Solidarity Activists Urge Burma’s Thein Sein to Restore Rohingyas Citizenship and Ethnic Rights; Ask UN, ASEAN to Probe Sectarian Violence in Arakan State

“The continued refusal of the government of Burma to recognize the ethnic rights, civil and political freedoms, and citizenship of the Rohingyas are clear violations of international law. Advertising reforms while violating the human rights of another section of your society is a complete paradox. Unless the regime of Burma corrects its past mistakes, all its efforts will just become an epic failure […]”

Civil Society Organisations Deeply Concerned by On-going Violence Against Stateless Rohingya in Myanmar and their Refoulement from Bangladesh

The stateless Rohingya of Myanmar have suffered from extreme persecution and discrimination for decades. They are now facing another crisis. On 3 June inter-communal violence erupted, and this has evolved into large-scale state sponsored violence against the Rohingya. Despite this, neighbouring Bangladesh is not allowing them to enter to seek refuge. The Rohingya population needs urgent measures to be taken for their protection […]

AIPMC Condemns Persecution and Killing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar

As president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC), I feel it is important to express my deep regret for the failure of the world to react appropriately to the killing and persecution of Muslim ethnic Rohingya in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

It is also regrettable that the recent visit of United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Southeast Asia occupied the attention of most international media while neglecting and thus tolerating the casualties of grave crimes against humanity in Myanmar […]

Burma: Allow Torture Victim Medical Treatment and Prosecute Security Forces Responsible for Torture

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) calls on the government to allow torture victim La Htaw Brang Shawng immediate access to appropriate medical care, as in line with international standards for detainees. In addition, security forces responsible for the torture of the Kachin villager must be prosecuted in order to send a strong message that the use of torture and related practices will no longer be tolerated in Burma […]

Burma: Release All Remaining Political Prisoners Now and Respect Civil and Political Rights

The Burmese authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners and fully respect the civil and political rights of the Burmese people, including former political prisoners, said the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organization, the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (Altsean-Burma). In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Norway in June, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also appealed for the earliest, unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners […]

US Decision to Ease Myanmar Sanctions Must be Coupled with Assistance in Developing Legislation and Rigorous Assessment of Investments

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) today urged caution for investors seeking to do business in Myanmar and called on the United States, ASEAN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other international bodies to assist Myanmar in developing rigorous business and investment laws that will help to ensure investments into Myanmar meet international ethical standards and do not fuel further human rights abuses or undermine the fragile reform process […]

Burma: US Backtracks on ‘Responsible Investment’ Pledge

Business Reporting Requirements Won’t Deter Abuses, Corruption

The new United States government policy allowing business activity in Burma’s controversial oil sector with reporting requirements will not adequately prevent new investments from fueling abuses and undermining reform, Human Rights Watch said today.

The Obama administration announced that it will waive longstanding US sanctions on investment and financial services in Burma […]

UK Government Report: Human Rights Abuses Continue In Burma

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office published its Human Rights and Democracy report for 2011 on July 10th. The report highlights on-going serious human rights abuses in Burma, despite some welcome reforms, stating in its introduction: “2011 was marked by some unexpected and positive political developments in Burma, although significant long-term challenges remained” […]

Breaking: US Government Eases Sanctions on Burma

ERI concerned about risks for human rights, environment

ERI is greatly concerned by today’s announcement that the U.S. will issue General Licenses authorizing U.S. companies to do business in Burma without abiding by international best practices on human rights, environmental performance, and financial transparency.  The construction of foreign-owned oil and gas pipelines continues to contribute to conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas such as Shan State, and companies investing in infrastructure development cause community suffering through forced displacement and environmental destruction throughout Burma […]

Burma: Campaign Groups Call for Citizenship Law Reform

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) joins 30 other Burma campaign groups in calling for Burma’s controversial 1982 Citizenship Law to be repealed and replaced with a new law that is compatible with Burma’s obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights […]