accounts by the government. The military regime in the Southeast Asian nation is accusing Soros' Foundation of violating multiple financial restrictions which are placed by Myanmar on such organizations. Though the government is in dialogue with opposition members, its tenuous ceasefire process with ethnic leaders lacks transparency, divides ethnic representatives, and largely excludes civil society. Since 2017, the foundation has devoted $ 1.2 million to at least five national think tanks. Still, challenges remain. After scrutiny, it is also found that US$1.4 million out of the deposited 5 million was withdrawn, exchanged for Ks1999.9 million (Ks1,400 per dollar) on February 8, 2021 and spent without legal procedures. We believe the transition in Burma will not be successful without genuine national reconciliation and the promise, for all of the people of Burma, of equal rights under the rule of law. The Open Society Foundations (OSF), a private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. Disclaimers With a focus on supporting marginalized groups such as Burma's ethnic communities, women, and youth, we have helped foster a generation of civil society and media leaders who represent one of the best hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy. Part of the global Open Society Foundations network, they support a wide array of initiatives in Myanmar to advance education, public health, rule of law and independent media among other things. In Pakistan, we have worked with the largest network of NGOs to train women as community-based paralegal advisors in remote villages. Open Society is working with leaders inside and outside government to promote evidence-based research efforts to assist policy makers on issues that can strengthen democratic policies and practices. Our Asia Pacific Regional Office coordinates our work, which ranges from ensuring protections to migrant laborers to supporting human rights and a independent media. Eurasia, South Africa, and Myanmar, OSF has since expanded its network to Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and had . OSF has been supporting Myanmar's democratic transition and promoting human rights, including those of marginalized groups, since 1994. Effective action will be taken against the SMED Bank in accord with the relevant laws while Open Society Myanmar will also face legal action for violating the association law and rules, the Myawady TV announced. Genuine peace and national reconciliation will not be possible without respect for the fundamental principles of equality and nondiscrimination. Why Was Hunter Paying Joe $50k Per Month To Rent House Where Classified Docs Found? 03 The Foundations provide no more than 33% of the funding to the vast majority of the organizations we work with, in order to ensure they maintain their autonomy and establish a sound financial basis for their operations. The deposit amount was only US$5 million from 2018 to 2021 and no further deposit was found, the Myawady TV news said. Unless otherwise specified, this website is not affiliated with any of the organizations mentioned above. THE IRRAWADDY. check in with us to start right now. Learn more. Read the latest from our staff, grantees, and partners about how were working around the world to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. It's a one-stop destination for all your alerts and feeds. On a local level, OSF implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. Over the past three decades, our giving has focused on supporting people who are trying to make their communities fairer, freer, and more harmonious. Our education grantees include organizations like Thabyay Education Foundation, which provides scholarships and education services to Burmese youth looking to play an active role in the countrys reform. entering the world of finance and investments where he was to make his fortune. The military junta in Myanmar has seized control of the bank accounts of billionaire George Soros' Open Society Foundation (OSF) accusing it of funding the massive protests that has gripped the . OSM upholds an anti-discrimination policy and welcomes applications irrespective of the applicants race, ethnicity, color, creed. Users may set up custom email newsletters and RSS feeds or search among thousands of preset news . To this end we support efforts to build the capacity of civil society groups and other key stakeholders to advocate for a transparent and accountable government, responsible foreign aid and investment practices, and universal access to education, health care, information, and justice in Burma. Regarding the money, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the SMED Bank and Open Society Myanmar. In 2017, lawmaker U Soe Thane, who served as Presidents Office minister under U Thein Seins administration, objectedto a ministerial appointment by the NLD government on grounds that the appointed minister had failed to disclose his previous work for the George Soros Foundation. 03 The Foundations provide no more than 33% of the funding to the vast majority of the organizations we work with, . The Open Society Foundation is accepting grant applications for the Burma Project. 07 We have been working in the United States since 1996. The Open Society Foundations form a global network of entities and programs committed to local knowledge and national expertise. The foundation said it had awarded more than 100 grants each year, mostly to grassroots civil society organizations including exile, ethnic media and educational organizations. 