Press Statement on Visit to Japan (2/2013)

1. Under the sponsorship of the Nippon Foundation (TNF) a delegation of the UNFC paid a visit to Tokyo, Japan, from April 1 to 5, 2013.

2. The TNF of Japan and the UNFC delegation together reviewed the work of delivering emergency aid in one year period, given by the TNF, to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the regions of the ethnic nationalities and had discussions on future programs […]

Burma’s Rohingya Treatment Violates International Law

Burma’s treatment of the ethnic Rohingya of Burma violates at least eight international laws, treaty obligations and international human rights guidelines.

The findings come in a new briefing paper published today by Burma Campaign UK: ‘Burma’s Treatment of the Rohingya and International Law’ […]

Burma’s Leaders Should Take Steps to Investigate and Prevent Anti-Muslim Violence

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) calls on Burma’s government to act urgently to halt anti-Muslim incitement and to invite international investigators to launch an immediate independent investigation into a reported massacre of more than two dozen Muslim students in Meiktila on March 21 […]

BURMA: Speaker of Legislature Puts State Sovereignty Ahead of Torture Elimination

On 21 March 2013 a member of the national legislature in Burma introduced a motion calling for the country to join the United Nations Convention against Torture. In his motion, Dr Aung Moe Nyo, member of the National League for Democracy for Pwintbyu, Magway Region, argued that as the country is now developing and democratising in accordance with international standards it would be appropriate to join the convention […]

Northern Shan Farmers Call for Chinese Pipelines to be Removed from their Lands

Northern Shan farmers are submitting demands to Burma’s government today for China’s giant oil and gas pipelines to be removed from their lands immediately, citing rights abuses, poor construction and safety fears.

Representatives of the 10,000 strong Northern Shan Farmers’ Committee are today delivering their demands to the Shan State Parliament in Taunggyi, urging the removal of the trans-Burma pipelines before they become operational next month […]

Political Prisoner Jailed Since 1999 Must Be Freed!

Burma Campaign UK today urged Hugo Swire MP, British Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for Burma, to push the military-backed government in Burma to secure the unconditional release of Aung Naing and to repeal the repressive laws which put political prisoners in jail […]

BURMA: Two Sharply Contrasting Reports on the Struggle for Land at Letpadaung

The Asian Human Rights Commission has since mid-2012 closely followed, documented and reported on the struggle of farmers in the Letpadaung Hills of central Burma against the expansion of a copper mining operation under a military-owned holding company and a partner company from China […]

ASEAN Parliamentarians Call for Urgent National and Regional Response to Sectarian Violence in Myanmar, and Independent Investigation into Madrasa Fire in Yangon

The ASEAN inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) is deeply concerned by reports of violence between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Myanmar and urges the Myanmar Parliament, ASEAN and other interested parties to act immediately to take appropriate measures to seek a long-term solution to inter-communal tensions whilst also protecting communities that remain at risk […]

Burmese Military Stokes War in Northern Shan State to Clear Way for Salween Dam

The Burmese Army has given an ultimatum to the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) to clear its troops from the west bank of the Salween River in an area where Chinese companies are planning a mega dam.

On March 26, the Burmese Northeast Regional Commander ordered SSA-N troops to move out immediately from east of the Tangyan-Mong Kao road or face attack. SSA-N had been permitted to operate in this area under their original 1989 ceasefire agreement as well as under their new 2012 peace agreement […]

Burma: Satellite Images Detail Destruction in Meiktila

Investigations, Accountability Needed to Deter Future Attacks

The Burmese government should thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those who incited and committed deadly violence in Meiktila in central Burma from March 20 to 22, 2013. Decisive government action to combat impunity, end discrimination, and promote tolerance among religious groups is needed to end the tide of attacks against Muslim communities […]