FH-USU Public Relations: Monday (18/07/2022), The 3rd session of the Summer Course Program 2022 hosted by the Faculty of Law USU. This session is led by a researcher for the World Bank, Matthew Pierre Zurstrassen, who will discuss the topic “Resolving Disputes in Conflict-affected Areas: Examples from Myanmar and Southern Thailand.” This Summer course activity was moderated by a Lecture from the Faculty of Law USU, Dr. Robert, SH.,M.H, which was held virtually.
Mr. Matthew Pierre Zurstrassen is a former Consultant for the World Bank and is currently a Quality and Innovation Adviser for the Australian Awards Indonesia Mr.. In his presentation, Mr. Matthew explained that the topic was part of his work for the World Bank, researching access to justice for local people in conflict areas, especially Myanmar, Southern Thailand, and the Solomon Islands. Furthermore, Mr. Matthew defined conflict-affected areas and the intensity of conflict related to Myanmar and Southern Thailand. During his presentation, Mr. Matthew focuses on the issue of conflict typologies in Myanmar and Southern Thailand and the role of government in the resolution. Based on Mr. Matthew's presentation, ordinary citizens in Myanmar and Southern Thailand prefer to have crime and disputes resolved within their village or neighborhood rather than police or lawyers. There is a clear preference for avoiding conflict escalation, rather than punishing perpetrators. Mr Mather explained how people resolve disputes and crimes, such as retrieving stolen goods in Pa’O, Shan, Myanmar.
As a form of dispute resolution, the thief must compensate the victim, village, or ward leader without sending perpetrators or police. Mr. Matthew concluded efforts to prevent conflicts in all the basic rights of citizens, such as the right to life, family, work, education, and health, are fulfilled and guaranteed by the government.