Forum for Democracy in Burma’s Response on the ASEAN Proposition to Lift Sanctions on the Burmese Regime

By Forum for Democracy in Burma • January 28, 2011

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’s retreat was held on Lombok Island, Indonesia on January 17, 2011 where they called for lifting all sanctions and embargoes currently imposed on Burma. The ASEAN foreign ministers argued that the release of Burma’s opposition leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the November 2010 elections are clear signs that the country is heading towards a more democratic system.

The release of Daw Aung San Su Kyi was indeed welcomed by Burmese democratic and ethnic movements from both inside and outside Burma. Nevertheless, to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is just a small part of the stipulations set out by the movement. The following demands have been in place:

1. The release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Su Kyi, Khun Htun Oo and Min Ko Naing

2. National reconciliation, meaning inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders from democracy groups and from ethnic nationality groups, including a comprehensive review of the 2008 Constitution

3. Cessation of systematic human rights abuses and criminal hostilities against ethnic groups, political activists, journalists, and civil societies

Today, it remains a mere fact that over 2,100 political activists are still imprisoned. Furthermore, there is no sign that the regime will hold any form of dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic and ethnic stakeholders. The Burmese military regime continues to suppress any kind of democratic activity and commits ongoing atrocious human rights crimes, particularly in the ethnic areas.

While Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) also welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, FDB recognizes that her release alone will not bring any kind of substantial change. In fact, it is inferred that the regime’s true motive is to utilize her release in an attempt to decrease international pressure.

The international community, including ASEAN, must not be naïve when it comes to the SPDC’s strategic moves to continue its control and power. It is important to remain aware of the regime’s actions, which at the current time show a serious lack of interest to engage in a dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the democratic and ethnic opposition movement. Additionally, her freedom is still uncertain and her life is in danger at all times.

It is essential that ASEAN is reminded that the existing sanctions placed on Burma by Western countries are due to the regime’s systematic and widespread human rights violations against its own people. When the 2008 Constitution will come into effect, Article 445 will entitle the Burmese authorities full immunity on human rights violations and as such, the rule of law will not be applied to the regime. It is therefore essential that the international governments strongly support the Commission of Inquiry (COI), recommended by Tomas Ojea Quintana, UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur on Burma. A UN established COI, will lead to a necessary and more in-depth investigation of both crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma. So far the establishment of the COI is officially supported by 13 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.

Burma’s 2010 elections were a façade and numerous accounts of fraudulent actions, intimidation and violence were documented. It was not difficult to observe that these elections were not at all free and fair and that the elections were surely not in accordance with any form of international democratic election standard. The 65^th session of the UN General Assembly, Third Committee clearly stated: “The elections were not free, fair and did not have any transparency.” (resolution no: A/C.3/65/L.48, November 15, 2010.)

The 2010 elections have not changed much for the people of Burma. So far it did not result in seeking peaceful solutions to address issues such as the need for democracy, ethnic inequality or the decades of armed conflict. Instead, the 2010 elections have brought more suppression, abuse, instability, and violence. What is more is that the regime’s attempt to convert ethnic ceasefire armed groups into a unified Border Guard Force (BGF) under the command of the Burmese army, has actually led to a strong increase of armed conflicts. As a result, Thailand recently experienced the largest influx of Karen refugees since the last two decades.

The latest parliament is still military dominated with the same familiar faces. A recent law, which states: “ members of parliament will be granted freedom of speech providing they do not threaten national security, the unity of the country or violate the constitution .” This legal statement is solid evidence that the rule of law has not changed. MPs who seek political reform or a review of the constitution have limited opportunities for discussion and undoubtedly may face instant dismissal. Jointly with Article 445 of the 2008 constitution, it will be impossible to stop the ongoing human rights crimes committed on a daily basis and thus, allowing the state authorities to carry on committing human rights crimes against the people of Burma who continue to suffer.

FDB’s stance remains that unless the military regime releases all political prisoners, halts its hostile attacks on ethnic communities and starts to engage in an all inclusive political dialogue, lifting sanctions or easing the pressure will be a most mistake by the international community.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Khin Ohmar – Secretary of Forum for Democracy in Burma(FDB) (+66 081 8840 772)
Mr. Soe Aung – Deputy Secretary of Forum for Democracy in Burma(FDB) (+66 081 8399 816)

Tags: ASEAN, Forum for Democracy in Burma, Sanctions

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Forum for Democracy in Burma’s Response on the ASEAN Proposition to Lift Sanctions on the Burmese Regime

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