International Community’s Premature Rewards Fail to Address Armed Conflict and Human Rights Violations in Burma

By Burma Partnership • May 15, 2012

While many Western governments have rushed to reward the Thein Sein government’s steps towards reform, the situation on the ground remains unchanged for the majority of the people of Burma, particularly in ethnic regions.

The Thein Sein government is keen to advertize its progress in long-standing conflicts in Karen State and Shan State, pointing to ceasefires signed over the last few months yet these ceasefires have been broken numerous times by the Burma Army. The worst situation is seen in Kachin State as the Burma Army offensives against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have escalated, resulting in a huge increase of human rights violations against Kachin people.

While such issues are having grave consequences for people in ethnic regions, the international community closely followed the outcome of the by-elections held on 1 April. The National League for Democracy (NLD) won in convincing fashion and, while this holds symbolic value, the available seats only amounted to less than 7% in Parliament. The military still has a stranglehold on any position of power in Burma.

Sanctions imposed by many countries have been loosened or lifted. This is despite none of the benchmarks stated for sanctions to be lifted being met. The continued detention of hundreds of political prisoners, new laws that do not change the situation on the ground for the people, escalation in armed conflict, and another election marred by irregularities does not represent democratic change in Burma.

This briefer looks at the April by-elections, new laws that fail to protect the people, ongoing armed conflict, problematic development, sanctions, and offers recommendations to the international community and guidelines for investment in Burma.

Download the briefer in English and Burmese

Tags: Armed Conflict, Burma Partnership, Ceasefire Negotiations, Human Rights, Investment, Sanctions

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International Community’s Premature Rewards Fail to Address Armed Conflict and Human Rights Violations in Burma

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