04 The Foundations are the second largest private philanthropy after the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Basic accounts are FREE. have relied on EIN News since 1995. Please register for a regular account. In Pakistan, we have worked with the largest network of NGOs to train women as community-based paralegal advisors in remote villages. In 2010 a new quasi-civilian government under President Thein Sein and reform-minded ministers bowed to internal and external pressures for change, and began a process of reform. Your free trial has expired. He has given away more than $32 billion of his personal fortune to fund the Open Society Foundations work around the world. OSF has been supporting Myanmar's democratic transition and promoting human rights, including those of marginalized groups, since 1994. OSF has been supporting Myanmar's democratic transition and promoting human rights, including those of marginalized groups, since 1994. Visitors are advised to use it at their own discretion. To promote economic justice, the foundation has invested $5 million in small- and medium-sized enterprises since 2018. Open Society Myanmar has continued to work with governmental and civil society actors to expand inclusive education and access to health care, support drug policy reform, protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and support a new generation of political leaders who will help secure the countrys democratic reforms. action to expand the number and type of sanctions on senior military leaders and those around them, fully supporting and expediting the work of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar established by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2018. During direct military rule, the foundation supported exiled outlets like the Democratic Voice of Burma, which provided much-needed information from inside the country. Proposals must be submitted at the address given on the website. We urge G20 leaders and donors to increase support for humanitarian aid, including funding for civil society to document these heinous acts and push for international accountability. (ER: squeaky clean ). Today, the Open Society Foundations have a network of foundations and offices across the continent, working on democratic governance, economic advancement, and a host of other issues. 1062. from Irrawaddy: The military regime has seized control of the bank accounts of billionaire George Soros' Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Myanmar and announced that it will take legal action against the foundation, which is accused of violating restrictions on the activities of such organizations. We award more than 100 grants each year, mostly to grassroots civil society organizations. 06 Beginning in 1993, we provided tens of millions of dollars for humanitarian aid and relief efforts during the wars in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, especially in besieged Sarajevo. In the United States, the Open Society Foundations work with organizations and individuals who seek to address profound racial, economic, and political inequalities, while funding efforts to prepare for the policy challenges of the future. In October 2018, officials from Open Society Myanmar arrived at SMED Bank in Wadan Street in Yangon opened a bank account with US$100. OSF has been supporting Myanmars democratic transition and promoting human rights, including those of marginalized groups, since 1994. Thanks to the heroic efforts of civil society groups, prisoners in Pakistan did not suffer a mass outbreak of COVID-19. The foundation said it had awarded more than 100 grants each year, mostly to grassroots civil society organizations including exile, ethnic media and educational organizations. Open Society has worked in Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and elsewhere to support the provision of free legal advice that helps people resolve everyday problems. JAKARTA - Myanmar's military regime, through state-controlled television MRTV, announced the confiscation of a bank account belonging to the social foundation Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Myanmar, which was founded by one of the world's richest men, billionaire George Soros. It said it would take legal action against SMED for allowing OSF to deposit $5 million and withdraw $1.4 million without obtaining approval from the CBM. George Soros and his Open Society Foundation (OSF) are in the news in Myanmar after the military in in the country seized control of the Foundation's bank account and issued arrest warrants for its staff members. His son Alexander Soros, deputy chair of the Open Society Foundation, visited Myanmar seven times from January 2017 to January 2020 and met with Aung San Suu Kyi six times. Open Society has worked to strengthen Myanmars independent media scene for decades. I know its supposed to be a review and it is. Our International Migration Initiative works with actors across the public, private and nonprofit sectors to promote fair and equitable working conditions for migrants and refugees, and to ensure that they are protected from all forms of abuse. Additionally, a gold rush of foreign investment threatens to exacerbate Burmas perennial issues of cronyism, ethnic conflict, environmental destruction, and land-grabbing. Communists took power, Soros left Budapest for London and then emigrated to the United States, The military regime has seized control of the bank accounts of billionaire George Soros' Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Myanmar and announced that it will take legal action against the foundation, which is accused of violating restrictions on the activities of such organizations.. On Monday, military-controlled MRTV announced that the military had issued arrest warrants for . the Soros story in Myanmar was outstanding . 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