Media Advisory: Launch of ND-Burma’s Report “The Hidden Impact of Burma’s Arbitrary and Corrupt Taxation”

By Network for Human Rights Documentation-Burma • August 30, 2010

The Network for Human Rights Documentation – Burma (ND-Burma) will hold a press conference to launch its new report “The Hidden Impact of Burma’s Arbitrary and Corrupt Taxation.” ND Burma, through meticulous research and documentation, reveals the military regime’s corrupt and cruel system of taxation and the devastating impact this has on the people of Burma. The report exposes the military regime’s use of taxation as a tool of repression.

In this report, ND Burma, a 13-member human rights documentation organization, aims to inform the international community about the abusive taxation practices committed by the regime. In Burma, taxation rather than working for the betterment of the people contributes to the ongoing and systematic violation of their most basic human rights: the right to an adequate standard of living, to housing, to education and the right to be free from forced labor.

While the majority of Burma’s people live in abject poverty, the military regime and its cronies continue to profit, with over 50% of the national budget spent on the military, compared to the meager provisions in health and social care. ND Burma’s research revealed that people are forced to hand over large proportions of their income and property in official and unofficial taxes leaving more and more people struggling to survive. Dr. Alison Vicary, ,researcher at Burma Economic Watch, and ND-Burma board members, Mr. Han Gyi and Ms. Cheery Zahau, will discuss the findings of the new report and answer questions relating to arbitrary taxation, corruption and extortion in Burma and the far- reaching consequences of these abusive practices.

What:	Arbitrary Taxation Report Launch by Network for Human Rights Documentation (Burma) [ND-Burma]
When:	10.30 am Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Where:	The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand The Penthouse, Maneeya Center 518/5 Ploenchit Road Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 +66 02-652-0580/1 (office) E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.fccthai.com
Speakers	Mr. Han Gyi, Coordinator Dr. Alison Vicary, Researcher at Burma Economic Watch Ms. Cheery Zahau, Management Board Member